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STATE POLICE SECRECY CHALLENGED IN WV SUPREME COURT |
| (11/01/2013) |
| In 2011 The Charleston Gazette filed for summary judgment in a lawsuit requesting records detailing how the State Police handles allegations of abuse and misconduct. That lawsuit is now before the WV Supreme Court. It requests reports produced by the department's professional standards section and comes after requests for the public information from State Police and the state Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety were repeatedly denied, the agency claiming the information is not under the Freedom of Information Act. The internal review of State Police problems lacks a checks and balance system that would sustain the veracity and outcomes of investigations. The agency has long fought bringing sunshine and public accountability with a civilian review board. ROANE EDITOR COMMENTS ON STATE POLICE 'SUNSHINE'
By David Hedges Publisher, The State Police and the state's largest newspaper recently argued before the Supreme Court about whether or not the State Police should have to explain to the public how it deals with officers accused of wrongdoing. The State Police say it's none of our business. It's a rather frightening thought that we support an organization with our tax dollars and entrust the agency with our public safety, but still have no right to know how the operation is being run. It sounds more like the KGB. If, on occasion, a trooper misbehaves, well, they'll take care of it, themselves, they assure us. But they won't tell us anything about it. As I recently pointed out regarding the political corruption scandal in Mingo County, the judge was removed from the bench, the prosecuting attorney was kicked out of office and a deputy sheriff was fired. The State Police officer a former trooper of the year allegedly involved in the same scheme to jail an innocent man; has been rewarded with a paid vacation. Public servants with the attitude of let the public be damned may be increasing in number. See also Justices hear arguments over keeping State Police internal investigations secret by Travis Crum for the Charleston Gazette.
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