We have absolutely no idea what ethical standards deputies are held to in relation to cases they investigate. We do know that it's never a good idea to discuss work information with the general public.
Remember the June 2019 Shoal Creek boating accident when a Lauderdale deputy spread the word that a certain Florence attorney was there in some capacity. The attorney vehemently denied the deputy's accusation.
Now we have a similar case, except it may be magnified by six. For the purposes of this story, we'll call the arrestee Randy. Randy was arrested Sunday morning for domestic violence, and during the arrest his Yorkie was killed. Randy's partner soon posted on social media concerning the fate of her beloved terrier, and comments flooded in. Many pro deputy comments referenced information that very few individuals would have.
1. The dog's parents weren't really married. Court records or inside knowledge of the deputies?
2. Randy had outstanding warrants. Court records, police records? County warrants are not posted online for everyone to read. Deputies have access to this information.
3. Deputies had been called to Randy's home several times before. Definitely court records or personal experience of the deputies.
4. At least three conflicting stories of how Trigger died, but all from "eye-witnesses." The only eye-witnesses were deputies. Randy's partner was made to wait outside during the arrest.
In short, the only conclusion is that Lauderdale deputies were quick to disseminate their stories to the general public. You may ask the harm in that. Consider this:
Your spouse or child has brain damage or a chemical imbalance through no fault of his/her own. You're forced to call the deputies to your home on Friday night. By Saturday afternoon, the deputies' families and neighbors know about the blowup. By Sunday morning, everyone in the deputies' churches have heard the story. By Monday morning when your spouse goes back to work or your child to school, everyone knows what happened over the weekend. Is that what you want?
Also consider this: Project Say Something wants Sheriff Rick Singleton out of office. That group succeeded in swaying enough votes that Florence mayor Steve Holt lost his job last year (and you see how that's worked out). Rick, do you want PSS or any opponents to use the loose lips in your office to defeat you in the next election? We've always supported your administration, but many law enforcement friends tell us Lauderdale County has some of the most ill-trained deputies they've ever encountered.
No matter how Trigger died, the subsequent actions of the Lauderdale deputies have been totally unprofessional.
Photo of a Lauderdale Sheriff from Early 2000s
It is sickening to hear that an innocent animal was brutally killed; however it happened. The "blame game" seems to be standard operating procedures in police departments today when a mysterious death is involved unless and definitive proof is presented. It is doubtful that there is video evidence of police misconduct in this case. Says a lot about this corner of the world and this blog's author that there seems to be more outrage over speculation of the death of an animal at the hands of police that the documented death of a black human. Maybe the black human being didn't seem "cute" enough?? As for the advise about politics to Rick Singleton, it was most disappointing to me that PSS did not take more credit for defeating Steve Holt and flex their political muscle. They went so far as to say they as an organization did not specifically endorse a candidate in that election. I guess that is why Tim Melson had no qualms about getting a bill passed in the "Repulsivecon" Alabama state legislature to dramatically curtail the 1st amendment rights of the citizens of Alabama. So much for "Repulsivecons" being so concerned about constitutional rights? FLEX THOSE POLITICAL MUSCLES PSS........Get Rick Elliot out of office next! LOL
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