Open Letter to TPD Chief Jones, Any doubt regarding your competence to perform your primary duty to insure the public safety and/or admit when you are wrong was removed by your performance on 20/20's coverage of the Rachel Hoffman case last night. It was painfully obvious that rather than being guided by tolerance, understanding and concern that you are guided by an ideology that puts you above the the law.
Evidenced by how easy it is for you to speak of Ms. Hoffman as if she were a hardened criminal yet so easily blow off your own agencies failure to abide by policy and procedure and contact State Attorneys Willies Megs office before risking Ms. Hoffmans life. Did you fail to do that because standard operating procedures regulary slip your mind or because you knew you would probably be refused a request to engage in such insane actions?
Your answers to the questions asked of you not only demonstrated that you are out of touch with the community you are sworn to protect but gives one pause to wonder if you can answer a few very important unanswered questions:
Who tipped off the two men "accused" of killing Ms. Hoffman, Deneilo Bradshaw, 23, and Andrea Green, 25? How was it that the meet location could be changed and Ms. Hoffman move about while wired with no police "eyes" on her? Again, WHO tipped of these individuals that a bust was about to occur?
And WHO were Deneilo Bradshaw, 23, and Andrea Green, 25 working for? They knew they were being set up or would not have changed the location, twice. What did Ms. Hoffman learn that led some one to make the decision, we have to kill her now? What made Deneilo Bradshaw, 23, and Andrea Green, 25 so stupid as to believe they could get away with killing a wired informant and then spread the money around Perry? WHO is it that is not being arrested?
"Police Chief Dennis Jones, interviewed for tonight's 20/20 broadcast, says he does not accept that his department is in any way responsible for the death of the young woman.
"Do we feel responsible? We're responsible for the safety of this community," Jones said, labeling Hoffman a "criminal" because she was caught twice with a baggie of marijuana."
Not true Mr. Jones. Ms. Hoffman was no more a danger to this community than large number of negligent and distracted drivers who kill people through violation of the law with little consequence. You sir are responsible for not following policy and procedure or standard operating procedure. You are responsible for negligence resulting in death.
"It's beyond my imagination how the police lost them," said (Former FBI Agent) Garrett. "It's clear no one followed her, and once they lost her she was just on her own."
Chief Jones confirmed his men were not trailing her and did not have sight of her. "My understanding is that there was not eyes on at that point," Jones said.
Why is that sir? WHY? Were the officers whose job it was to protect her look the other way? Were they outsmarted by Bradshaw and Green? How?
(Former FBI Agent) Garrett, who reviewed the operation for 20/20, said police should have aborted the sting once the location was changed, even if it blew the deal.
"Who cares if it blows the deal? It's all about safety. It's just a drug deal, that's all it is. There'll be one tomorrow," said Garrett.
But then this wasn't about safety or getting drugs of the street. This was about a 23 year old girl used by men more familiar with the streets and violence than she was. And she had to go because she new something didn't she?
For the last number of days this site has been slamming you over your refusal to state publicly that the honor and respect of returning servicemen is more important than than FSU football.
That pales in comparison to the light you have brought on the good and honest officers in your department. The handling of this case has tarnished the Tallahassee Police Department.
Do the right thing Mr. Jones, step down and turn it over to the good and honest officers of your department, because in all honesty sir, your brand of "law" scares the hell out of me.Add to Technorati Favorites
As a friend of Rachel's I wish to thank everyone who is showing such support. Thank you.
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ReplyDeleteYou will see that we deleted a comment on this post. We hate doing that as we believe in free speech.
ReplyDeleteWere it positive regarding Chief Jones we would have left it up. Were it negative and agreeing with our call for his resignation we would of left it up.
However commenter's who leave comments such as the we deleted should at least have the courage to sign their name.
And when doing so keep in mind that
A blogger jokingly made remarks about killing and eating Lopez=Caterea after HB137 and the police ended up at his door.
Out goal is Chief Jones resignation, no more no less
I think it is sad day when a police chief blames a 23 year old girl for her own death when he knows he, and yes hum personally since it is HIS department, dropped the ball. His interview was not only pathetic..but more importantly, showed NO remorse for the lack of professionalism that ultimately resulted in Hoffman's death. He should at least try to redeem himself as a human being by stepping down voluntarily. Tami (I only picked anonymous because it was easy to post)
ReplyDeleteI don't hope for Mr. Jones (He does not deserve the word Chief) to step down I think it would be better if he went to the park where Rachel was executed and ate his gun. That would be a true service to the community and to Rachel's family.
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled upon this story today...this is the saddest situation I could ever imagine. This police chief should be incarcerated now! ....Granted, she was an adult, but still a young adult at that - this could have happened to anyone's son or daughter. Shame on (Chief?) Jones and the citizens Talahassee for letting this irresponsible cruel jerk remain in charge.
ReplyDeleteMy heartfelt thoughts go to Rachel's family. I am confident that Justice will be served by a higher authority in heaven.