As President of the Ethical Society of Police I have made no secret of the fact that the E.S.O.P. will never stand silent in the face of any challenge that confronts the Police Department. We were the lone Police Organization that criticized the unethical and criminal actions involving the World Series tickets. We are the lone Police Organization that understands and acknowledges the community’s cry for a Civilian Review Board.
Today we find ourselves in a state of an “Ethical Emergency”. There has been a melt down of citizen confidence due to past and present actions taken by the St. Louis Police Department.
So what should the Police Department and City of St. Louis do? The E.S.O.P. believes that this confidence crisis offers a golden opportunity for much needed change.
Our recommendation in addressing this crisis is the creation of a “Citizen Summit”.
This summit would allow the citizens of St. Louis to weigh in on the issue, the credibility of the St Louis Police Department. We, the E.S.O.P. recommend that the Police Board, Elected Officials and the Mayor, be part of the summit as well as representatives on both sides of the Civilian Review Board issue.
While I individually support a Civilian Review Board, the vast majority of the (E.S.O.P.) membership does not. I also must make very clear that the membership has many questions. A Citizen Summit is needed to bring everyone to the table. This public airing would be one step towards the much needed process of regaining the public trust.
Respectfully,
Eddie Simmons Jr.
President/ESOP
August 4, 2008