Police charged with domestic assault ... again

Does anyone know the consequences for Sgt Hlavac under the new policies?

Pittsburgh police Sgt. Eugene Hlavac was charged yesterday with one count of aggravated assault after his ex-girlfriend, who is the mother of his son, said he hit her.

Lauren Noel Maughan initially contacted Penn Hills police, who referred her to Pittsburgh police. She provided a written statement, according to a criminal complaint filed in Municipal Court.

The sergeant, who works in the Hill District, was arraigned yesterday and released on his own recognizance but was ordered to have no contact with Ms. Maughan. He could not be reached last night. His status with the Police Bureau was not clear.

According to the complaint, Sgt. Hlavac met her at Forbes Regional Hospital in Monroeville and told a doctor, "She's always getting hurt, she fell down her steps and tripped and may have hit her wall." The doctor determined that Ms. Maughan had partially dislocated her jaw, according to the complaint.

In 2007, the promotions of Sgt. Hlavac and two other city police officers who had faced domestic abuse allegations prompted police officials to make several policy changes. He had two police calls to his house that year for loud arguments.

Not a good year for the Mayor's promotees. Hlavac, obviously, hasn't quite learned a lesson. And then there's Commander Trosky of Zone 2 who faces allegations that he commandeered a Zone 1 event and engaged in conduct unbecoming a leader by verbally abusing a subordinate assigned to the Mayor's security detail. That's one ugly, unholy mess of a pissing contest in what could be yet another attempt to squelch the role of women in the police upper echelons (Zone One is commanded by Rashelle Brackney, a highly respected commander who is standing up to Trosky's roll over on her responsibilities).

So let's hope the new domestic violence policies have some teeth and can potentially break this cycle before Sgt Hlavac breaks more than the jaw of the mother of his child. Or any woman.

Uh oh

Pittsburgh Officer Accused Of Indecent Assault

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―

A Pittsburgh police officer is on administrative duty while officials investigate a report over the weekend alleging that the 12-year veteran was involved in an indecent assault.

Few other details are known about the incident at this point.

A brief statement from the chief's office says only that department's Sex Assault and Family Crisis Unit (SAFC) "was notified of a reported alleged sexual assault involving a Pittsburgh Police Officer" at 1pm Saturday.

The statement goes on to stay that "the accused officer... has been placed on Administrative Duty following allegations of Indecent Assault without Consent toward a female victim."

The SAFC is currently looking into the allegations, as is the Allegheny County District.

-Agent Ska-

Rapist of 12 year-old hired by Pgh Public Works

Crossposted from 2pj at Sue and Sherry's request (with a h/t to Gloria who posted this story to a mailing list):

From kdka.com:

Bernard Pendleton is a truck driver for the City Public Works Department. He's a Democratic Committeeman. He's also a convicted felon.

Court documents show that in 1987 Pendleton approached a 12-year-old girl at a bus stop, asked her if she wanted to go smoke marijuana, then took her to a house and raped her, threatening, "If you tell somebody, you know what is going to happen."

[snip]

Public Works Director Guy Costa is one of several city leaders who approved the hiring of Pendleton because of his Democratic Party affiliation. They never saw his criminal file - didn't know he raped a 12-year-old. But they did know he was a felon. Right on his job application he admits to pleading guilty to statutory rape and illegal gun possession.

"We felt it was good for us to hire him as a truck driver," Costa said.

Griffin: "So it's okay then? On his record he says, 'I have been convicted rape.' That doesn't come across anybody's desk?"

Costa: "Based on the information we had at the time we felt that he was the best candidate."

(Apparently, however, there is no truth to the rumor that Public Works will be handing out Aqua Dots to city children for the holidays.)

May we add that this type of thing is exactly why we need ordinances and not just departmental polices when it comes to hiring and promotions practices in this city?

While we are gratified to learn that women's and DV groups are continuing to meet with police and city officials this week over police policies on officers with domestic violence histories, we cannot allow the police bureau to simply institute their own guidelines.

There must be laws in place when it comes to the safety of women and children in our city.
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City Council Hearing on Pittsburgh Police and Domestic Violence

WHAT: Public Hearing - Bill No. 2007-1797
WHEN: Thursday, October 18, 2007, 9:30 A.M.
WHERE: Pittsburgh City Council Chambers, City-County Building, 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (Corner of Grant & Forbes, 5th Floor)

There will be a public hearing tomorrow in Pittsburgh City Council Chambers on Bill No. 2007-1797 introduced by Council President Doug Shields on September 25, 2007.

The bill was created to address the concerns originally caused by the promotion of three police officers with a history of domestic violence allegations on June 18.

The full text of the bill can be found at:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfjzkfgh_0d5cr7v

Much more on this topic at:
http://2politicaljunkies.blogspot.com/2007/10/public-hearing-tomorrow-on-pittsburgh.html

Here's a link to our own Gloria's remarks on the bill:
http://pghwomenbloggers.blogspot.com/2007/09/underwhelming-police-deptdomestic.html

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Female Police Officers and Special Details. Unfair?

This morning's PG included a story about a female police officer who has filed an internal complaint after she was denied a detail guarding the Steelers because she's a woman.

Apparently, Officer Kevin Head was privately organizing the detail for the Steelers' hotel floor and opted not to include women b/c they might catch a glimpse of Black 'n Gold unmentionables.

"They just couldn't work the floors where the guys were with no clothes on. I
don't know why everybody's blowing this out of proportion. Really, I didn't even
think they took it like they took it. I had two posts that required the men to
be on the floor," said Officer Head, a 16-year veteran.
"This is where
they're sleeping. They walk down the hallway with no clothes on," he continued.
"I didn't put women up there. That was my choice. The Steelers didn't have
anything to do with it. The Hilton didn't have anything to do with it."

So Officer Head assumes that his female colleagues lack the professional skills or, perhaps, the tact to guard men who may not be fully dressed? Isn't that the same mentality that kept women sportscasters out of locker rooms?

My understanding is that details are arranged by individual police officers and not coordinated through the City, thus Officer Ferreti's internal complaint may not move anywhere. It does, however, indicate that off-duty details/secondary employment involving police officers SHOULD be handled by the City, not some lunkhead who thinks Steelers in their skivvies might be intimidated by women on the floor. Thanks, Luke, for screwing women once again.

It also makes me wonder about the other detail assignments? It might be interesting for someone to gather the data on the male/female assignments on detail assignments overall. Do women get to work as bouncers at the bars? I'd assume a woman who completed the Academy and works a patrol can handle a drunken lout as well as a man. Otherwise, she shouldn't be a cop. If you break the detail assignments down by gender, does the ratio match the ratio within the department? Do the racial ratios match for that matter? Maybe the Women & Girls Foundation should do a study?

What is not clear is whose sensibilities might be offended by this female cop/naked football player interaction. I suspect this is yet another example of the misogynistic thinking that pervades the local police culture - obviously, Officer Head believes that men and woman are unable to interact in a professional capacity without sex somehow being figured into the equation. So who gets factored out of that equation? Why the women, of course. I mean the women who are easily expendable. As our friend Maria points out over at PittGirl's place, the hotel probably doesn't pull the female housekeepers for the "special team" of male housekeepers kept on ice for Steeler Sundays. Female housekeepers are invisible anyway, but a female cop has p*o*w*e*r and must be kept on a tight leash, right?

It is just too easy to point the finger at Officer Head and tsk tsk him. He just got caught and is really just representative of a larger issue. Is it a leap to say that police officers who perceive their fellow officers as women first and police officers second may be less than sensitive to female victims of domestic violence?

So, to sum up .... the detail/off-duty assignment should be brought in house to avoid stupid situations like this and ensure a fair system that does not hurt the taxpayers. The Steelers should invest in black and gold bathrobes. Someone should investigate the detail/off-duty assignments by gender. Everyone should remember to tip the housekeeper really well when you stay in a hotel.

And we need to keep our eyes on the post-agenda coming up on September 10 because gender dynamics in our police force are not strong.

City Council Hearing Wrap Up

Whew! My fingers are sore ...three hours and nine posts later. But I technically scooped every MSM outlet except the channel that airs the meeting live. So "woo hoo" for me. As for accuracy ... eh, I did the best I could with horrible room dynamics, the Planned Parenthood folks breathing loudly behind me and a lack of familiarity with the speakers.

How did I think it went? It was interesting, especially with the "off the cuff" commenters there to inject both some passion and liveliness into the proceedings. The women's groups made some excellent points about changing/improving procedures. Most were careful when speaking about the Mayor, but it all came down to the fact that domestic violence is a complicated issue with the police department and one that warrants better scrutiny from Council, the Mayor, the "brass", the FOP and the community. I'm curious what the forward movement will entail.

Peduto gave me a copy of the Federal Consent Decree which put the Police Bureau under federal jurisdiction. There is very specific language around the establishment of an "early warning system" which is essentially a statistical database to identify and modify problematic behavior. This includes:

a description of all other civil claims or suits that the officer is a named
party to involving allegations of untruthfulness, physical force, racial bias,
or domestic violence

I'm still ferreting out more information on the relevance of the consent decree, but it is worthwhile to note that domestic violence is specifically ennumerated as a problematic area along with racial bias. That's not insignificant. You'll see more from Peduto on this, I'm sure.

I'm very impressed that so many people turned out for this hearing. That illustrates how strongly the issue resonates across the City.

Most people were very cordial. Lots of thanking going on. I skipped most of that on the blogging.

What's going to happen? I'm skeptical. The FOP are formidable and the Mayor is not strong on admitting mistakes. I'm curious for more information on the relevancy of the consent decree before new procedures are created. If the current laws aren't working, we need to figure out why rather than just layer new ones on top of them.

That's it for me. Look forward to your feedback.

Opening the Floor for Comments

Women Lawrenceville United representative. Defended Trosky b/c he wasn't found guilty. How can that be grounds for action? She says these men have done nothing but served this community and the city with impeccable records.

Another woman who mumbled her name. Children want to be protected. We want police to project image that we protect people. Police should be shining examples of integrity over brutishness. They must be Pittsburgh's finest.

Bill of Greenfield. There's not one bad cop in the whole bunch. Likes Chief Harper.

Beth Pittinger, CPRB. Distributed the police power and control wheel. Will help educate on why DV committed by police officers has escalated. We need commitment of Adminstration to adhere to the model. List of qualifiers and disqualifiers for police recommendations. There are no disqualifiers on the books right now (THAT'S AWFUL).

Celeste Taylor, Point Breeze resident. Important to understand history and relationship. Asking promotions be rescinded. Pgh has first ever federal consent decree leveled against it. There are reasons that happened.

PEDUTO speaks. Thanks Jeanne Clark for putting out the call about the fact that the Mayor would not respond on this issue. People in this room got the Mayor to respond. Brother is a retired military psychologist. Domestic violence is a major issue. There will be more incidents of DV in police force because of greater levels of stress. Nephew of a state trooper so has seen firsthand the effects policework has on the family. We need sound policies. Concerned that promotions should be based on qualifications. 103 people passed over for Trosky's promotion, including Lieutenant Dixon who is at the top of the list. The Administation changed the rules and its not good for morale. "I have trouble believing that Nate Harper and the police brass did not bring these issues up to the Mayor." The Mayor has an opportunity and a responisbility to address these issues and to let the public know in a public way how he will do so. There's been a clear path of trouble in the Public Safety department, starting with appointment of Dennis Regan. Going through change in promotion rules, changes in special details process and the demotion of Commander McNeilly. Now this. We were an example. In past ten months, the number of women in top positions has dropped from 43% to 33%. We don't need more rules, perhaps some updating necessary. We need to follow the existing rules.

He didn't call any of us ladies.

Chris Potter is sitting right behind me trying, I'm sure, to steal all of my excellent paragraphs and ideas.

Tonya Payne speaks: Need domestic violence sweep across all departments.

Interesting note: Bodack is the Chair of Public Safety Committee. That's reassuring.

Discussion on next steps on how to move forward. There's a plan to plan a plan. I certainly feel better.

Police Council Hearing

Kirk Rice, Identifies as the rooster in the room. Discussed General Patton's desire to keep marching into Russia and was stopped. The public safety department has been a "mess" since its inception. First public safety director was the most corrupt person he's met in his life. An officer was sent to federal prison for responding inappropriately to a domestic call at the McNeilly household.

Joanne Witkowski, National Council on Jewish Women (this is the woman I couldn't remember in my first post). As a survivor of childhood intimate violence, she calls on Council to maintain integrity of the police department. Police officers often to not utilize the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). We have to improve the resources. Emphasizes integrity.

Michele Cunko, concerned resident. Council had no role in the promotions, but it is an executive authority. Citizens have a responsibility to say what we do and do not want. We do not want police officers accepting brutal behavior or exhibiting it. We do not want supervisors put in positions to overlook bad behavior b/c they once got away with it. We wish Chief Harper had not made these promotions. These decisions were not in the best interest of the residents of the City. The Mayor needs to rethink appointments and to act. Mistakes have been made and we need to fix them.

PEDUTO speaks to the rules. What is the Mayor's role in the promotion of sargeants and lieutants? And what can we do to rescind them? Civil service rules for competitive roles. Chief gets to pick from the pool and can pass over anyone he chooses. Commander is noncompetitive. Damn. Mayor has no position with regard to competitive. The Mayor would have to pass a resolution to rescind the promotions. I think. This was spoken very low. Sorry, I missed some of it.

Louis Coles. Attorney. Has met all three police officers and worked with them. What seems to be missed here is charges were dropped, no charges were brought and other charges are pending. There is no basis for taking disciplinary action, but that's the fact. Zero tolerance isn't an answer, it is a political slogan. Individuals have the right to face their accusers. No reason to talk about rescinding promotions because these are fine men and good officers. If anything happens at your house, you would be happy to see any of them. The City would implement discipline if there were any reason. There isn't.

Billy Hileman, Lawrenceville resident and City school teacher. Thanked the women for their activism for keeping these issues in the public eye. These officers will be okay if the promotions aren't rescinded. The women's lives will not. 1 in 3 women face violence by an intimate partner. He has three sisters. Violence in families with police officers is 2-3 times greater than the general public. These three men will be okay. What's more important -- the seeming career injustice of these men or the lives of women facing domestic violence every moment of their lives. We need to set a policy where the safety of women are first and the careers of men are second.

Charles Hanlon, represents retired police officers. Police are profoundly impacted by working with women victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Three officers were promoted on just causes (huh?). Ravenstahl and Harper believe in these three men (huh?). All three are professional men. Recites professional successes of the three men. Uses word professional over and over again. These three men have just been accused, but not convicted. Called the women in the audience "Ladies" ARRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHH.

While the women were cut off, the police representative was not. How's that for business for usual?

Here's More on hearing

Arrggghhh. I missed her name. I think it is Phyllis Wetherby. Recounted our civil history with regard to police hires, especially with regard to African-American and women applicants. Injunction dissolved and it has been all downhill from there. By 1998, Pittsburgh third in women officers and by 2007, slipped to 10th. Women are 30% of the officers, but 40% of those lost by attrition. Violence against women is not a minor infraction. It is a clear indicator of the attitude of the police officers toward the majority of their constituents.

Harry Liller. Stated that he warned everyone that electing Bob O'Connor would end up in more police corruption. Outlines his perception of the disgrace of Ravenstahl's corruption along with others. The media is corrupt. At age nine, he called the police when his father brutalized his mother. I get three minutes to tell the truth while the media and the politicians get decades to promote their version of the truth. Tony Norman is a fat racist punk. The media only cares about campaign monies, rather than the character of the politicians.

Stephanie Walsh, Center for Victims of Violence and Crime. Have a relationship with the police, professionally. Affirms those who uphold and respect their duties. Asks that the bar be set by them. Thousands of victims do not come forward. Even the perception that the police are abusers creates another barrier (EXCELLENT POINT). Asking Council to play a visible and viable role in assuring city residents that crime witnesses who come forward will be treated with respect and civility and connected with services.

Marlo Svidron, Pittsburgh Action Against Rape. Law enforcement plays a critical role in responding to the crime of rape. Rape survivors often develop a desire for justice, to hold perpetrator accountable for his crime. A well-trained police officer makes a difference in these situations. Imagine chilling effect recent promotions have on rape victims coming forward. In the best of circumstances, coming forward is still painful and uncomfortable. If violence against women even appears to be so unimportant to the police and the system, would women come forward? Requests promotions be rescinded and zero tolerance policy advocated.

Barbara Shore. Retired Professor of Social Work at Pitt. Regrets that we are here today. Beyond belief that we have to declare opposition to domestic violence at this late day. Research has taught us how to help victims and become survivors. Dignity is the destiny of all in a humane and decent society. Police are meant to be protectors of all. If not, we have an unjust society. Police who don't batter women and children are the ones we'd like to see promoted.

More on Council Meeting

It is 2:00 PM and people are still entering the Chamber. We are packed. Shirl Regan is just wrapping up and acknowledging the input of the community. I like that she has a multi-prong plan to put forth.

Karen Myers, Executive Women's Leadership Council (I think I caught that correctly). Issue is that government would grant promotions, especially when cases aren't all resolved. The police don't have to be on our doorstep to be protecting the public order. Ravenstahl has made promises, but it takes consistent and deliberate action over years to change an environment. Please don't be swayed by media relations and other persuasions.

Florence Gaskill. Retired PA Dept. of Public Welfare after 40 years. Worked with women who were poor and relying on public assistance because of domestic violence. She's hear to speak on their behalf because they are too afraid to speak for themselves. She describes the bruises and the verbal abuse she witnessed in her career. Abusers do have perfect career records (referencing the excuse of the police brass on these promotions). These women depend on the police to protect them, even to save their lives.

Yvonne Brown. Her son was killed on November 7, 2002. Claims that DA Zapalla prevented an inquest in her son's murder. Desires police review in more cases. Describes the abuse she endured and the police non-response. We are being beat and mocked by the police. Claims the City Council doesn't pay attention because they don't want to hear the truth. Decried the impact of police on young African-American men. (Very impassioned testimony.)

Laurel Rosenberg, National Council of Jewish Women, Pittsburgh Section.
Twyla Sable, National Council of Jewish Women, Pittsburgh Section. Primary goal is social action in the community. Work in Family Court. Silent witness program reaches out to victims. Want women to know where help is available. Called for one strike policy for police officers. Officers should be above suspicion. Council should pass ordinance that promotions require records that indicate no violence against any person. Send a message to people of Pittsburgh that there is zero tolerance.

Coming to order ...

Bill 1574 Petition requesting hearing regarding recent promotion of police officers

The entire Council is here, but Jeff Koch who is out of town. There are easily more than 100 people here and it is rather a diverse crowd in terms of gender, age, and race.

Jeanne Clark of Squirrel Hill NOW. We've come once again to educate about domestic violence. Recent decisions indicate that education is sorely needed. Decisions are outrageous. Reading of the law indicates promotions were not legally made. Statements of police brass with regard to the situation is dismaying and show fundamental failure to understand the criminal aspect of domestic violence. The FOP threatens to sue if promotions overturned. Domestic violence kills. Issue is how to turn it around and ensure this doesn't happen again. "Step up and turn down these promotions." "The issue is not going away and the FOP is not the only group who can sue."

Heather Arnet, Women & Girls Foundation. Encouraged that the city is considering a new model which outlines best practices in dealing with domestic violence charges against police officers. These will serve the whole community. People will be protected. Asks that women's organizations like WC&S be included. Cautioned that forward movement should not pit the labor movement against women's organizations, especially when women have played a huge history in the labor movement. Hope's that the Fraternal Order of Police will work in partnership with Mayor and women's agencies. Shared values - fair wages and keeping families safe. (Personal opinion --- awesome!)

Shirl Regan, Women's Center and Shelter. 3,000 victims in the City of Pittsburgh have come forward to seek help. Women need to know that the police care and are committed to providing safe services and protections for all citizens. Local law enforcement has made tremendous improvement, but there is need for more. Has met with Ravenstahl and Zapalla. Recommends
new DV policy, changes in how promotions are made, DA's office investigates all dv calls about police officers. Second, put the dv experts back into the police stations. Third, immediate in-service training for all city officers within 60 days. Fourth, city purchase digital cameras for all police cars to document the evidence when on a domestic call ($25,000 approximate cost). Fifth, give police access to online protocols for evidence collection around domestic violence. Sixth, the police department track the domestic assault cases from assault cases.

Almost curtain time ...

The woman sitting next to me and estimate there are at least 75-100 people at this hearing. I asked her opinion for objectivity sake. I just met Chris Potter in person. Zone 5 Commander Rashell Brackney ( I hope that is spelled correctly) just walked in as has Women and Girls Foundation Director and school board director-elect Heather Arnet. The LGBT's very own Billy Hileman is here and scheduled to testify. All the seats are occupied. I can see Councilwoman Darlene Harris and Councilman Bill Peduto. I'm sure there are other Councilpersons up there but I cannot see over the top of the heads in front of me.

I'm also getting warm. I will definitely deserve a frappucino after this.

It is 1:40 PM and I think they are getting started soon. A hush has fallen ...

It is 1:12 PM and things are heating up ...

There are well over three dozen women here. I counted heads so don't believe the MSM if they say otherwise. Some wizened looking white men came in, surveyed the women with a frown and turned tail out the door. Several people brought younger women with them -- awesome.

There are some men here, too. About five that seem to be part of the throng. No discernible media presence. Although, I'm pleased to say that when an attendee asked about media someone said "Sue Kerr is blogging in the back." I was walking past with my program. How cool is that?

I don't know most of these women. I need to get out more in women's issues circles. The list of speakers includes a few names you might recognize ... Heather Arnet, Jeanne Clark, Shirl Regan, Barbara Shore to name a few.

I wonder if anyone is live-reading this?

Breaching the Chamber

Well, I'm in. I did find an outlet in the very back so I can, hopefully, unobtrusively blog. Maria told me that Mark R. was unable to blog from one of the council meetings. That seems inherently unfair as there is a giant camera looming over my head and that good-looking guy from WTAE is hovering around outside reporting that the meeting is going to happen. Why would they deny bloggers access? We are the new media! :-)

A few folks from Womens Center & Shelter are here. And someone that knows me from the Run, Baby, Run list and whose name I have promptly forgotten to my regret. We did talk about the story in today's Post-Gazette in which two of the victims of these police officers are in denial about their situations, which does make one wonder about their safety, especially when a third party (and a policeman at that) confirmed some of the facts. I don't think the average reader understands the dynamics of domestic violence enough to contextualize those denials. Too bad the Post-Gazette missed the opportunity to provide that context.

Live Blogging from City Council

OK, so I'm here, albeit early, outside of Council Chambers in anticipation of today's hearing on the City's promotion of three police officers with domestic violence histories. Perhaps you read Maria's stunning posts here and here? Why so early? b/c I finished my last meeting and decided it would be more comfortable lounging here than sitting in my car or fighting the noonish crowds for coffee and/or food.

First a few thoughts on what it's like to sit outside of Council Chambers .... it is boring. People walk by occasionally, but I don't know who they are so that's not very interesting. Plus, those who seem staffer-like tend to keep their heads down while they look furtively at me through their eyelashes. At the office where I work, staff tend to acknowledge people sitting in the hall or waiting outside a Chamber ... just to make sure there service needs are being met. Whatever. I'm sure they are way more busy and important than me. A taxpayer. Sitting in the hall. Using personal time to come down to a political meeting.

I'm currently trying to calculate just how much of my tax dollars are being wasted when the elevators open to reveal no one inside. I can testify that it happens more often than not here on the 5th Floor. There seriously cannot be that many little children in this building pressing all the buttons before being dragged off by their parents. Someone concerned about the environment (Mr. Peduto?) should look into that. On the bright side, the recorded voice is pleasant.

So, a lot has happened with regard to this here police situation. True to form, Mayor Luke has used the opportunity to his own political advantage. He knows damn well he cannot reverse the promotions without royally angering the FOP so he grandstands about making changes in the promotion process. Ha! I suppose he thinks he can appease the women and then get back to his main agenda -- self-promotion. We'll see if he comes up with the monies to put domestic violence back on the table in the police force. I'm hoping someone from Persad attends to talk about the police and same-gender domestic violence concerns.

Well ... people are beginning to arrive. Hang tight to see if I can find an outlet and they let me blog in the Chamber.

Raise your hands if you agree ...

that women in the City of Pittsburgh surviving domestic violence should feel comforted by the decision to promote not one, not two, but three male officers who have had "domestic issues" according to the Post-Gazette.

Cmdr. George T. Trosky's travails over the years have been
well-documented. The homicide detective who was bumped up to commander was
arrested in 1997 for breaking his then-wife Cheryl's nose, but a simple assault
charge was later dropped after she did not appear in court.
Lt. Charles
Rodriguez, who was promoted from sergeant, faces a hearing next month before
Crafton District Judge Dennis R. Joyce on charges he assaulted his daughter.

And police were called to the home of Sgt. Eugene F. Hlavac, formerly
an officer, for an incident described by Deputy Chief Paul Donaldson as a
"nonviolent, oral domestic."

Right. Cause a domestic incident of the nonviolent, oral type is perfectly acceptable behavior for a police officer.

WTF? How the hell is any woman living in this fair City supposed to call the police knowing that the responding officer could, in fact, be an abuser himself? More specifically, how can any woman living in Zone 2 call 911 knowing that the person in charge of the entire Zone has a more than checkered past, including unresolved domestic violence charges? The fact that those in the know point to his wife being a noshow at the 1997 hearing indicates to moi that they have no clue about the dynamics of domestic violence -- an even scarier thought since they are the big kahunas. I shaudder to think of how police under his command will respond to domestic calls.

More than likely, they have a clue but just do whatever the hell they want anyway. After all, we gotta get more straight white men into positions of power and authority ...

This makes my blood boil.