THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2007

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What's With The Park Ridge Police Department?

What is going on with the Park Ridge Police Dept.?

Last summer, an anonymous letter, probably written by a police officer, hurled accusations at a department commander. Several officers had to be aware of the letter and its contents on or before it was distributed to many local officials. It was highly critical of the commander and the department. It used the word "pathetic".

Not long after that, three officers were disciplined following an investigation into the critical letter. One of the officers resigned. While the city said the investigation had to do with finding out how phone records were leaked to the public, critics said the real target were those policemen who have spoken out about department problems.

A few weeks ago, the Journal reported that a young man had filed a complaint with the police department alleging that he was roughed up by an officer. City officials say they want to investigate the complaint, but can't because the man, who has a criminal record, is refusing to cooperate.

Now, as told in today's Journal, it's reported that a Park Ridge teen and his father are suing the department and city over an incident that occurred a year ago. They are charging that the teen's head was smashed into a concrete driveway and later he was choked and punched while inside a car. The teen and his friend had sneaked out of a house at 1 a.m. to visit a local cemetery. Both accusations point to Park Ridge police officers as the offenders. To add fuel to he fire, the department is accused of trying to cover-up the officers' conduct.

Mayor Howard Frimark, City Manager Tim Schuenke and City Council members better get to the bottom of what ever is going on inside he police department. An aggressive, impartial investigation must commence immediately before confidence in the department and even the city is eroded beyond repair.