|
The
Short Straw
August,
2003
The
story of Ptl. Wayne Finnegan that every
New Jersey Officer
Should Know because
tomorrow it could be you!
On Wednesday, July 30, 2003 a rally took place. It was written about in an
article
in the Press of Atlantic City, a South Jersey newspaper.
A
layman reading of this piece leaves a taste in your mouth of American
democracy at work. It resonates of freedom of speech and assembly, the uniting of
peoples to protest the evils of oppression and those who oppress, the
quest for civil rights continuing by those not afraid to stand up, wave
their collective fists and be counted.
Yes, it was a classic exercise of American Constitutional Rights and it
would have been a great symbol of America except for the fact that it was
all a load of crap.
On June 21, 2003 Patrolman Wayne Finnegan of the Linwood Police Department
picked the short straw. On that June day he assisted another officer on a motor vehicle
stop. Today, he’s a racial profiler.
Ptl. Finnegan is the latest cause for various activists and organizations
that, apparently, are running a bit low on causes. They held a rally
protesting racial profiling on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 in front of the
Headquarters of the Linwood Police Department in Atlantic County all
because of a motor vehicle stop which occurred on that day in June.
An article appeared in the Atlantic City Press on July 31, 2003 covering
the event. It was filled with descriptions of people standing “defiantly”
and quotes from at least four different rally participants. It mentioned
“laudatory honks” and “thumbs up” being given by some passing
motorists to the demonstrators. It directly quoted three of the different
signs carried by protesters which read, “Racism is real here,” “Stop
targeting black motorists in Linwood,” and “Racial Profiling Exists.”
It mentioned a previous accusation against the patrolman and previous
accusations made against the department.
What was interestingly omitted from the article were several facts
including how the woman was stopped for speeding, her vehicle only had one
license plate, the inspection sticker was bad, the vehicle was
unregistered, she had no proof of insurance, and the woman’s driver’s
license was suspended. Additionally, she was charged with Obstruction of
Law, Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting Arrest. These facts would represent
what? The other side of the story perhaps? (Sarcastic Tone)
There were no indications anywhere in the article that any attempt had
been made to get this other side of the story. Yes, the press did speak to
department and town officials, but in an incident such as this, unless or
until the department clears the officer, they do not represent the
officer. Interviewing agency administrators does not represent getting
both sides of the story. The department becomes a separate and independent
entity that investigates the officer and exonerates or accuses the
officer. An analogy would be doing an article on a crime and interviewing
the prosecution and the victim but not the defense attorney and presenting
the article as being an objective assessment of the crime resulting from
interviews with all sides involved.
Again, until an officer is cleared, if he or she is cleared, the
department serves as a fact finder as they should. This is not a knock on
department administrations either. They have a public obligation to
conduct an investigation, determine a disposition, and take action if
needed, and we fully accept this, but we find it reprehensible that the
press will take “The incident is still under investigation” as the
subject officer’s version.
Obtaining both sides of the story would have to include interviewing or
making an attempt to interview the officer, the PBA, FOP, STFA or
whichever union represents him or her, or his or her attorney if one had
been retained.
Ideally, what we expect of the press is very similar to what we expect of
our judges; to be “neutral and detached.” According to Article
IV of the American Society of Newspaper Editors’ Statement of
Principles, “Every effort must be made to assure that the news
content is accurate, free from bias and in context, and that all sides
are presented fairly.” From reading this article, it appears that
the Press of Atlantic City may have been short on reporters that day and
asked the protesters if one of them could write the article. Shame on you!
If you’re going to mention a police officer by name in the same article
as “racial profiling” to be read by his family, friends, and
neighbors, you should at least try and balance the story!
Following are direct quotations from either protesters or quotations of
what was written on the signs they were carrying which were all depicted
in the article:
"Racism
is Real Here"
"There
are officers who are giving the Linwood police a bad name,"
“The
people that are supposed to be protecting you are the ones doing the most
harm."
"I
thought we were over this kind of stuff." "This is supposed to
be a new era. It's immature."
"Stop
targeting black motorists in Linwood."
"Racial
Profiling Exists."
"They
are targeting certain people.” "It's not right. We're not living in
ancient times."
"These
things have to be exposed." "If they don't, they get worse and
worse."
Following are direct quotations from persons defending the officer.
“
”
That is just horrible journalism.
The article, however, is not the story here.
After the incident that precipitated this entire fiasco, an article was
published in the Press of Atlantic City regarding same. It appeared that the
reporter interviewed the woman who was stopped, as there were several
direct quotes.
Nowhere in the article did it mention that the officer used racial
epithets toward this woman. Nowhere did she indicate that the officer
demonstrated any obvious racial bias. She even admitted “all my things
[presumably referring to her vehicle paperwork] weren’t together.”
So how does this incident take a leap to racial profiling? The leap was
taken solely because Ptl. Finnegan is white and this woman is not. This
is the first problem.
The second problem is that Officer Finnegan is being accused of racial
profiling. When you read the initial and the most recent article, it
appears that the accuser is protesting the arrest and the manner of
arrest, not the stop. In fact, Ptl. Finnegan wasn't even the one who
stopped her! Well, racial profiling refers to stopping people
solely or partly on the basis of their race. If her complaint is with the
arrest, then the issue of racial profiling is moot. This just demonstrates
how intellectually clumsy these leaps can be. However,
"clumsy" would imply accidental. This was
intentional.
Also, she is flying the flag of racial profiling over this incident when
the definition of racial profiling, as defined by the ACLU,
is not even met by her account of the incident. One cannot help but become
suspect as to her motives.
Mentioned in both articles was the fact there were previous complaints
about the officer. Newsflash! Every single one of us has had previous
complaints made against us! People complain about police officers the same
way they do about waiters, doctors, cashiers, and tellers. Sometimes it’s
unfounded, and sometimes it’s not. Just because a previous complaint was
unfounded does not mean that we are innocent in the matter at hand, and
just because a previous complaint was sustained does not mean that we are
guilty.
Racial profiling is wrong. We are wholeheartedly opposed to a world where,
based solely or partly on their skin color, people can be stopped and “asked
for their papers.” This practice is reminiscent of 1939 Nazi Germany.
There is no room for this practice in a civilized and free society. It is
just Un-American, and there should be no tolerance for such a practice.
However, public, baseless attacks on police officers because you’re not
happy about getting arrested are also wrong. The answer to this problem,
real or perceived, is not to accuse every police officer of racial
profiling when he or she stops someone of color.
The bottom line is that this woman went to the press and publicly accused
this police officer of being racist and performing his official duties
illegally despite the fact that there was not the slightest indication of
racism. She caused his name to be dragged though the dirt in a widely
circulated newspaper. She solicited organizations and her cronies to jump
on board, and they blindly followed. In all fairness, we, the law
enforcement community, and even this website which is clearly pro-law
enforcement, are unable to honestly declare that every action and every
word ever spoken by the Ptl. Wayne Finnegan has been proper. We find it
miraculous that there are people out there with the apparent Wisdom of
Solomon who can make such declarations about this woman.
By all behind-the-scene accounts, Ptl. Wayne Finnegan is an excellent cop.
He is a 16-year, decorated police veteran who still finds the power and
motivation to go to work every day and look for bad guys. He is a proactive officer
who still goes out and makes CDS and DWI arrests. He has worked with persons of
color both on and off duty and has never had a problem. Officer Finnegan
is a football coach, a basketball coach, and a former United States
Marine. He once brought a dead 2-year-old infant back to life using CPR
and recently convinced a suicidal, knife wielding man into surrendering and
getting help. Those close to him describe him as “professional, a family
man, courteous, and fair and committed.”
Ma’am, if you were so unhappy with the tickets, you could have called
one of us. We would have rather paid them ourselves than watch you try and
destroy the career and reputation of a good police officer. The ranks of
modern-day lawmen are filled with decent, principled men and women, and
you, madam, give the impression of being a polarizing seeker of glory with
one eye on the camera and the other on municipal coffers. Together, we
hold no claim of unblemished yesterdays or tomorrows, but most of us try,
and we try in all communities, and we try with all persons of all colors.
As far as those who jumped on her bandwagon, do you even care to learn the
facts of a case before joining some cause? Do you just go when asked to
participate in a media lynching without knowing whose neck the noose is
being placed around and why?
Ptl. Finnegan’s only mistake was assisting another officer with the
wrong person. Chances are, any of the rest of us would be sitting in his
hot seat had we been the lucky one to find her. No, Ptl. Wayne Finnegan’s
only crime was choosing the short straw.
We will be following this fiasco closely, and updates are to follow.
While Ptl. Wayne Finnegan may be alone in this attack, he is, most
certainly, not alone. When you attack one, you attack all.
NJLawman.com
Print
and post this article in your headquarters
and
email it to every officer in your address book!
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use
the scroll box at the top of this page.
Guest
Column responding
to this month's
editorial by Ptl. X
August
11, 2003
ALL
WHITE COPS ARE PRESUMED RACIST
It
all starts with a rolling of the eyes, a long obvious exhale, followed by
the abrupt demand for justification, “Why are you stopping me?”
You cringe and silently wonder why the hell you even bother getting
involved with stopping cars nowadays. Being a good cop, you patiently
articulate that driving 75 M.P.H. in a 50 M.P.H. zone is illegal as well
as making three rapid lane changes without signaling. Did you really
expect your carefully worded, thorough explanation would dispel the driver’s
suspicions? After all, you are a white cop and he is a black
motorist and that only means one thing in New Jersey: A presumption of
racial profiling.
A
presumption of racism has been forged into New Jersey law by a remarkably
vague statute which desperately tries to outlaw prejudice in policing. The
statute is carefully entitled “Pattern of Official Misconduct” to
achieve widespread appeal but its sweeping language gives any disgruntled
black motorist a license to witch hunt; just another game of
pin-the-statistics-on-the-white-cop. As it now stands, the statute
automatically provides a substantive argument for racial bias as long as the
cop is white and the driver is black. This troubling concept goes to
the core of the matter in Linwood; whenever a black motorist receives a
ticket from a white cop a counter charge for racial profiling can be made.
Apparently, nothing more than the cross-racial feature of the
traffic stop is required to substantiate the third degree criminal
complaint.
Do
you think I am exaggerating? Study the Linwood case and consider this: on
what basis, other than the mere fact of race, does the “victim” rest
her claim of racial profiling? Isn’t the court clerk or prosecutor
derelict by not requiring someone to show at least some modicum of proof
before such a serious crime is charged? The unjust accusations in Linwood
will be repeated; get ready for the Profiling Parade to come right
down your Main Street next.
How
will New Jersey cops reconcile the dilemma of keeping the streets safe
with proactive police work if all white cops are presumed racist? The
answer may simply be to let the cops “stick to their own kind”
when enforcing the law. Separate but equal seems to be indirectly
endorsed by the anti-profiling crowd. For example, if white cops only stop
white motorists, black cops only stop black motorists, Latino cops only
stop Latinos, Asians cops only Asians, etc., then a racial profiling claim
couldn’t be possible without having to make some absurd argument that
the cops are prejudice of their own race. Hopefully we can all agree that
such an argument is just downright stupid.
Indeed,
let’s just scrap community policing for Racially Symmetrical
Policing. We can have “Blacks-Only” police precincts in the black
neighborhoods and “Whites-Only” precincts in white neighborhoods. Will
that ensure an end to police bias? Every cop car should be traded in for
eight-seat Ford Econo-line vans to ensure that a rolling Rainbow
Coalition of cops is available to ensure racial symmetry during every
traffic stop or police-citizen encounter. But I fear even these drastic
measures may not be enough to overcome the presumption that all white cops
are racist.
- Ptl. X
August
19, 2003
"This
is the first time we've ever written a letter like this, but it's also the
first time that we've seen a fine man who has always put his professional
duties ahead of everything else, be so unfairly maligned in the public
press.
Our
family has known Officer Wayne Finnegan for many years. He has always
demonstrated absolute professionalism and a depth of caring that only
comes from extensive experience.
Not
only is Officer Finnegan the consummate law officer, but he and all the
members of the Linwood Police Department instill a true sense of safety
and confidence that too often is missing (or extremely shaky) in our
society today.
We
have been most fortunate that our own personal experiences with law
enforcement over the years have been quite minor. However, if anything
major were to occur, our family and all the residents of Linwood, N.J.
would feel secure in the knowledge that Officer Wayne Finnegan is on the
job.
The
Romano Family
-Linwood,
New Jersey
August
19, 2003
"Wayne
you're a good cop. Don't let this crap get you down. Easier
said than done, I know. When all is said and done, don't let this
discourage you from going out and being a pro-active police officer.
What
we as police officers should learn by this is that the news media is not
our friend. Sure, they can be of assistance when investigating
certain crimes or trying to promote a positive police image. More
often than not, the news media enjoys attacking the police instead of
helping the community. We must turn our back on the news media.
Give them the information required by law, AND NOTHING MORE! I
have experienced that no matter how accurate and detailed a prepared press
release is, the news media puts their own spin on the incidents in order
to do one thing...sell their papers, or get TV viewers. They don't
care at what cost their subjective reporting has. All members of the
police should take pride in knowing they do a good job. Only
"tools" need to see their name in the paper as a result of a
good arrest.
All
law enforcement officers across the nation should unite and turn their
back on the news media. Ignoring them won't make them go away, but
they won't be able to twist our words again!
Charles
Cusack
Ocean
City P.D.
August
19, 2003
"A
rolling rainbow coalition! Very well said, but I prefer the big fish,
little fish theory."
-Anonymous
August
17, 2003
"As
a retired law enforcement Officer from Atlantic County I have learned to
ignore the Press because of their anti Police views. It is a shame
that they do have no idea how to get both sides of the story. Many
Officers have had to go through a lot because of the way they report.
Wayne
is an upstanding Police Officer and I know he will come out of this okay.
I feel sorry for all those Officers who try day in and day out to do the
right thing only to have constantly look over their shoulders.
It
things like this that made the choice to retire easy.
Wayne
hang in there, we are all watching and will be there for you, active or
retired.
-C.
R.
-APD
Retired
August
14, 2003
"Racial
Profiling! Please. Wayne's actions that day were only GOOD POLICE
WORK!"
-Anonymous
August
13, 2003
"Wayne,
once again the media in our area has let their true colors come thru. The
AC Press and Channel 40 are always looking to slam the local PD's. Anybody
remember 2 years ago when the Lodi cop killer was out front of Ventnor PD
protesting racial profiling? We're the only profession in which you are
presumed guilty, until you prove otherwise. Please don't let them get to
you. Keep your spirits up and don't pay attention to the half baked media
down here.
-A
Concerned Brother
August
13, 2003
"Racial
profiling is becoming a joke! Most of the reports claiming this are
incorrect. No documentation is made as to who is right and who is
wrong and it seems our journalists are not checking for the truth!
Wish something could be done About their reports before they are published."
-Anonymous
August
12, 2003
"Wayne..
I am an officer in Northern NJ. This is the first I heard of this
incident. I guess the Newark Star Ledger didn't pick up on it, or just
thought the claims were baseless. It sounds like you did your job
& performed it well. It looks like she wants an "out"
and feels that this is how she is going to get it. I had a trial
about 6 years ago on a narcotics violation. The defense attorney in
the case tried to make it look like his client was only stopped because he
was black (I am white).. I had no clue on the stand during testimony
that this was the attorney's objective. His attempts at this were
quickly squashed, and he was found guilty. I don't know what would
have happened had my case hit the papers such as yours did. Keep
your head up, Wayne.. you did no wrong.. I hope your
department stands behind you, and if internal affairs finds that she has
made false claims against you, that criminal charges be pursued against
her for the accusations (as well as civil charges !). great job Wayne, and
best of luck.. you are supported by your brothers in blue in Northern NJ !"
-North Jersey Cop
August
11, 2003
"As
a former resident of Linwood, I felt better knowing upstanding people like
Wayne were protecting our city, homes and city streets. We are
behind you Wayne."
-Anonymous
August
11, 2003
"Officer
Finnegan is an outstanding citizen and officer. If I were a parent
he would be one of the few people I would trust to raise my child with
high moral standards. That is how highly regarded he is in my household.
In
regards to the prejudicial view of the AC Press, and the protestors:
Defamation of character? A possibility (I am not a lawyer, but it sounds
like it). Laziness? Yes. Sensationalism with half-truths? Yes.
I
would like to remind everyone that there are good doctors and bad doctors
as well as good journalists and bad journalists. Why do you think
the writer works for the AC Press and not the NY Times? (Rhetorical
question).
I
lived in the south for a few years where I witnessed true racism. The
racist act was against a friend of mine and was truly unjust. There are
racists in this wonderful country and to deny it would be ignorant. But,
anytime a white officer arrests a law breaking black person does not
qualify as racism.
In
my interpretation of the AC Press’ actions: Violate the Article IV of
the American Society of Newspaper Editors’ Statement of Principles,
Eliminate the Important Facts, Defame an Outstanding Officer and a person
who risked his life as a Marine to defend the rights of all of us,
including freedom of press. (Not freedom of AC Press to print misleading
information)."
Rich
August
11, 2003
"Wayne...
Keep your chin up bro. We in the law enforcement community know what
kind of officer you are, and I am proud to have known you, and know that
your neighboring police department will be there for backup when every you
need us. The most annoying thing about this whole situation is the next
day after the protest channel 40 news shows five black males that had just
robbed the casinos and were taken into custody and how the five males were
armed and dangerous and how lucky society was to have them off the street
and in jail. but the press did not want to talk to the victims that worked
for the casinos, and the patrons that were robbed outside of the casino,
and to ask them if they felt their civil rights were violated. Wayne
society has made it very hard for cops to do their job. So, for now we
will keep our mouth shut and do our job the best way we know how, and keep
remembering why we all took this thankless job. Wayne I rode with you on
the Unity Tour and you showed great pride and refused to quit. So don't
let this little obstacle set you back. you gave a lot of guys great
inspiration and showed that anything is possible."
-Your
Brother Cop
August
11, 2003
"Wayne
is one of the most dedicated people I know. When it comes to work,
or riding in the Police Unity Tour, Wayne gives it his all. I wish
his accusers could sit down with him, and get to know the person who they
are persecuting. It would only take a few minutes, before they would
realize the genuine kindness that pours out of Wayne.
This pass May I had the pleasure of participating in the Police Unity Tour
bicycle ride to Washington D.C. with Wayne Finnegan. It was my third
tour and I had a tough time. Wayne however, who is definitely
not an avid bicyclist made the whole trip. His dedication and heart
motivated several other riders who might not have made the ride.
I hope this ridiculous witch hunt is short lived, and that the people
responsible realize that they have picked the wrong guy to persecute.
Wayne is a family man, cop, and friend to many who will be behind him 100%
through this fiasco."
-Detective Robert Koob
-OCPD, NJ
August
09, 2003
"I
have been following this story and the commentary with it. I am not
in law enforcement yet, but I did study not only criminal justice but
political science for four years. I am completely outraged by this
whole pile of garbage. I do not know Ptl. Finnegan personally, but I
do know a LPD officer very well. The Linwood PD is an upstanding
police department in an area that rarely has problems. The fact that
this woman is ruining not only the reputation of an entire Department, but
an entire life, outrages me. Let me just give you a little anecdote.
My friend on LPD, was injured very badly and has been out of work for
almost a year. The men on this department have donated sick time, vacation time, comp time you name it, all so he could keep paying his
bills. Now to me that doesn't sound like people who would go out of
their way to "profile" someone. I just want Ptl. Finnegan
to know that there are so many people behind him and pulling for him.
The truth will come to light, and you will be able to turn around to all
of these idiots "protesting", and tell them to "bite
you"! Hold your head high officer, be proud of who you are and
don't ever forget the people that do REALLY appreciate you guys putting
your life on the line everyday!"
-Anonymous
August
09, 2003
"Wayne,
stay strong and keep your head up. The fact is you did your job and you
did nothing wrong. Be safe brother!"
-BMC
-NJDOC
August
09, 2003
"My
thoughts go out to Wayne and his family. And also the Linwood Police
Department. This woman's attack on Wayne only shows her refusal to
take responsibility for her own actions. I hope she doesn't teach
that to her students. And on the topic of the Press of A.C....how
about some unbiased news?? What a joke!!"
-Teeney
August
09, 2003
"Wayne,
admittedly, I don't know everything that happened that day, but I know
that if a person has broken the law they should be stopped, regardless of
their color. If they don't do what they're told to do while they're
stopped then they should be arrested. Period. Unfortunately
these days, the word of the day is "accuse the officer and ye shall
get off." It sucks, but it is true. You are just its
latest victim. I only hope that you are able to make it through
unscathed. Best of luck to you, and we're with you."
-Anonymous
August
09, 2003
"I
would like to say that the only victim here is Officer Finnegan. But of
course the media (as usual) only gets half of the story. And they cant
even get that right. Wayne hang in there because the truth will come
out!!!"
-A fellow Officer
August
09, 2003
"I
have known Patrolman Finnegan for several months on and have found him to
be a gentle man incapable of the allegations against him. He is a
kind man with his family and community at heart. Good luck to you.
This time too shall pass."
-A friend
August
8, 2003
"Like
many others that have responded to this site, I also know Wayne
Finnegan. Wayne is the older brother of one of my closest friends,
and I have known him for many years.
During those years, I have seen him as a brother, father, friend, United
States Marine, and police officer. Each of these titles carries a
lot of responsibility and prestige. Both of which Wayne has
earned.
This past year I had the pleasure, as part of the Police Unity Tour, to
ride my bicycle with Wayne to Washington D.C. in honor of all police
officers that have fallen in the line of duty. It was during this
ride that I saw how big of a heart Wayne has. He dug deep and
persevered through the entire 200+ mile HILLY ride, without even thinking
twice. When I asked him how the hell he made the trip, he told me
that, in the beginning, he didn't think that he was going to be able
to. He then added that he had to do it for those who
couldn't!! That shows where his heart is, and how much he really
cares.
We all know that as members of
law enforcement we are sometimes victims of our own cause. We work
hard day and night, and expect people to understand why we do it.
The reality is that many people do not. Most people rely on the propaganda
that is fed to them through the local media sources. That is why we must
rely on each other, in the law enforcement community, for support.
In this case, our local newspaper has chosen to report a story, and failed
to report most of the facts. Does this surprise you? I am not
surprised at all. This IS how the media works.
This is a speed bump in a police officers career that will soon pass, and
give Wayne Finnegan another story to tell.
During this investigation, after it has been ruled unfounded, and for
years to come I will support Wayne Finnegan in every way that I
can. We are the professionals who are educated and skilled, and
we are confident in our actions. That is why it is our duty to keep
having fun while we protect our citizens and arrest violators every day.
Wayne, I know that this is a very difficult time for you and your family,
but you have been through other difficult times as well. This will
soon pass, and everything will get back to normal.
In the mean time, if you need
anything or any type of support just let me know. I will be glad to
help.
Linwood should consider themselves lucky to have you as a police
officer!!! Keep smiling.
-Jay Prettyman
-Ocean City Police Department
August
8, 2003
"It's
a real shame that something like this comes out of you doing your job.
As long as you know you did the right thing, it will all work out in the
end it always does when your right!!!!"
-Anonymous
August
7, 2003
"Wayne...keep
your chin up. You followed procedure and did what was necessary,
nothing more. It is just a sad state of society when this card is
played. We're behind you."
-NFPD
August
7, 2003
"Hold
your head up high bro. Don't let these clowns drag you down. It's a
shame that it has come to this in this country. The 1st question asked
when something goes down is were they black? Was the officer white?
It's wrong. We are all behind you 100%!"
-Department of Defense Police
August
7, 2003
"Wayne,
hang in there buddy. The truth and justice will prevail. don't let these
troublemakers bring you down."
-Anonymous
August
7, 2003
"Patrolman
Wayne Finnegan, Keep your head high you did the right thing. Your Department
should also do the right thing by standing behind you. I hope the
Department is NOT afraid of the ACLU or any other organization. The
Atlantic City Press only printed one side of you story. Most people know
what the Atlantic City Press is about...a joke! "
-Rick
August
7, 2003
"Funny
that this article says that the rally is lead by Tyrone Foxworth, gee that
name rings a bell, I've read his name in the newspaper before, isn't he
the head Aerospace Engineering at NASA or is he common street criminal
leading a rally. Anyone know this persons criminal background or any other
attendee for that matter. Well anyway at least he can carry a sign
and yell. Funny how his words are accepted as facts and he was not
at the incident. This is such a bunch of crap. One thing is for sure, if
there were no lawyers to make money off of this crap it would not happen.
All this is about is someone trying to cash in on the current theme,
Racial Profiling. Just to demonstrate what BS this really is
think about Racial Profiling, its the word the protesters use. Stopping or
targeting someone because of their race. Wayne Finnegan didn't stop
this downtrodden racial profiling victim, another officer did. Also
interesting was someone representing this woman when the story initially
broke in the Liberal Press of AC describes the poor victim as, "she's
never been in any trouble", Well, lets see, she's driving with a
suspended DL, no reg and no ins card. Its not murder but what what do you
call NEVER being in trouble! Again support runs high in the Law
Enforcement Community and with decent citizens everywhere for Wayne Finnegan
because he is now the real Wayne we all offer our support to you in this
unfortunate incident. While simply doing your job, you have been
victimized!"
-Wayne
August
7, 2003
"Please
don't let this bad press keep you down. Its a shame that someone can
just cry racial profiling and that everyone has to entertain this. I
have learned a few things as being a police officer. One thing is
the newspaper are always wrong when it comes to reporting police
incidents. Unless it's a direct quote from someone they seem
to always have tons and tons of misinformation. Sometimes I want to
write to them and tell them, that's not true because I was on the scene,
but I think I would spend more time on the computer writing to the
newspaper instead of visiting the NJLAWMAN site. I also learned that
when you give someone a break, they still come in to complain that you
issued them a ticket. So maybe this person crying racial profiling
should be arrested for filing a false police report because good cops that
do their job don't discriminate. We need to all stick together,
because the administrations won't back us until they prove we are not guilty.
-DG- NJ Police Officer
August
7, 2003
"I
am so tired of this racial profiling garbage. Its such an easy way for
these morons to cause tension in a good officers life. I use the word
moron because whoever pulls this racial profiling trash is trash. Just a
way for them to gain attention cause unwanted stress and get out of their
trouble they got themselves into. The press....what can I say. They are
just as big of a problem. I just can't get into it, this kind of trash
bugs me to no end. Ptl Finnegan, you know you didn't do anything in
violation of our laws, other officers who know you agree. Try to
keep a positive mind, keep your head up. Justice will be brought to this
MORON who falsely accuses you."
-SPD
August
7, 2003
"Wayne,
Keep your chin up. You did a good job. Talk to people and don't let the
stress of this incident get to you."
-Anonymous
August
6, 2003
"Wayno,
I just want to to say that I am behind you 100% and always have
been. To see what you were going through a few weeks ago when this
first broke, a huge proud man with that devastated look on your face, was
heartbreaking for me and all of your friends. It is an absolute
travesty. YOU DID YOUR JOB. It is ironic that when an officer
pulls someone over and gives them a warning, that officer is deemed a
"great guy" or a real "fair" officer, but when that
same officer decides to cut a ticket, right away he/she is labeled as a
"jerk" or is "abusing his authority". Like one
of the previous posters stated (we miss you pal, hurry back), THE PAPER
NEVER TOLD THE STORY OF WHAT LED UP TO THE INCIDENT. Of course,
speeding, suspended, unregistered, uninspected, and the rest of the litany
of violations, for some of which she received WARNINGS (!) seem to apply
in this matter to everyone except for this common traffic offender.
And...this person is teaching our youth in this country. Teaching
them what? Blame everyone else for your mistakes and
transgressions.
I would LOVE to see the look on this young lady's face the first time she
gives a student a detention and that student's parents file a formal
complaint with the school board. When she is on the hot seat
answering for why she did what she did, legitimate or not, I hope she sees
the face of Wayne Finnegan and realizes that what goes around comes
around. I hope she is made to suffer the ridicule and humiliation
that befalls upon her.
Finally, for the Press and TV 40, who presented a wonderful account of the
"story", I have this to say: Your accounts were
appropriate for someone who is looking for bats in a belfry. Your
one-sided, baseless, and tasteless reports reflected inaccurate,
incomplete, biased journalism, stuffed with out and out lies. Your
articles/reports reflect a tabloid journalism approach to reporting that
was, at best, insulting to my intelligence. NEVER LET THE FACTS GET
IN THE WAY OF A GOOD STORY, but I suppose you have to sell papers, ads,
commercials, not to mention your souls, to make a buck. Did you
ever, for a second, consider the ramifications that your story had on
Wayne's wife and son? Didn't think so. <<PHONE
RINGS>> It was the Press trying to sell me a subscription --
GO TO HELL.
Wayne, I am proud to work with you and will remain so until the day we are
both old and gray. DO NOT CHANGE BECAUSE OF THIS. We all love
you and can't wait to see you vindicated in the papers and on TV.
You are an honorable officer that many should aspire to be like. I
agree with everyone else, racism sucks and there is no place for it in law
enforcement, but that would be a better sentiment to utter if it was
relevant to this case. I spit upon the boots of any officer who
engages in profiling or brutalizes for agenda, but WAYNE DID NOT AND HAS
NEVER DONE THIS. I speak for many, Wayno, that we love you and
always will stand beside you, scapegoat that you are."
-Tim
August
6, 2003
"Wayne
Finnegan is a upstanding man of honor and character. He is a man of good
will and a very very large heart. To say that he is a racist is an
absolute tragedy to him and his family. He has always done his job
to the letter of the law and will always perform his duties to the best of
his abilities according to the law. How do I know this, I am his
brother. My name is Tom Finnegan. I have known him for 30 plus
years and he has been my hero for all 30 plus years. If this alleged
victim of racial profiling needs to complain about his actions then that
is her right to do so, however she is forgetting a few simple points.
She was wrong in all accounts. When the IA investigation is
completed by Linwood PD and the Prosecutor's Office the truth will come to
light and he will once again be on top. Linwood PD is a small
department with approx. 20 officers. To say the lower level officers
in Linwood profile is absolutely ridiculous. I know many of those
officers and they are good people. The administration of Linwood PD
and the Mayor's office of Linwood should do the right thing and end this
witch hunt because it is unfair to Wayne and his family. Linwood PD
should clear him because they have all the proof. The Atlantic City
Press is complete trash and totally anti-police in every aspect of alleged
journalism. They do not report the entire incident just the alleged
victim's story. In closing, Wayne should keep his head up high
because he did nothing wrong. He enforced the law and if the alleged
victim in this case has a beef, then she should contact the state
legislature. She should not bring in the heavy hitters of the
anti-police such as the ACLU. They are victims of their own fate and
are in unison because they cannot get ahead on their own merits and
accomplishments in life."
-Tom Finnegan
August
6, 2003
"I
went through the same thing as a manager of a trash company. I was
accused of using [an offensive word]. I lost my job after 9 years of
unblemished service. I know Wayne and his family. He's a
dedicated officer, father and husband. He is innocent just like I
was. I thank god he has someone to fight for him. I was
discarded like the trash I was paid to pick up. Its all about the
money. [The company] thought it was easier to ruin my life and
pay some hush money. Keep your head up Wayne, you did nothing wrong."
-JSI
August
6, 2003
"I
know Wayne and find this story to be unbelievable."
-ROCKY
-FLORIDA
August
5, 2003
"I
would just like to simply respond to the gentleman who said "racial
profiling does indeed exist" Prior to that he mentioned he was
not a police officer. That being said, and him not being in an actual
police department environment, I would like to know why you feel so
strongly that it does exist. Is it because of the past? You know 50 yrs
ago, When we know it did exist. Well a lot has changed since then
including the officers in the departments. We are living in a new era, an
era where we as police officers simply want to go to work do our jobs and
get home safely. As far as all the videos with the beatings and and the
abuse, every video I have ever seen has been missing one important part,
the beginning. You know the part where the police officer was attempting
to stop a suspect as he was traveling through quiet residential streets
with a stolen vehicle at a high rate of speed or where a suspect had a
knife to a innocent victim. And then the officer would attempt to subdue
the suspect and while doing so the suspect would be resisting by kicking, punching, and
in some cases trying to even take the officers life. After all this the
video cameras turn on and of course they usually then pick up the officer
using physical force as a means to subdue a violent criminal to get
him/her off the streets to protect the citizens. And then the officer is
accused of police brutality. Sound familar? We, the police officers
have an obligation to protect and serve the community of which we work in.
You as the citizens grant us this obligation. We as the police fulfill
this obligation to the BEST of our ability. You asked how are you to
know which one of us are bad and out for revenge. Well bank on this
thought, how are we to know who is the next person that is going to try
and take our life or even yours? Let me ask you this do you have to worry
about that thought every morning before you leave for work? No, you don't.
But we do as we put on our vest every morning to protect you and your
family."
-Mike
-LPD
August
5, 2003
"Wayne...
Keep your chin up and don't let some moron try to ruin your career.
From what I have been told you did exactly what any good officer would do,
stop a person for violating the law. In this case several laws.
The problem today is that certain people will try anything to get above
the law. As for the media just remember that you are dealing with a
bleeding heart liberal that is looking to try and make a name for themselves
to better their career at the expense of anyone they can. Hold your
chin up high and fight for what is right. You doing your job the way
you are supposed to."
-Tony
-A fellow brother in law enforcement
August
5, 2003
"In
a world were we need law enforcement officers more than ever, it's a shame
that we have to waste time with this kind of out-dated slander. What
a major disservice this is to everyone when this kind of racial
mud-slinging is held over an officers head when he's just trying to do his
job. It's reverse racism like this that keeps our country from
making real social progress. Keep your head held high Officer
Finnegan. Have faith that justice shall prevail. Keep up the
good work and God Bless."
-Ashlee
August
5, 2003
"As
a resident of Linwood and who knows Wayne personally, I can tell you he is
not racist. What disgusts me is how Wayne's name is being blemished
and the facts show no such wrong doing had occurred."
-Alison
August
5, 2003
"First,
let me say that I am a white male and also I am not a police officer.
With that said, I would like to state my opinion that racial profiling
does indeed exist. On the other side of the fence, minorities are
all too quick to use "race" as an excuse for everything.
If what I have read here is all true and correct, then I feel that Officer
Finnegan was not guilty of anything other than simply doing his job.
However, all over the country, people have personal stories and videotapes
of police abuse. Not all cops are bad, but how can we
"civilians" know which one of you is good and which one is out
for revenge or a power trip? How are we supposed to know?
Thanks for reading."
-Anonymous
August
5, 2003
"Wayne,
keep your chin up and keep doing your job. Unfortunately, in this job, if
you are a worker; expect someone to have a problem with it. But if you
know what you did is right and you can look in the mirror, then you are
nothing more than a good COP."
-Bill Bowen MCPD
August
4, 2003
"Wayne
don't let this bother you. You know, I know and she knows this all
BS. As long as I have known you Wayne, You have been a by the book
cop. I've worked by your side long enough to know this. You
are a great cop who knows how to do his job don't let this get you down.
In the end it will show that she was just looking to get out of
everything. And as for the press don't think you will ever receive
courtesy. You show us none and that is something we do NOT forget. We
support you Wayne 110%. If there is anything you need you know you can
call me. Like the people below me said. KEEP THAT HEAD UP!!!!!"
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