Tony Hyatt is certainly nicer and more diplomatic than I would be about it. Perhaps that is why he is the Communications Director for the Majority Caucus and I blog about Valley Station. Whitlock is a punk and a poser with a badge and a gun, and the state legislature should eliminate this ridiculous title from the ballot. It isn't 1850 anymore. We don't need constables. -Brian
For Immediate Release:
Council members propose resolution calling for the investigation of Constable David Whitlock
Ordinance proposed to tighten controls over constables
Louisville – After meeting with Chief Robert White, three Louisville Metro Council members are moving forward with a proposed resolution and ordinance which deals with Jefferson County Constable David Whitlock.
Council members Rick Blackwell (D-12), Kelly Downard (R-16) and David James (D-6) have been in the process of reviewing the duties of Constables since a shooting last month involving Whitlock.
The resolution calls upon the Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office to review alleged violations of Kentucky Revised Statues by the Constable. The resolution says the review should determine if there has been misfeasance or malfeasance in office or willful neglect in the discharge of his official duties.
“In reviewing what actions can be taken, this appears to be the proper course of action in dealing with an elected state official,” says Blackwell. “As a matter of public safety, the time has come to review someone who is allegedly not interested in upholding the laws of the Commonwealth.”
The resolution cites Whitlock in several alleged violations; wearing a uniform and using a badge, failure to file monthly reports on activity with the Jefferson County clerk, using oscillating blue lights and a siren which has not been allowed by law since 2007 and illegally deputizing staff members to perform the duties of deputy constables.
The proposed ordinance re-enforces what a constable can and cannot do in Jefferson County.
“The ordinance will clearly spell out that a constable can wear a badge and a uniform but the uniform must not resemble that of the Jefferson County Sheriff or Sheriff’s Deputy and it must not resemble the uniform of a Louisville Metro Police Officer. The staff of the Constable will not be allowed to wear a uniform or carry a badge.” says James.
Violation of the proposed ordinance would be a Class B Misdemeanor punishable by a fine ranging from $250 to $500 and up to 90 days in jail.
“We are adding more teeth to the current ordinance,” says James. “The public should know that a constable is restricted by the State Constitution to certain legal duties. There is a major safety concern when we have peace officers that are untrained and unwilling to follow the law.”
Both measures will receive first reading on Thursday night during the Metro Council’s regular meeting.
I will NOT stand behind Constable Whitlock on the shooting, BUT I will however PRAISE him for enforcing the Handicapped Parking Statutes/Ordinances in local area shopping center(s).
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't that long ago (I believe) that he issued over 200 citations for illegally parked vehicles that were found in handicap parking spaces with the majority of them being at Dixie Manor. I do believe if I recall correctly that was in a single month. He is at least capable of standing up for the disabled community as where it takes the pressure off of Metro Police from being called away from protecting the entire community from more serious offenses. Maybe the Metro Council can assign these duties like this to the Constable as well as making sure that ALL dwellings in the Metro area are properly displaying addresses where they can be easily seen from the roadways. Just a thought!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark Lynch
Valley Station
KRS prohibits Police Officers from enforcing parking regulations on private property. David was working for Dixie Manor.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see an indictment today. At least for now, he's restricted from carrying a firearm with the 2 Felony indictments brought against him.
ReplyDelete