Ron Snodgrass (#2141) and The Double Standard?

Did anyone catch the article in the Arizona Republic on Saturday, August 23rd?

Here’s the link. http://www.azcentral.com/community/scottsdale/articles/2008/08/22/20080822neporncop0823.html
In a nutshell this former Scottsdale cop named Steve Boltz – a 19 year veteran – admitted to “receiving, forwarding, viewing and storing” pornographic material on his work computer. Apparently he had over 210 Megs of data in his email "Inbox", when the maximum allowed by their IT department is only 55 Megs.

He was suspended for eight months, but resigned from the Scottsdale Police back in April. He works for the Sheriff’s Office now with the hopes of getting a job there. You folks would know better than I do, but it appears that Sheriffs are not monitored or required to be certified Arizona Peace Officers.

It’s an interesting story on a few fronts. First – I don’t know what dumbass would ever keep, forward and store porno on his work computer – let alone a cop's computer! 2nd, Not to justify what he did, but clearly this guy never learned that you have to empty your “Sent” items and your “Deleted” items regularly on a computer, and 3rd –let me give you some insight into any and all IT departments. IT guys are usually pretty tame. They are voyeurs on all your emails. I will guarantee any IT department or Network ADMIN knows all the affairs and indiscretions of everyone in any Enterprise - including the PD. My past Network ADMIN guys read “live” IMs and emails of everyone, especially young single woman and their bosses, and drew correlations.

If this cop got turned in by the Network ADMIN, I can assure you this cop either pissed of the IT department or someone had it out for him. Be friends with your Networking guy folks. He won’t only fix your email, but he will cover for you and hide horny man-love letters from guys like Blake or Kevin.

More importantly, this officer Boltz clearly resigned back in April and was suspended for eight months. An honorable thing to do and a justified (IMO) punishment.

So what about Ron Snodgrass #2141?
Why was this not done to Sergeant Ronald Snodgrass #2141? In this Blog entry,

http://badphoenixcops.blogspot.com/2008/06/open-letter-to-jack-harris-sergeant-ron.html

Snodgrass was accused of much of the same – if not more by keeping pictures of his naked wife on his desk, his smug responses during the investigation and creating a sexually charged and hostile environment for one woman and probably more. At least with Steve Boltz, his crime was limited to his own computer and he didn't print them off, keep them on his desk or harass his subordinates.

If Linnea Knowles (or any woman on the Phoenix PD) wants to be treated with respect and dignity, and simply go to work each day, and not be harassed by a disgusting slob like Ron Snodgrass, I guess she needs to get a job with the Scottsdale PD. Apparently in Scottsdale there's no FOA (Friend of Alan) to worry about.

Oh and Mr. Snodgrass....If you are reading this please take note: You are one of the many reasons why cops are referred to as "PIGS."

CALEA Meeting, Monday, August 18th 7:00PM

Jack Harris didn't even bother to show up!! I didn't see any Asst. Chief's there either.

Here is a copy of my 4 minute speech I made to the CALEA board. If any of the officers that attended would post their findings, please do.

Distinguished guests from CALEA. I am citizen of Phoenix and have been for over 15 years. I have an opinion about the CALEA re accreditation. I understand I am allowed 10 minutes, I will need just 4 ½ minutes.

Many of you already know about me and have already been contacted by me prior to this meeting.A website I represent includes many posts from current and former police officers about the leadership team in the Phoenix PD, under Jack Harris. I know this because some have revealed their identities to me and others provide internal documents and emails that could only come from officers. Jack and his team may already have started their “posturing” claiming I am crazy, fanatical, out of touch or in their terms “918” . I assure you I am not, and undoubtedly more of a threat…. since Jack and his team blocked access to the website to all police department computers.

The data I have is shocking and disturbing. Jack Harris openly admits and refuses to investigate his team members when policies are broken and crimes have been committed. I provided each of the CALEA assessors a copy of a letter dated June 7, 2006, from PLEA on Jack Harris actions (or I should say …inactions) At the time, Mark Spencer provided Chief Harris with examples of his failure to investigate police department employees ….and Jack’s responses was , “ I’m not going to allow PLEA and citizens to say when and how investigations are done.”

I have documents and proof that Jack Harris refuses to follow his own Operations Orders and adamantly refuses to investigate his friends on the Police Force. A sergeant Polombo who worked for Jack Harris while he managed PSB was directly involved in the National case against Mark Goudeau, trying to indentify and apprehend the infamous “Baseline Killer.” Sergeant Polombo was not only rumored to having intimate relations with another investigator in Homicide, but also has brought home numerous files and work. I am at a loss what Operations Order allows any officer to bring home departmental records. I and many are also at a loss as to why sergeant Polombo was never investigated by Jack Harris ---even if the rumors were unsubstantiated - ---on such a high-profile and national case?

A Detective named Dave Barnes who was a whistle-blower on the shoddy Lab practices; began his new afternoon patrols today. He is labeled a “trouble maker” and “difficult.” Asst. Chief Tracey Montgomery stated in an email to her Lt Joe Knott: “It is my hope that Dave’s specific conduct be addressed formally, rather than informally” and she goes onto state: “ Mark my words, if Dave is dealt with, others will think twice about Lab bashing.” This is typical of Jack’s retaliation; rather than looking into the shoddy procedures and the SOPs of his own Lab, Jack demotes the detective that brought it to his attention.

I could spend the next hour accounting to you other examples of Jack’s management team involved in EEO complaints, sexual liaisons, harassment claims, Cover –ups, Civil Rights Violations, poor judgment by officers obtaining DUIs, and flat out lies – which are never investigated, and barely reprimand. Internally, officers refer to this as FOJ – You are a friend of Jack – therefore afforded protection for your blind loyalty. They will cover things up, give you a written reprimand, hide you for a few months in a mindless job, then when the dust has cleared, they bring you back to your old glory. If you are not a friend of Jack, your career is ruined or you are demoted to patrol or passed over for promotions. In a few rare instances good officers have succumbed to taking their own lives, not able to face a humiliating end of a career, or being the Scapegoat to cover for a certain Asst. Chief’s indiscretions.

We do not criticize the officers who put their lives on the line each day, and the great sergeants and lieutenants that lead these officers that protect the citizens of Phoenix. My criticism is of Jack Harris, his lack of leadership and the rogue group of cops that are asst chiefs, or FRIENDS of JACK.

CALEA Assessment team: You could not afford to give the Phoenix PD or Jack Harris this
reaccreditation. If CALEA’s goal is to improve the delivery of public safety services, by
maintaining a body of standards….. then Chief Jack Harris has failed your testing and accreditation process, by refusing to investigate the misconduct and actions among his reports and subordinates.

In fact during your visit, why don’t you ask officers and employees around the department what they know about CALEA and what it is supposed to do for the Phoenix Police Department? All you will receive - undoubtedly – is a blank stare. When the policemans’ own Union has no confidence in their Chief of Police – then there is a problem. If you must give them there reaccreditation, I would demand you do it with a consent decree, under the auspice of the DOJ that closely monitors Jack Harris, his direct reports and the commanders of the Phoenix PD. Jack didn't even bother to show up tonight. That ought to give you some insight on what he thinks about CALEA and this reacredidation.

I believe I speak for many of your officers who are afraid to speak or are not provided a fair and impartial outlet to vent their complaints. I have provided them an outlet that you have refused to provide.

THANK YOU ALL and I appreciate the time given to speak this evening. If any of the CALEA representatives would like copies of my documents, I’ll be here for a short while.

A Guest Post from Mark Goudeau's Website

I was asked if I would allow an outsider to create a BLOG post. I agreed. This post comes from the folks at Mark Goudeau's website. I know very little about this case and this is quite controversial. I am well aware that most cops won’t touch this with a 39 ½ foot pole.

I don't live near Baseline and saw so many suspects come and go. I saw so much grand standing from Phil Gordon, Andrew Thomas and Jack “ass” Harris. After reading some of the evidence on Goudeau's site, and combine that with Dave Barnes accusations that the Crime Lab can't follow any SOPs - I do have my doubts that this guy Mark got a fair and impartial trial or wonder whether he was ever involved. From my own experiences the Phoenix PD and the prosecutor’s office will railroad you, if given an opportunity. I experienced this first hand.

Noticed I posted a "fun" picture of Mark and not his incarcerated one.

Here's the post. As Jiminy Cricket would say, “Let you consciences be your guide.” If any of you "experts" out there would like to weigh in on this, then please do.


BadPhoenixCops has permitted us to Blog on their site. We represent a group of people in Phoenix who believe and know Mark Goudeau is innocent of any crime and is not the infamous Baseline Killer. We think he was the "right guy/right time" - he was black, a former felon and now the scapegoat so that this case can close quickly. He was also a tool for grandstanding, "atta boys," and press releases for the personal gain Jack Harris, Phil Gordon and Andrew Thomas.

We believe this to be true. We base this on inaccurate statements of the DNA 'matches' made by the State's DNA technician, Lorraine Heath. I'm sure many of you know by now the issues of DNA - that Mark's DNA was far from a match – he only matched 3 of the 13 genetic markers (loci - literally 1,000s of others in Maricopa County alone will match those same 3 loci.) It is so far off, it is frightening. The DNA is inconclusive and that there never was a CODIS database "hit" as you have heard.

We know it is now too late for law enforcement since they had already sensationalized the arrest in the media. Jack earned his "5th Star" from Phil Gordon. The back-slapping has ended. Now they are doing whatever is necessary to cover their vices and inconsistencies, and ultimately convince the public that Mark Goudeau is evil. The Phoenix PD , the Mayor and Andrew Thomas will stop at nothing to conceal their mistakes and cover their asses. I also want to mention misconduct by the detectives on the task team. They’re the ones that I need information on. What they personally did. In particular Alex Fermenia and Palumbo.

We need your help. We know the lab is befuddled. We know the lab has suffered for years since they civilianized it and bringing in Tracey Montgomery to fix the back-log and clean-up is pointless. The fear the Phoenix PD has with David Barnes whistle blowing is that their house of cards will come tumbling down in an election year. Polombo is dirty and he was the right hand guy of Jack Harris while in PSB.

For those of you that know of the illegal tactics used directly in this case, inaction is unacceptable. Everyone is entitled to a fair and impartial trial – even guys like Mark. He may not have been perfect, but he was doing good things, had a good job and trying to make a decent life after having been previously incarcerated. Keeping silent and not revealing evidence on Mark is unconscionable.

You can may contact us directly at

markgoudeauinnocent@cox.net or reach out to the BadPhoenixCops website and Blog. Hopefully your conscience will guide you to do what is right.

Thanks in advance for your help and assistance and thanks to the folks at BadPhoenixCops for giving us the opportunity to post.

Another Great Cop - Tommy Romano (#9068)

Sometimes we get so down and discouraged; talking about all the negative, dirty rogue cops under Chief Jack Harris. It makes us feel so out of touch - Like good ol’ PR spokesman Andy Anderson and how he thinks cops are adequately equipped and scolds Mark Spencer for not doing more equipment requests.

It’s always nice to point out great cops and give credit where credit is due. I just had a great experience with Tommy Romano (#9068). He came out to my house, did a great job and was an all around great guy. It’s nice and refreshing to see guys like Tommy on the Phoenix PD. He called his Sergeant on the phone to verify something (sorry I didn’t catch his sergeants name, if someone has it please post it) and his Sergeant agreed with his decision.

Keep up the good work Tommy and don't lose your edge under Chief Jack Harris. You are truly a gem only after 1 year with the PPD. If you ever need us here at BPC for references, accolades or anything, then please let us know.

We are sorry to hear about your divorce too! We feel your pain brother! Thankfully you aren’t going through what we are, and yours will be an amicable split.

CALEA and a Letter we sent out Today

Below is a letter we sent to the 3 assessors coming out for the PPD's reaccreditation of CALEA. You can read about it hear and what CALEA means.

http://www.calea.org/

I encourage all of you to attend a meeting at the City Council Chamber, at 7:00PM on Monday, August the 18th.

Susan Maycock

Superintendant

Peel Regional Police

7750 Hurontario Street

Brampton, ON L6V 3w6

Ms. Maycock:

I represent a website in Phoenix, Arizona called http://www.badphoenixcops.com/ At this juncture it is relatively unimportant why this site was started and my involvement and passion to support it. The goal of the site is to set up a 501c non-profit organization to stop the blatant abuse and corruption in the Phoenix Police Department. What is important is what we represent and what we have to say.

Our site has a Blog where many of the posting come from Phoenix Police Officers. I know this because some have shared their identities and the information they provide is too revealing and privileged inside information.

I understand you are coming to visit Phoenix for the August, 08 reaccreditation for CALEA. I cannot stress enough the underhanded and internal corruption in the regime of Police Chief Jack Harris. Chief Harris supports cronyism and nepotism and has allowed a working environment where supervisors are not held to the same accountability level as officers. I have been made aware of numerous cover-ups and investigations that Chief Harris and his assistant chiefs endorse. The Police officer’s Employee Association (PLEA) has no confidence in Chief Harris, as verified in a letter from P.L.E.A. addressed to the MAC committee dated, June 7, 2006. R.C. “Jake” Jacobensen met with Chief Jack Harris (and then) Deputy City Manager Juan Martin over concerns that the Phoenix Police Department fails to investigate management misconduct:

“On March 3, 2006 PLEA President Jake Jacobsen and PLEA Grievance Chair Mark Spencer provided Chief Harris with examples of this failure of the Department to investigate supervisors for misconduct. On March 3, 2006 PLEA President Jake Jacobsen and PLEA Grievance Chair Mark Spencer provided Chief Harris with examples of this failure through written documentation. His response was alarming, “I’m not going to allow PLEA and citizens to say when and how investigations are done.” He also stated, “Based upon what you’ve shown here, the issue of disparate treatment is over.” The Association was shocked that his response to the aforementioned investigation policy as found in the Operations Orders was, “That’s not true.” Since these statements, his beliefs regarding disparate treatment have continued to be implemented. Sadly, his disregard of citizens and employees in the investigatory process contradicts his priorities.”

The letter goes onto to state:

” Based upon Chief Harris’ statements and failure to address the Association’s concerns, The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association has no confidence in the Police Department’s ability to consistently hold managers accountable for misconduct through administrative investigations.”

I have attached a full copy on this letter, for your review.

If CALEA’s goal is to improve the delivery of public safety services, primarily by: maintaining a body of standards, developed by public safety practitioners, covering a wide range of up-to-date public safety initiatives; then Chief Jack Harris and his poor management of the Phoenix Police have failed your testing and accreditation process, by refusing to investigate the misconduct and actions among his reports and subordinates. In fact during your visit, ask officers and employees around the department what they know about CALEA and what it is supposed to do for the Phoenix Police Department, and you will undoubtedly get a blank stare.

I and those who support the website implore you not to give Chief Jack Harris or the City of Phoenix Police Department their reaccreditation for CALEA. We encourage you to visit the site http://www.badphoenixcops.com/ and/or the associated Blog at http://www.badphoenixcops.blogspot.com/ and read posting and information directly from Phoenix Police Officers and what they have to say about their current and former employee and the Phoenix Police Department.

If any of you throughout your visit would like to meet with us and see much of the other evidence we have, we may be reached through the website.

Warm Regards,
BadPhoenixCops


Site Administrator

Cc:
Lieutenant Edward Smith

Tallahasse Police Department

234 East Seventh Avenue

Tallahassee, FL 32303

Mr. Gerald Jarsocrak

Pennsylvania State Police

Department Headquarters

1800 Elmerton Avenue

Harrisburg, PA 17110