Denying the Culture of Corruption: The New Acting Chief Speaks!
He speaks to a website called FullertonStories. And what he says is disturbing, to say the least. In a story that quickly dissolves into the typical mushy fell-good bio, newly minted Acting Chief Dan Hughes does drop a few nuggets that are worth considering. Such as a blanket denial that a culture of corruption even exists in the FPD.
“If somebody says there is a culture of corruption, they’re either lying, they have other motives or they are grossly misinformed.” Those are the words of acting Police Chief Dan Hughes while defending the Fullerton police department after it has faced six months of attacks from protesters and bloggers.”
Uh, oh. So we critics of the serial malfeasance in the FDPD are liars; or have other motives; or are “grossly” ignorant. Hmm. Tellingly, there are no embarrassing questions about, and consequently no awkward answers about Rincon, Mater, Mejia, Power, Hampton, Nguyen, Tong, et al. Gee, that was convenient.
In what he hopes will mark a new era of transparency and openness within the Fullerton police department, Hughes recently sat down with reporters from FullertonStories to discuss his plans for the department and his actions on July 5, 2011, the night of the violent altercation at the Fullerton bus depot that resulted in the death of Kelly Thomas.
Well, gee, Danny Boy is willing to sit down with some compliant “reporters” in the service of “transparency,” yet doesn’t address the issue of why transparency is needed in the first place, or why his spokesman, Andrew Goodrich was permitted (or instructed) to lie to the public about the facts in the Kelly Thomas murder.
Hughes describes what happened that night – up to a point. And that point is right before he (or someone working for him) permitted the cops involved in the killing to view the video and then re-write their reports. Neither does he address the sticky issue of his force not treating the site as a possible crime scene, or the alleged confiscation of witnesses’ cell phones and camera film by his cops. He also conveniently omits to explain why the DA was not called in for two days, and then only after being prompted to do so by a call from the DA’s office itself.
Come to think about it, he also never bothers to inform the incurious “reporters” from FullertonStories about how come no internal investigation was done until Michael Gennaco was hired two months after the crime. Details, details.
Hughes paused. “When you look at those steps that were taken in a period of 15 minutes, I ask what of any of that would indicate that we were trying to conceal any information?”
That’s just disingenuous garbage, there. Within that first 15 minutes he had no idea of what really happened. And the fact is that within a short time of the bludgeoning, Andrew Goodrich was already in the process of peddling the bogus story of a violent struggle in which the superman Kelly Thomas, in possession of stolen property, was responsible for breaking the bones of the poor undermanned cops.
What wasn’t done correctly, he said, was that the department didn’t come out and say, “this is what occurred, this is what we did, and this is what we’re going to be doing.
Wrong, again, Dan. What wasn’t done correctly was to put the cops on leave immediately and do a real investigation instead of lying to the public about Thomas.
“And because of that silence, it created a tremendous amount of problems for the police department and the city,” Hughes said.
Incorrect. What caused a tremendous amount of problems for the police department and the city was hiring, deploying, and tolerating drug addicts, con men, pickpockets, thugs, perjurers, Brady cops, sex perverts and sadistic killers on the streets of Fullerton, and in its jail.
We are supposed to be relieved and grateful that Dan is working hard to mollify protesters:
“This is a prime example of how we can respect each others opinions,” Hughes explained. “It’s something that’s been very beneficial, to sit down with the protestors and have a dialogue and admit to them when we have blown it.”
Except that the issues surrounding the crime wave perpetrated by Hughes’ colleagues over the past few years is not a matter of opinion, it is a matter of fact. Sorry, Dan, unless you’re going to admit the problem I have no interest in your “opinion.”
But Hughes admitted there is still “lots of work to be done” in the area of restoring public confidence in the department. “We’ve done a very poor job in my opinion on being able to communicate to our community why we do what we do. We have to build that trust and relationship again,” Hughes said.
Uh, huh. More denial. The problem is not lack of communication. The problem is a police force chock-full of miscreants who have obviously taken advantage of a department with little or no moral or ethical leadership, a department that has clearly been tacitly instructed to resort to physical abuse to fix the mess made by the politicians in downtown Fullerton.
P.S. Dan, tearing up bogus tickets your cops just handed out for “excessive horning” doesn’t equate to building trust.
Some of the ways he plans to accomplish that include giving tours of the department, holding community meetings and stepping up the citizens’ academy and ride-along programs.
Tours? Ride alongs? Oh, Brother! How about firing dirty, abusive cops, and not hiring any more, if it’s not too much trouble?
Hughes is also looking at ways the department can build an ethical consequence component to its current training programs to further restore public trust.
Keep looking, Chief. And while you’re at it, how about a genuine punishment component for cops when they violate the very laws they have sworn to uphold?
But rebuilding trust won’t happen overnight, according to Samuel Walker, emeritus professor of criminal justice at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a nationally recognized expert in police accountability. He said the timetable depends on how credible the response to the crisis is. “One incident like this destroys years and years of building trust within the community,” he explained.
Here’s the obligatory academic on hand to ladle out the cliche soup. The only problem is nobody bothered to tell Professor Walker about the conga line of ethical issues and outright lawbreaking perpetrated by Fullerton cops, and presumably condoned by the department (for the perfect case study consult our posts on Albert Rincon).
Many questions remain about the death of Kelly Thomas and Hughes is looking forward to additional information coming out at the March preliminary trial of officers Manuel Ramos and Jay Cicinelli. He also eagerly awaits Gennaco’s report about the night of July 5.
Yeah, sure. Whatever you say. Sounds like Dan’s been reading Doc HeeHaw’s memoirs!
Hughes said he has seen the controversial videotape of the Kelly Thomas beating probably 400 times and he calls it “horrific.” Although he would not discuss the details of the video, he said it “clearly depicts the majority of what took place that evening,” and it will clarify a lot of misinformation that has been reported.
Misinformation reported? Come on Dan, you’ve got to be kidding. Most of the misinformation was peddled by your own PIO, Andrew Goodrich.
As for accusations by local bloggers that a “culture of corruption” exists at the Fullerton police department, Hughes calls them completely false.
“From being 18 and fresh out of high school to now holding the highest position in the police department, I can tell you there is no corruption,” Hughes said. “Certainly there have been officers that have made poor ethical decisions. We’ve dealt with those officers, and we will continue to do so.”
This is just pure, unadulterated bullshit. Poor “ethical” decisions? No more comment necessary.
I have to give credit to FullertonStories by surprisingly permitting councilman Bruce Whitaker to spray some much needed cold water on the love fest:
But City Councilman Bruce Whitaker said he is reserving judgment until he gets all the information. “On every other level I like what I see (about Hughes), but we’re going to have a whole lot of information at our disposal when the Gennaco report comes our way in about three weeks.”
Whitaker said it’s not just the Kelly Thomas incident that concerns him, but a number of police-related problems that have occurred within a short window, including the death-in-custody case last April that triggered his skepticism as to what is going on in the department.
He noted that Hughes and Capt. Kevin Hamilton are both part of the leadership culture that includes Police Chief Michael Sellers (now on medical leave) and former Police Chief Pat McKinley. “I need to sort out and determine who may have contributed to the current culture,” Whitaker said.
Thanks for that, Bruce. But no, you don’t get the last word on FullertonStories, no siree!
But Hughes stands by his officers. “They are absolutely dedicated to serving this community in an ethical manner, and that’s what I’m committed to ensuring they’re doing,” he said. “We have a lot of leaders in our police department, and we’re excited about the opportunities and challenges we have before us. We’re going to come out a better police department.”
Oh, really? The only reason the community should have one iota of confidence in that statement is because all the FPD bad guys are finally on the right side of the jail bars.
They aren’t. Not yet.
So who wants to come out on Saturday. This is the biggest load of crap that I have seen since my childhood trips to Pedley. They have dug their heels in on the brake checks, frame ups, murders, molestations and I am not surprised. Window dressing over dry rot folks.
Murder someone? No problem. It was just a “lack of communication.”
Why anyone here wastes thier time praising Bagdad Bob of the FPD is beyond me.
Well, that bald headed demon seed could start his trek of no more silence, by telling everyone the NAME of the watch commander who called him the night of July 5th-and, yes, that is an important part of the puzzle-why else would he not mention that in this article?
This watch commander dude saw the city video in real time. Why the call to Hughes? Why didnt this watch commander take care of bidness immediately his or her own self? I’d say the corruption/coverup started with this watch commander.
http://www.voiceofoc.org/oc_north/article_81e75cae-3b4a-11e1-9b08-001871e3ce6c.html
Damn, Joe, why do you have to sugarcoat everything?
Spoken like a true good old boy. No one can expect an overturned ship to right itself, certainly not under the command of this captain. The only question is whether the ship is salvageable at all?
When in a hole, stop digging.
Have we come even a little way only to learn we’ve gone nowhere? I wonder if Dan would be willing to be interviewed by an FFFFer or two. I like him but I think we need some serious questions answered even if inconvenient ones.
Why did Hughes make it a point to defend his response time or the people he called en route to Fullerton on the night of 7/5/2011? I don’t recall a single person questioning *his* conduct that night, at least not publicly.
Makes you wonder if this is preemptive damage control ahead of the Gennaco Report being released.
Good point.
“Why did Hughes make it a point to defend his response time…”
Because he felt defensive.
Who knows, he might come to this blog, and what he reads become chiseled into his brain. He might be trying the preemptive approach in some of his responses. We suspect that he’s fos, but those who don’t know what’s going on for various reasons, probably think he’s swell.
Maybe he’s RI.
What I love about you Joe is that you get down and dirty, and spare no one. Right on!
Possibly because he’s been accused of being there at the station when the beating took place, and of being the one who ordered the six to sit together and watch the video and write and rewrite their reports until they all said the right things and matched. He is saying these rumors on false without actually addressing them.
HUGHES: “From being 18 and fresh out of high school to now holding the highest position in the police department, I can tell you there is no corruption,” Hughes said. “Certainly there have been officers that have made poor ethical decisions. We’ve dealt with those officers, and we will continue to do so.”
How have you dealt with those officers Captain Dan Hughes?
I have met and spoken with you before at various council meetings and Saturday rallies for Kelly Thomas and you ARE a seemingly ‘nice guy’, very accessible and possess some god-given people skills, which is nice to see in a Police Chief.
That being said, you are now reminding me of on the first things out of Captain Hamilton’s mouth to the media when he interimly took the healm as cheif. He said, (paraphrasing)”there has been all this talk about a ‘cover up’ (concerning the Kelly Thomas murder); I’m hear to tell ya, it’s not true!’
I call ‘BULLSHIT’ on both of you.
This fine blog has given us more truths about your POS department than you or anyone before you in that top-notch position.
You are obviously more personable than your ‘pussy’ predecessor, Sellers, however just like some other pompous troll on this blog, like RI, you failed to substaniate the specific methods as to ‘HOW’ you’ve ‘dealt with those officers’.
You and other brass had allowed a one Officer Albert Rincon back out on the streets after numerous complaints from various women in your area who were inappropriately fondled by him, during his line of duty. In fact, it was known that he would pull over the more attractive women, for no reason, other than they were attractive so he could fondle their breasts in the back of his squad car. Were you not in charge of this ‘sexual predator’ employee of yours? wtf
What about the mysterious death of one of your inmates last April (who was probably ‘rear-ended’ into your jail by your patrol officers in the first place) of which your department called a ‘suicide’.
How do you expect us to believe an older middle-aged man could successfully hang himself in your little jail. This goes to show the level of humanity within your department. Are you willing to tell us which one of your ‘swine’ made the noose for him?
I call ‘BULLSHIT’ on that too!
I could go on, but I’m sure these fine folks at Fullerton’s Future as well as their commentors will have a lot more for you.
Welcome to your new position.
Remember, you are Chief of Police; not a Politician.
Cut the Bullshit!
Dr. Phil states: “I have met and spoken with you before at various council meetings and Saturday rallies for Kelly Thomas and you ARE a seemingly ‘nice guy’
Maybe this is the problem. Dan Hughes is TOO nice of a guy to deliver disciplinary action on his badged-thugs.
IMO-Hugh’s is the same as the rest of them. I really want to believe he isn’t however, my better judgement tells me he’s not.. The only word I can give to express my thoughts regarding the FPD is “Disgust” I’m asking ALL of them is to prove me wrong.. PLEASE, just prove me wrong..
Erin don’t even open your mouth….you could care less about this city……do this city a favor, go home (the rest of your comment Spunky has been sensored).
P.S. dont fuck with the Spunk!
What sort of education do you have Spunky which warrants such an attack Erin through her kid? You either have very low self esteem issues or you are very jealous of her in many ways. It is apparent either way. I do not know either of you but, I do agree with the majority that Erin is far better of a lady then you could ever be. You should be quite embarrassed as I’m sure many are because of your lack of self control. As the old saying goes, If you have nothing good to say, maybe you shouldn’t say anything at all.
Really??? Almost two days later and there is a need to stir this up again? It isn’t that the majority has spoken either way, it’s that the majority doesn’t want to get involved or keep fueling it. I’m directing this at anyone who is just now seeing all this and feels the need to comment. Please don’t.
Back the topic at hand…
Oh Christine Walker aka Spunky, your ass is mine BITCH!!!!!!
I can not believe that Christine Walker just said that to me on this blog. I have been nothing but a friend to her and because I chose not to respond to a voicemail of her complete bipolar craziness she treats me this way. Oh and btw Christine Walker, you are no better then the FPD, using conversations in confidence to intentionally hurt me.. Well, you have started a war and this war will not be continued on this blog.. May you rot in hell.. I refuse to join in your high school games…
Oh come on ladies play nice.
Why is the most recent ost on your link October 2011?
SAVE THE DATE – next council meeting, unless cancelled, should be February 7, 2012 – public comments time?
AND, true transparency would have Hughes being interviewed by FFFF and OCWeekly.
Personal attacks?! Taking it back to playground rules. As adults I would expect more out of you both. @Spunky&Erin
I agree WhiteRabbit.. I’m way to old to be playing on an elementary playground.. I suppose because I refuse to call her back is why she felt the need to take her ball and run home.. I apologize to everyone for my lack of control.. Screw with my son and the PITBULL comes out..
Erin, You saved face on this blog by giving an apology to everyone. I admire you for that. My only hope for you in the future is to be careful of people you give personal information to. Also, chose your friends more wisely. Spunky was never your friend and anyone who thinks she is their friend should rethink what a true friend means to them. If she did this to you, she will do it to the next. Her credibility is definitely in question.
Just trying to clean up my streets!
I say it how it is, sorry if the truth hurts!
I thought your comment was really nasty, uncalled for and completely out of the blue and to go after her kid like that is absolutely vile.
I don’t know the whole story but I’ve met both of you and you seemed like really nice women but jesus christ that level of bitterness is not needed here or in real life.
END IT NOW! PLEASE!
Come on gang lets stay focused. Put your petty differences aside and stay on the point. We have a lot of work to do. We have major problems to tackle in our city. All of you have contributed tremendously to the cause and that must continue. The momentum is building and the spin doctors and damage control operation is in overdrive. Lets get back to work.
I would like to take this time to invite Spunky and Erin on my show.
No thanks.. I’m over it.. I have apologized for my lack of control. I’m way better than this..
No you’re not.
Erin wins this one. I like how she admitted her own wrong doing. She’s a million times better person than the 3 blind mice.
Spunky, you owe Erin an appology!
Fullerton has a huge problem. The police chief (acting) cannot recognize that there is a culture of corruption. If he did, he would lose the confidence of the police union. He has to attempt to assuage the public while defending (in an overall way) his officers.
So lets look at Hughes’ record at Fullerton PD. He rose through the ranks over 20 + years in the department by “doing his job” and passing the tests! He probably went to college to obtain a public administration degree as well as criminal justice.
What Cpt Hughes has done is basically kept his mouth shut on anything that is controversial and is real good at assuaging his critics! Such a nice guy!
What Hughes will do is use the Gennaco report to make changes as they will not be attributed to him. That way he can smooth things over until he can make retirement which will be caused by the massive civil settlement that Fullerton taxpayers (who have no insurance) will be faced with. I will bet he learned from Sellers now how to take a disability pension by getting sick for a year. Mark Tuco’s words – it will happen again!
Only a culture of corruption would make ex Officer Ramos with 5 kids to feed at home, an officer Cicinelli who is drying out of his ‘roids while awaiting trial, to take the chance and beat someone to death over being homeless. They really really thought they would get away with it just like Rincon (who cost the city a $350,000 settlement). Captain Hughes was their commanding officer and his culture was that FPD beat cops could get away with most anything!
That sums it up pretty well.
Time to disband and contract with the OC Sheriff or maybe Trigger happy Anaheim?
The county has paid $375,000 to end a federal lawsuit alleging that sheriff’s deputies arrested the wrong man, ordered him to strip naked and beat him while taking pictures with their camera phones.
The deputies were actually looking for his brother, the lawsuit said.
While a federal jury sided with deputies for most of the allegations, it still cost a pretty penny. Here’s what happened:
The case brought by Jason Deats of Lake Forest begins with a traffic stop June 21, 2008 around 12:30 a.m.
After driving erratically, a man jumped out of a Honda Prelude and ran from deputies, according to the lawsuit. One deputy reported that he gave chase, but fell, injuring his ankle and tearing his bicep.
Inside the car, deputies found an indentification card with the name “Jason Deats.” The lawsuit said deputies went to Deats’ home, banged on his door and arrested him when he stepped outside. According to the suit, deputies told him they would “shoot him in the head if he didn’t shut up.”
His bail was set at $220,000, the suit said. Deats alleged that he was repeatedly slammed into concrete posts while being walked to his cell.
Deats was also taken into a small hallway at the jail and told to face the wall, disrobe and get on his knees, the lawsuit claimed. He was then punched and kicked by deputies, who said it was payback for their injured colleague, according to the lawsuit.
“The deputies took camera-phone photos of Jason kneeling and naked in order to send them to (the injured deputy) and to humiliate, punish, retaliate and exact revenge,” the suit said.
Deats was ultimately charged with evading arrest and driving under the influence, but was found factually innocent by an Orange County Superior Court judge, said the lawsuit. His younger brother came forward as the driver of the car.
The lawsuit went to a federal jury in Los Angeles, which concluded that deputies were liable on two of seven counts — using excessive force in the walk to his jail cell and maliciously causing Deats to be prosecuted by the Orange County District Attorney’s office.
Jurors apparently didn’t buy that he was stripped and beaten. They concluded that deputies did not threaten or commit violent acts toward Deats and did not act with malice or oppression to his rights.
Wow. Come on you two, geez. I consider you both to be good friends of mine and to read ^ that crap here is really disheartening. 🙁
On topic: Thanks 4F for picking that story apart, good calls on all counts. I tend to not read Fullerton Stories, and this article is a prime example of why.
Good point VW. I only read Hustler, barely legal, the Inquirer, aliens among us and FFFF.
No bueno.
is anyone planning to gather tomorrow as truthseeker suggested?
I was at a city Council meeting once when crazy Christine said that she was moving out of Fullerton what happened?
Still here, picking a ‘cat fight’ with Erin.
These two have both been key members of Kelly’s Army.
The one who initiated the confrontation above has never been a parent, therefore, has no business advising anyone on how to parent. (15 yard penalty, plus a fine for that infraction)
She also started a personal attack on this blog, which is not the place. (another 15 yards).
Those two need to get back on track, be on the same team and utilize their energy attacking city hall as they’ve done so well before.
Nice basic commentary Chief Hughes. I’ve seen that hundreds of times by police administrators, knowing full well what happened myself.
The good Chief failed to mention the scathing opinion handed down by a Federal Judge in the Rincon case.
How could you miss that one Hughes? MIGHT not be a good idea you call BS on a Federal Judge, JUST in case you run across him or one of his buddy’s on the bench. I know what your thinkin Chief.
Of course if a REAL news reporter was there, they wouldn’t have.
I noticed Hughes didn’t mention the FBI coming into the case from the get go. Usually they wait until the local folks have done their job before stepping in. FPD was the exception to the rule.
I also notice no one has given FPD a clean bill of health at this time. Hmm wonder why?
Why call for Gennacco early on when there is no cover up, other than a slight glitch in leadership?
Hughes has leaders in the ranks of FPD? REALLY where have they been all these years? Waiting in line to lead as the next corrupt official retires?
Thanks Chief for mentioning the blog. I take that as a compliment as that tells me YOU and your subordinates read it often.
Why would you if it’s all false? I would LOVE to have you tell me I don’t know what I am talking about.
If RI turns out to be Sellers or someone in your command staff, YOUR credibility, if you have any just slid back down into the toilet.
Yes Chief, choose a couple a reporters who have NO CLUE on LE issues or the system, paint your picture and not face the tuff questions.
And why would anyone show up at the City Council meeting and have to deal with the 3 Amigos to?
Buzzzz, your 3 minutes are up sit down, OR would you please shut up.
Bottom line Chief, you knew and saw the screw up as you came up through the ranks. Maybe the Thomas family attorney can help draw that picture for you with a CRAYON!!!
Now you paint a picture that KINDA talks smack about the other leaders, but not so much so YOU get into any political hot water.
Let’s face it Hughes, YOU all have dirt on each other like any political system, and your not going to shovel any of it unless you come under fire.
Or will you just retire like Sellers? Your close to retirement yourself.
So are you going to roll the dice?
Let’s face it Hughes, FFFF and others who are pissed weren’t hanging around when Sellers and McKinley were having their fun.
It takes 6 months to show transperancy and all we get is a story many of us have heard before.
I REALLY like you ACU. Thanks for sharing your insight and experience here.
“I noticed Hughes didn’t mention the FBI coming into the case from the get go. Usually they wait until the local folks have done their job before stepping in. FPD was the exception to the rule.
I also notice no one has given FPD a clean bill of health at this time. Hmm wonder why?
Why call for Gennacco early on when there is no cover up, other than a slight glitch in leadership?”
Not the same Gennaco who Rusty Kennedy CEO of the Orange County Human Relations highly recommended to Pat McKinley, the colleague of ex-Fullerton police chief Pat McKinley, now Fullerton city council member?
delete ex-Fullerton police chief Pat McKinley
Awesome Post and Comments.
So far Kryptonite for the Sniffers. I dont think I could spin this one easily, either.
Everything uttered by that clown was lies, half-truths, evasions, and misdirection. Shameful.
Hughes may think he can bluff his way through this with this disingenuous bull crap but he is wrong. Sooner or later he’s going to be confronted with hard, specific questions by someone who knows how to do a real interview. Then his “nice guy” persona will melt like an ice cube in the Sahara.
Ha! yes, my thoughts exactly.
Forgot to add Chief, TOURS of the police department, and all items related to that.
Thats a LAME dog and pony show with all that has happened.
Why don’t you just sit your butt down out front of your station and pass out candy during Holloween,that would impress me.
Dan Hughes is not one of us. Admit it. Embrace it. Dan Hughes is an alien. Chief McPension told me so.
“DA PLANE DA PLANE!!!” -Midget from Fantasy Island TV show 1977.
Really SAD!
The midget with Mr. Rourke (Ricardo Montalban) was Herve Villechaize and I met him several times. He had a nasty mouth, not unlike Tuco!
“If somebody says there is a culture of corruption, they’re either lying, they have other motives or they are grossly misinformed.” Those are the words of acting Police Chief Dan Hughes while defending the Fullerton police department after it has faced six months of attacks from protesters and bloggers.”
WTH? WTH? Geezus, what a twisted politically correct coplicker.
So Hughes thinks making public statements by Goodrich, that cops bones were broken due to a fight with the homeless guy, 6 nazi’s going apeshit on Kelly with knees, tasers and fists, the keeping quiet of the events by all of FPD and the none existent burglary of cars phone call was not corruption?
Neither was the Rincon molestation of women, or the false arrest of Mam? or the “murder” that they call suicide by Mater, or the countless other things/false arrests that are known and the ones not known about yet, but eventually will be exposed-it looks corrupt to me.
Even the George Bushala incident looks corrupt to me.
These were all just unethical decisions?
really?
So Hughes has been in the FPD since he was 18 years old and I expect to see a similar bio of Hamilton.
Here are some of my thoughts about the two, they were both passed over when McKinley retired and the city hired an outsider to be their new boss.
Have these two colluded, connived, and plotted to sink their new boss.
I suspect Sellers was manipulated, by his own volition, by being the new chief with the need to put his full trust in these two. Unfortunately, these two did not have the best interest of Sellers success in their plot.
Sellers knew when he put his hand in the air in Fullerton that he was not here in Fullertons interest but his own best interest, to retire on a medical at first opportunity.
The Kelly Thomas incident presented Sellers with the ideal ingredient to finalize his plan.
Sellers was a willing victim of ostracism and he could always claim that he was grooming a successor in case of his untimely demise, which he had preplanned.
Sellers is the best candidate for civil rights abuse charges by the Feds. He will squeal like a pig to save his own ass, he has all to lose for any proof of participation in sort of or portion of a cover-up.
“From being 18 and fresh out of high school to now holding the highest position in the police department”…..nuf said. They are as thick as thieves and have been ever since he was 18, and before.
what is up with Sellers, did he get another extension of “sicko leave”? anyone know?
Say what? Hughes witnessed the video 400 times? What could be the purpose of making such a comical statement?
The instigation and beat down was at least 15 minutes long. Is Hughes saying he spent 100 hours watching that? I sure hope not. That’s equivalent to two and a half weeks’ working time.
Maybe he watched it on O/T.
400? That was a “wee bit” of an exaggeration that FullertonStories should have clamped onto and encouraged clarification by the great “Fullerton rebuilder of community trust” He sounds like another McKinley to me-by quotes like this
But Hughes stands by his officers. “They are absolutely dedicated to serving this community in an ethical manner, and that’s what I’m committed to ensuring they’re doing,” he said. “We have a lot of leaders in our police department, and we’re excited about the opportunities and challenges we have before us. We’re going to come out a better police department.”
I’ll say it again, Fullerton PD is rotten to the core, make no mistake Hughes is and has always been a part of that core just like his predecessor Hamilton.
At least dirtbags like Goodrich and Dick Jones let you know where they’re coming from but dirtbags like Quirk-Silva, Hughes and McKinley sweet talk you while screwing you over.
Merijoe…..Mr. Hughes has told me personally that he watched it about 400 times, seriously he said that…Of course I made the comment to my boyfreind standing there—DAN HUGHES…watches snuff films…ok corruption no-but snuff films-yes.
I love you, Joe. Will you marry me?
“This is a prime example of how we can respect each others opinions,” Hughes explained. “It’s something that’s been very beneficial, to sit down with the protestors [sic] and have a dialogue and admit to them when we have blown it.”
OK, what if someone holds an opinion based on evidence that a culture of corruption exists within FPD?
“If somebody says there is a culture of corruption, they’re either lying, they have other motives or they are grossly misinformed.”
Our Great Leader would say, “you don’t know what you’re talking about”.
For some reason this post makes me so upset its hard to read all the way through. In responce to Mr.Hughes statement that ” You are either lying or grossly uniformed, I would say the same back to Mr. Hughes, who by the way was the acting capt. the night of July 5th.From the street level alone over the past several years I have witnessed gross police behavior and detainment without cause and humiliation many times. Things have changed very much recently since July. The familiar younger rookie types that worked nights seem to be replaced by more seasoned tenured police who won’t initiate where there hasn’t been provication. Its hard to say though if the attitudes have changed.It might be the department could just be trying to take careful
precautions when dealing with the public because of recent events.
Hughes wouldn’t be chief right now if there wasn’t widespread problems within the department. Sellers would still be running the show. Even Hamilton only lasted a few months.
There’s a reason we’re on our 3rd police chief in five months.
You better believe it.
A high turnover is an indicator of bad staff management. There must be some fierce moral issues.
acountability is the only way to clean up the department. A police oversight commitie that would allow the community to see inside the department is the only way to insure reform. This has been implimented in Los Angeles since the days of Rampart division &
Rodney King , Daryl Gates, etc.
Fullerton Stories is a joke. They are just a mouthpiece for the status quo.Try leaving a comment. You go through their whole process of verifying yourself and if they don’t like your comment, they don’t post it. I have tried leaving a comment or two questioning some of their positions, yet not one of them has ever been posted.
I don’t trust Hughes one bit. He will face an uphill battle if he thinks he can get anyone on FFFF to trust him. He probably donated funds, so Ramos could be bailed out. I asked him if he did, and he didn’t respond. A leader, I think not. More like a Union cop.
I implore those who were of the opinion “Give Hughes a chance” when first appointed police chief to share their views on him now in wake of his coments in the above post.
See my post early on. I was one who said give Hughes a chance. Now I’m saying have an FFFFer or two interview him with real questions; hard, inconvient and otherwise.
I’m with you Sherbear. If Dan Hughes is to ever be believed, I would suggest to him that he sit down to a round table type of discussion with a couple of FFFF bloggers such as Joe Sipowicz, Admin, Fullerton Shadow, Merijoe, etc..and for starters address all of the questions that Joe raises here in this post, as well as a few other well thought out questions that could even be drafted in advance by the FFFF readers.
I guess what I’m saying is that from what I’m reading, I haven’t seen that Dan Hughes has ever been requested to be interviewed by FFFF and has denied them an interview, so I’ve always figured if you don’t ask you don’t get, and I’m not prepared to condemn a guy when no one’s even bothered to personally talk with him. At least give him the opportunity to say no to an interview with FFFF before you bury him with criticism.
I very much agree with you, too, Fullerton Lover. I want to hear as many sides as possible before casting someone out. It doesn’t help anyone or anything when minds are made up going in. If you want to find dirt, keep your head in the downward position. You’ll easily find it but you risk missing everything else.
If suggestions are being made, I think Tony, Chris, Travis and the author of this entry would get my vote to do an interview with Dan. How about it, gentlemen?
Now if the FBI and Gennacco had completed their investigation and gave ANY official comment and a clean bill of health to FPD, Hughes would be waiving those reports for all to see, saying, “see I told you people”.
The reason we haven’t see anything is because THERE is something, and the ones holding the bad news won’t be the first ones to release it, BECAUSE it might very well TAINT the criminal case that is pending. And not in a good way.
That I understand, and would respect as ANYONE is entitled to a fair trial.
I bet it’s upon mutual agreement between the DA,FBI, and Gennacco.
If it was good report, and there was NO EVIDENCE of a cover up or serious internal problems, the FBI and Gennacco would of given their reports by now giving an A+ grade to FPD.
It doesn’t take 6 months to unfound complaints of malfeasance within a department if there ISN’T any. It does take 6 months or longer when the MORE you DIG, the more trash you find.
I am sure Gennacco and the FBI have plenty of other work to do, and other cases to handle.
So the bottom line in any cop work is, let’s clear this case and move on, if there isn’t anything, then say so.
I haven’t heard Hughes or anyone else tell his favorite news reporters he is CONFIDENT the outside investigations will clear FPD of any misconduct.
I also didn’t hear the DA giving any KUDOS to FPD during his news conferance.
WE should remember the recent scandal at LASD, when Sheriff Baca announced to the world that the FBI is violating his Deputies rights when they attempt to do a sting on one of them.
A week later Baca is admitting THERE might be some problems.
Well I talked with one of my LASD friends last night, there are some SERIOUS problems within.
Baca who has been asleep at the wheel for awhile playing politician with his friends, while Undersheriff is running the show.
Baca is scurrying around trying to cover his ass by going back as far as 5 years, reopening investigations that were NEVER completed based on others orders, an attempting to discipline Sergeant and Lieutenants.
Attempting to discipline ANY cop for something that far back when they were following orders in the first place is a CLEAR violation of the “Peace Officers Bill of Rights”.
I expect those disciplines to be vigorously challenged by the Deputies respective unions. They will win their cases.
Baca don’t care about the law he violates if it comes to his saving face.
But the problems at LASD are clearly high level management problems that have festured into a serious problem that can’t be change easily.
But Baca will bullshit the public while he scrambles to cover his OLD ass, so the FBI and DOJ don’t take too big a bite out of it.
So Hughes, you can continue to give the public your germane version of transperancy if you wish, but old folks who have been around the blog more than you have, will remind you, YOU are full of it.
Transperancy is a timely issue, actions taken leave little doubt your taking care of business, so much so Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder can see it.
What did you do with the other Reality Is, from last night?
Well said up until the last sentence. What do you mean past FEW negatives and FEW bad apples?
The percentage of criminals within the FPD FAR exceed the percentage of criminals within the citizenry of Fullerton. Yes, there are other BAD police departments and like ACU (and you) cited above, the Sheriffs departments can’t be trusted either. With that said, your last statement “FFFF needs to start seeing the positives as well and stop focusing solely on the past few negatives or the few bad apples that are now or will be long gone” slipped right out of your ass-hat.
“The percentage of criminals within the FPD FAR exceed the percentage of criminals within the citizenry of Fullerton”
Well, you know, I think you’re on to something there.
Fullerton usually has about 1 murder per 100,000 population per year. FPD pop.145-130ish
#100 by Lifesaving Service on January 28, 2012
police brutality (UrbanDictionary)
When police use excessive or otherwise unwarranted force against an often (but not always) innocent person. The victims are usually blacks, Muslims, and/or students. Often times the police department will investigate (oftentimes part of a cover-up) just enough to say they did with no real effort to punish the officers involved,letting them off with a reprimand or a months suspension for what would be a felony for the rest of us. If the officers involved are prosecuted the prosecutors will usually conduct just enough of a prosecution to say the officers were prosecuted or the officers friends in the department will hamper the prosecution, which often relies on the police department for evidence.
In an act of police brutality the UCLA campus police tazed a Muslim student as he lay helplessly paralyzed and handcuffed on the ground, because he refused to stand up. They said there actions were necessary to protect the safety of UCLA students.
Police Brutality
This is when police hurt an innocent person for no reason at all.
In December 17, 1997 two police officers killed a black motorist. The 31 year old Johnny Gammage died of compression to the neck or chest as the police officers pushed him face down on the pavement of the highway. The police did this for no reason at all. And of course they did this to him intentionally because this happened at night when no one else was around. Plus those officers walked off free. Yes if you didnt know the story that you just read is TRUE!
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=police%20brutality
Thank you for that.
When I’m not on to something, I’m certainly ON something. fyi
bs anybody can be had. put some tards on the street. see what happens
Hi douchebag, where you been? Out hunting for that “proof” of those “lies” “everyone” knows about?
RI you out of touch shill,
The holocaust was in the past too, but no one has forgotten that as it’s not to be repeated-same in Fullerton and the FPD
And, they take Tony and FFFF very seriously or none of the changes, small as they are, would have taken place so far. A journey or 10,000 miles begins with a step.
A recall starts with 10,500 sigs. We have over 17,500. Suck on that!
Each, Ha!
I take Tony Bushala and the FFFF seriously, the editor of the FullertonStories and the Fullerton Observer refuse to ask the hard questions; if there are ulterior motives to defame the Fullerton PD, why has the city of fullerton settled out of court with the victims of fullerton PD civil rights abuses?
Hey ACU,
Was wondering if you have ever spoken or will speak at a Fullerton council meeting?
If not yet, you NEED to do so…
He wouldn’t, three minutes would not do it, and he has a greater role.
Hmm, that sounds very promising indeed.
Dammit, I demand to know what Reality Is, is.
He is the ephemeral ghost of FFFF
you’d poop if you knew who it was…..
O.k., who is it?
jane I will tell you next time I see you..promise!
No, I would NOT “poop if you knew who it was.” Nothing would surprise me anymore. I usually expect the very worst news these days, (but hope for the best). I already “poop” every day as I learn MORE and MORE about the nefarious, evil, corrupt doings of our “leaders” and “public servants.” I no longer have “stars in my eyes” about any of them. For the most part, they are arrogant liars and consider themselves to be “untouchable.” We’ll see about that. Karma is a bitch.
It is perfectly clear to me that this “Acting Chief” is in total denial and has neither the ability nor the will to fix FPD. You read it. He’s been part of the broken machine since age 18. He’s the one who was supposed to be in charge of the killers.
And since the useless Wonder Joe put him in charge, that tells you everything you need to know about him. He’s been here 25 years+, too.
I thought about it, but I have never cared for the 3 minute rule.
No one can talk about all this in 3 minutes.
I have watched the youtubes you folks have supplied here on FFFF, I have to say NO THANKS to talking with the 3 Amigos.
They haven’t listened to anyone thus far, I don’t think they would listen to me either. I bet all of us would get frustrated real quick, LOL!!!!
I have thought about coming to a rally though, to hang in the shadows and watch FPD.
So a dead guy murdered by the FPD is not a cause for worry and the lying fatass Goodrich is not a cause for worry… The FPD have been lying since the murder and the fix is in to promote the liar to the people…… screw Hughes, he is the enemy. POS new chief calls people liars…… I bet he saw the video and is implicated.
Reality Is….. plays in the toilet with a spoon after some yogurt….. Stirs up crap.
Any benefit of the doubt lasted about half a second, after I found out he was in charge of the Uniform Division. I know him from a excessive force incident a long long time ago. He or I were not involved. Ive been meaning to watch The Onion Field movie.
#4 by Vernon Dozier on December 21, 2011
Dan Hughes’ involvement with the Kelly Thomas backlash is rather ironic. He’s acted the same way himself, to a judge no less.
http://articles.latimes.com/1992-12-09/local/me-1679_1_judge-drops-charge-against-detective
#73 by Lifesaving Service on January 27, 2012
Any benefit of the doubt lasted about half a second, after I found out he was in charge of the Uniform Division. I know him from a excessive force incident a long long time ago. He or I were not involved. Ive been meaning to watch The Onion Field movie.
#4 by Vernon Dozier on December 21, 2011
Dan Hughes’ involvement with the Kelly Thomas backlash is rather ironic. He’s acted the same way himself, to a judge no less.
http://articles.latimes.com/1992-12-09/local/me-1679_1_judge-drops-charge-against-detective
oops I tried.
I will repeat myself. Those who feel Cpt Hughes is a refreshing sign from City Council and City Manager Felz that the FPD is now a finer, more trustworthy organization, are sorely misled! No matter how much smooth talking an individual is, to think a member of the culture of corruption who looked the other way for his entire career will suddenly change and clean up the mess is ludicrous! Its just another smooth talker covering up for the same bad apples! Sgt. Good lie did not lie well enough so he is being pushed into the background (with same pay and benefits) and the Lt. and Cpt and now Acting chief will be the new smoother talkers and it will solve all of FPD problems. Get Real!
But Hughes admitted there is still “lots of work to be done” in the area of restoring public confidence in the department. “We’ve done a very poor job in my opinion on being able to communicate to our community why we do what we do. We have to build that trust and relationship again,” Hughes said.
When you look at Hughes other statement where he says “we have leaders” within FPD you have to scratch your head on that one alone.
I think this is an addmission of what is to come at least in the Gennacco report. It sounds a little bit along the lines of what Baca says a week after the FBI started playing around in his department.
Again it’s only taken 6 months for some of that fine leadership to step up to the plate and this is what we see.
What does this quote mean, other than believe me BECAUSE I say so.
“Hughes paused. “When you look at those steps that were taken in a period of 15 minutes, I ask what of any of that would indicate that we were trying to conceal any information?”
Hughes does not mention ANYTHING that could have happened BEFORE that 15 minutes.
I have been to many critical incidents in my day and saw first hand what was happening LONG before the captain was called by the watch commander. PLENTY OF TIME to make things look good before the boss arrives. OR TRY!!
This to is funny!
Some of the ways he plans to accomplish that include giving tours of the department, holding community meetings and stepping up the citizens’ academy and ride-along programs.
Hughes REALLY, how is giving tours of your police department going to help people like FPD more? Is the public going to be impressed with your clean break room or what? How about the gym you have? Well maybe you don’t have one of those.
Ride along programs? Citizen academy? Who are the citizens going to ride with? One of your poster boys or girls.
Citizen academy. Who will teach that? Sergeant Andy or Reality Is?
Community meetings, ONLY if YOU, not your spokeshole attend, and YOU answer the tuff questions.
When you start answering those question without saying, “I can’t answer that because of employee confidentiality, there is an ongoing investigation”, will you be believed at the end of the day.
Here is the problem in all you say. NO MATTER what happens and has happened in the past YOU and the others in the command staff did not and would NOT break ranks and talk “out of school” when many of these other issues were taking place.
Specifically the Rincon case. YOUR department downplayed the entire issue and the Federal Judges scathing legal opinion proves that.
That is a MAJOR red flag to those of us who know. And YOU ignored all of that in your interview with your reporter pals.
Did they come to you, or did you go to them?
Here is why there is a solid basis for not believing ANYTHING you say Chief.
The Rincon case for starters, from start to finish.
Now the demotion of the detective for serious misconduct that lead to that demotion.
You put him in the jail because he is a Brady cop because he can’t be running loose on the street.
What happens then, someone dies. That detective, now jailer destroys the audio that is on his belt recorder that might have shown there was misconduct that took place prior to the inmates death.
COPS don’t destroy audio evidence if they DID NOTHING wrong. THEY give it to you and say, I DID NOTHING wrong listen to this.
After all the problems and mistakes, someone finally fires them and YOU want everyone to believe YOUR taking care of business.
FPD didn’t have any choice but to fire them. It was time to dump the garbage. But that didn’t prevent YOU or someone above you from attempting to cut these guys some slack and keep them on board despite the serious misconduct in the first place.
So the first act of misconduct by these two individuals and their eventual terminations is what throws a cloud over FPD’s head.
DON’T insult everyone intelligence by attempting to paint the picture that by your terminating these guys shows FPD is above board.
Someone tried cover for them AFTER their misdeeds and their continuing BAD conduct bit you in the butt.
I could be wrong, but I think the hopefully large group of court watcher in the upcoming trial of Ramos and Cincinelli is going to paint a bigger picture of what goes on within FPD.
The second phase of transperancy is going to REST upon the shoulders of the DA.
I know for a fact the defense attorney’s will do their very best to keep additional dirty laundry out of the picture.
““If somebody says there is a culture of corruption, they’re either lying, they have other motives or they are grossly misinformed.” Those are the words of acting Police Chief Dan Hughes”
Is that so, Captain Hughes?
So, the tolerance of officers’ molestation of women detainees, perjury, false arrest, theft, drug addiction, excessive force, highly suspicious jail suicide evidenced by officers’ lack of evidenced as in smashed video recording device and the murder of a disabled homeless man all committed by fullerton police officers, and the city of fullerton with quiet increasing frequency, monetarily settled out of court with many of fullerton police officers’ victims has no bearing on why so many people accuse a long history of corruption within the Fullerton Police Department ?
No mystery there. If they go to court, the REAL dirty laundry gets aired.
Things the FPD don’t want on public record or laying in a Court’s opinion much like the Rincon case.
Of course some in the City will tell you they settled because it would be cheaper at the end of the day, cost effective strategy in their minds.
If you want to see more red flags, go find out how many lawsuits have been filed with the courts against the City or FPD.
Go see who ever is handling risk management for the city and ask how many claims for damage are pending.
Since they will be spending YOUR tax dollars to deal with these claims, I see no privacy issues they could site.
Clearly a matter of “public interest”.
But if you hit another “road block”, that is just another red flag for no transperancy.
I would hold my breath on that.
Hughes is no Daryl Gates or Sheriff Joe Arpaho who loves a good challenge in front of media.
Hughes doesn’t have the background of either, because compared to Gates and Arpaho, Hughes battles have been simple skirmishes.
Hughes is no warrior for the cause. He might be seeking the advise of a true WARRIOR at this time for the upcoming battles to be fought.
Sorry should have said, DON’T hold your breath.
No worries, I speak fluent Typonese and I read it well. lol I I read that as “I wouldn’t hold my breath…” and never realized anything different till you pointed it out.
I made a suggestion re an interview as a reply to another comment above and was going to repeat the suggestion as its own comment below.
Chief Welter of Anahiem PD thought that fullerton police where the prime suspects in the recent homeless slayings? Is this for real? “The FPD is our prime suspect”. http://s13.postimage.org/zegsk2zev/Ramos.png
Is Mr. Sellers still in hiding?Reporters allegedly arrived to ask for comment on FPD being prime suspects in the recent homeless slayings . The responce… “How did you find me here?”
http://s18.postimage.org/xx3nkso3d/sellers.png
please disregard the links, I looked closer and discovered this whole blog is just for comical value.
If suggestions are being made re who would be good candidates for an interview with Dan Hughes, my vote goes for Tony, Chris, Travis and the author of this blog entry. How about it, gentlemen? I’m suggesting all of you together.
Speaking of Anaheim, my wife told me yesterday that some high ranking official in Anaheim is under fire for “fixing a ticket”.
She said she read it in our local paper. I could not find the article on line. I don’t get the local paper physically.
I looked in the OC register and could not find it either.
Bottom line it appears according to my wife that the City of Anaheim is taking immediate action against the police official who fixed the ticket.
ANYONE heard of about this?
Not sure about Anaheim, but San Fernando is embroiled in a city scandal right now that rivals Fullerton. It’s a real carnival involving the police department, police officer’s association and city hall. The most recent incident involves the interim police chief fixing a ticket for a fellow who works for a congressman. The video is a little dry and the music is annoying, but here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynzqyyj6ew4
http://www.dailynews.com/lifestyle/ci_19830735
Chris, Travis, whoever, WHY does Jan 28 comments appear above Jan 27 on this website.
What program are you running or what am I missing? PLEASE tell us.
I think a lot of comments might be missed by this.
It will glitch occasionally but rarely here. I caught it with my last reply. Thanks for mentioning it, I’m sure Travis will be on it once he’s aware or it.
Possibly a glitch.
Thank you for the thankless job of dissecting this rubbish. It’s amazing what nonsense passes for communication these days.
I suppose that accounts for the reason that a goon like Goodrich can get a high paying job peddling bullshit.
Government is the worst offender.
police brutality (UrbanDictionary)
When police use excessive or otherwise unwarranted force against an often (but not always) innocent person. The victims are usually blacks, Muslims, and/or students. Often times the police department will investigate (oftentimes part of a cover-up) just enough to say they did with no real effort to punish the officers involved,letting them off with a reprimand or a months suspension for what would be a felony for the rest of us. If the officers involved are prosecuted the prosecutors will usually conduct just enough of a prosecution to say the officers were prosecuted or the officers friends in the department will hamper the prosecution, which often relies on the police department for evidence.
In an act of police brutality the UCLA campus police tazed a Muslim student as he lay helplessly paralyzed and handcuffed on the ground, because he refused to stand up. They said there actions were necessary to protect the safety of UCLA students.
Police Brutality
This is when police hurt an innocent person for no reason at all.
In December 17, 1997 two police officers killed a black motorist. The 31 year old Johnny Gammage died of compression to the neck or chest as the police officers pushed him face down on the pavement of the highway. The police did this for no reason at all. And of course they did this to him intentionally because this happened at night when no one else was around. Plus those officers walked off free. Yes if you didnt know the story that you just read is TRUE!
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=police%20brutality
An Officer was being taken into custody in Santa Maria last night while he was working at a traffic stop. The Police Chief whose name is NOT Hughes, said the officer was involved in an underage sexual relationship. Unfortunately for the police officer, he was not working in Fullerton because when he went for his gun he was shot by his own policemen. Only one shot required The 4 year officer has been terminated and is now spending time with the coroner!
If he was a Fullerton officer, he would be still out on the streets 6 months after incident being reported and not terminated until he cost the city millions in civil settlements. And yes Chief Hughes was there as a Captain while Rincon was touching women “who are not like you!”
I suggest Fullerton exchange officers with Santa Maria. They know how to take care of sexual predators!
OC Investigator/Pedophile Gerald Stenger comes to mind.
That’s is Paul, THANK YOU and my apology to Anaheim PD for my missinformation.
Published: Jan. 26, 2012 Updated: Jan. 28, 2012 10:13 p.m.
Fullerton’s image is on the mend
“It is apparent that we have failed in some segments of the community,” said Capt. Dan Hughes, a 28-year veteran of the Fullerton force who now leads it, while providing journalists a behind-the-counter look at police headquarters. “Part of that (restoring trust) begins with what we are doing right now. … In terms of how we move forward, that is my responsibility, and I should be held accountable.”
http://www.ocregister.com/news/fullerton-337639-city-police.html
I posted the above article. Do you think Dan Hughes might be responding to the critics?
send the whole FPD to mars!
LOL “is a far better of a lady” You obviously do not know them. lol lol lol lol!!!