The New FPD. Send in More Troops

Apparently Dan Hughes and Sharon Quirk’s “reformed” FPD learned one lesson from the Kelly Thomas murder perpetrated by members of the force last summer. Don’t de-escalate, instead just send in more boys!

Our roving correspondent “streets of fullerton” sent in a story complete with pics from an incident on Harbor Boulevard, last night at 10:30. Here’s how it began: one garden-variety, Manny Ramos-body type FPD cop lecturing a homeless dude.

When he returned to the scene a bit later, our correspondent noticed half the night shift was there to weigh in. Our witness seems to think there may have been a physical altercation of some sort.

Well maybe this strategy is an improvement. Apparently the homeless guy left the scene in a cop car, alive. What his offense was and why he was confronted in the first place is still unknown.

Perhaps we should call Rusty Kennedy’s Human Relations Commission so he can tell us all about it. Here’s Rusty’s number: 714/567-7470.

89 Replies to “The New FPD. Send in More Troops”

  1. Rusty Kennedy said his delayed inaction on the kelly thomas beating death by his hometown’s police department was due to him being on vacation. It wan’t until after international and national media threw the battered to a pulp face of Kelly Thomas on our televisions, youtube and newspapers did it seem Rusty was aware his colleague on the Orange County Human Relations Commission, retired Fullerton police chief Pat Mckinley’s boys had murdered a homeless man and returned to the streets the next day as “peace” officers.
    Concerned persons may want to contact Rusty on this matter, but even if he is in town, I wonder when it comes to FPD abusing the civil rights of our community, Rusty may still be on vacation.
    Just my opinion

  2. Rusty Kennedy is worthless as milk glands on a bull. Apparently he doesn’t consider police abuse as a ‘human relations’ problem. Have you ever heard one comment from his office that condemned police abuse in Orange County? Don’t hold your breath. He’s a paid establishment hack. He’s a human relations director who carries the water for the abusers. Go figure.

      1. Pig Epidemic :
        There’s a police abuse problem all over the country you moron.

        Help me out here, I am missing your point. According to you it is happening all over the country, is the entire country supposed to just ignore it? or is one person/website supposed to handle the entire country? Honest question.

        And why is FL a moron? another honest question

        1. “Why is FL a moron?”

          That’s an impolite question. We don’t need to know how it happened.

        2. That was in response to a Reality Is post that was later deleted. FL is not a moron at all!! And it IS happening all over the country, and that is why we’re trying to change things here.

      2. Maybe because it’s not a problem? Duh.

        You will always have police force investigations and assumptions by the public. They are licensed to use force.  That will never go away. Isolated force incidents that end up with investigations or criminal filings doesn’t mean there is a police abuse problem in the OC.

        OC does not have a police abuse problem as much as you want there to be one, so you will never hear a city or county leader say there.

    1. from the Orange County Human Relations Commission website “By 1977, OC Human Relations had successfully facilitated discussions between youth and Anaheim and Fullerton Police Departments after several violent incidents, and 1978 presented the first trainings for Orange County Sheriff’s Academy recruits on ethnic and race relations. Since then literally thousands of recruits have received Cultural Competency training.

      In the 1980s, OC Human Relations found common ground with the Orange County Police Chiefs and Sheriff and community groups in the effort to fight bias-related crime known as “hate crime.” In 1990, the organization worked with police and community members to develop protocols for responding to and reporting hate crimes.”
      Maybe it is just me, but from reading the OCHRC website, I thought the executive director, Rusty Kennedy, would want to be notifed even when on vacation when the Fullerton Police Department beat a man to death because he was a homeless, disabled man.

  3. I think I count no less than 7 squad cars to deal with one individual two blocks from the FPD.

    Does anyone out there honestly think that we need this many officers to respond to a homeless man?

    Does it not appear that we employ w-a-a-a-a-a-ay too many police officers for a simple bedroom community?

    It seems that the Police department is in need of some serious manpower reduction, and we need to start archiving these pictures with bloated responses to show our city council how and where are $40,000,000.00 annual police budget is going to.

    This blog post has also inspired me to recycle any and every digital camera that I have laying around, by giving them to the homeless near Kelly’s memorial downtown and near the Hunt library.

    My hope is that they can arm themselves against the abuse and oppression that they face daily from the FPD.

  4. Fullerton Cops should be filmed at all times IMO. Then the videos can be archived on Fullerton Cop Watch Youtube channel.

    1. Sharon doesn’t have a Council Majority behind her, so even as Mayor she could not have “reformed the FPD.” I don’t mind your being an idiot, but try not to be a liar.

      1. B-b-but I read her “statement” on your blog. See, I can read even if you can’t. So what are you, an idiot or a liar?

    1. Ramos’ attorney John Barnett, who also stood in for Cicinelli’s lawyer, requested the continuance Tuesday and said after the less than five-minute hearing the defense needs more time to review the transcripts from the preliminary hearing “to allow us to prepare for a motion to dismiss.”

      Superior Court Judge Craig Robison granted the continuance.

      Kelly’s father, Ron Thomas, appealed to the judge to keep the case moving along.

      “As a voice for my son … I ask on his behalf to not allow a delay,” Thomas said.

  5. Seems like way toooooo many officers for a crime…or was there one (a crime)?????

    Also, between 8pm and 9pm…off of Malvern between Basque and Bastanchury there was at least 7 police cars (including a truck and a cycle). and a neighbor told me they heard a helicopter at one point in time as well. They appeared to be blocking or getting ready to block East and West of Malvern. Does anybody know what that was for,,,it seems a bit of over kill in numbers of police as well, unless there was some major crime going on!

    1. “Seems like way toooooo many officers for a crime…or was there one (a crime)????? ”

      That has long been the FPD’s mantra, why send 2 units when 18 will work just fine.

      1. Good Point but cops would rather have 18 than 2 on every call.

        Usually only 2 available but if 18 available send em all.

        That will never change. That’s the on scene supervisors job. Once code 4, start clearing units. If 18 on scene they should be needed. Otherwise go patrol toker town or respond on the residents transient calls.

        1. Reality Is makes a good point. We have too many police officers on staff for a bedroom community.

          Leads to overkill… literally and figuratively.

    2. You do know that OC Fire Authority helicopters fly in and out of Fullertton Airport — that their approach goes right over that area. I know, I used to live near Carhart & Bastanchury.

    3. I was just watching the news this morning, and they had a story about how the OC Fire Authority helicopters have been training at night over at nearby Irvine Lake.

      Seems that they’re learning how to use night vision goggles so that they’ll be able to continue making water drops in order to fight fires once the sun goes down.

      Up until now the fire fighters in Orange County had to go it alone at night because the helicopters would be grounded once the sun sets.

  6. Dear Admin: You don’t know what occurred, you don’t know why the ‘homeless’ man was questioned. This is simply a provacative posting meant to keep stirring the pot. I certainly do not have a problem with your recall or the three old farts, but this is really just playing to your base. I also don’t have a problem with you buying the recall with your $175,000 (?) in contributions to the cause. Public employee unions, Chamber of Commerce, and outside interests like developers buy the loyalty of council members all the time. This is local politics, this is state politics, this is national politics — This is the way America dysfunctionally limps along.

    1. So what your problem? Why did it take seven cop cars to haul of one homeless guy on a bike?

    2. Disclaimer: I am not trying to pick on you personally so don’t take it that way. There are people who say this but I am just replying to yours as it is recent. I apologize.

      very long time fullerton resident :
      This is simply a provacative posting meant to keep stirring the pot. I certainly do not have a problem with your recall or the three old farts, but this is really just playing to your base.

      Let’s make something clear here, if this city DID NOT have police brutality problems including sexual assault and death of Kelly Thomas, illegal water tax, the city council majority acting like fools, (FFFF has many quotes/videos from the three recalled saying stuff like certain women is ok to sexual assault, people have received worse beatings than Kelly Thomas and lived, sleeping in council meetings, etc.) and such.

      If these things did not happen, this site would be invisible to most or atleast visible to those that know FFFF. But I bet you, this site is more famous now than it was before Kelly Thomas died. People(including myself) came here looking for answers the city weren’t giving, but they should have. That would have quelled many pissed off people including me. So who is provoking who here? Who made the pot to be stirred?

      MY POINT IS THE PEOPLE HERE ARE NOT THE BAD GUYS. I think we can say that as citizens of Fullerton, we are victims just based on the illegal water tax and what they did with that money. Now, why should we feel bad or be thought as bad trying to fix it? Man, let’s wake up and get real to those that stuck it to us.

      very long time fullerton resident :
      I also don’t have a problem with you buying the recall with your $175,000 (?) in contributions to the cause. Public employee unions, Chamber of Commerce, and outside interests like developers buy the loyalty of council members all the time. This is local politics, this is state politics, this is national politics — This is the way America dysfunctionally limps along.

      I already said something about Tony paying the recall and the respect that people(myself included) have for doing so but I am so sick and tired of hearing that Tony paying for the recall is bad because he is doing it for his own profit and getting his people in the council. I think any rich person will tell you that you are a FUCKING IDIOT if you think you are going to control the city council by paying for a recall. In this case, what? Is all the candidates in the recall election in Tony’s pocket? That would be the only way to guarantee control of the city council. Anything less is a waste of money for a recall if you really are trying to buy it. Come on think about it,
      1) you think all the candidates are in Tony’s pocket and how hard/easy that is? 2) If you had the money to burn, would you pay for a recall, trying to buy a city?
      Here is my answer: Hell fucking no, not cost effective enough.

      So in my opinion, this is why I agree with Chris Thompson in calling Tony Bushala a hero of Fullerton. I don’t think anyone rich as he is, would do what he has done so far for the good of the city.

      1. Dear Button – Ok Tony is your knight in shining armour, riding a white horse into battle against the evil city government. I get it. I don’t understand why you’ve got such an attitude toward me. Come on, I’m a ‘fucking idiot’?. Sit down, take a few deep breaths. Realize that Mr. Bushala likes throwing his money around (and the influence it can buy) to get done what he thinks needs to get done. I don’t think he’s trying get richer off of the influence he hopes to wield. He just likes the idea being the power behind the people in charge. To answer one of your questions: no,I don’t think he has all the candidates ‘in his pocket’; but he’s got a few of the candidates. Is that bad? My original posting did not say or hint of anything of the kind. I absolutely stand by what I stated in my original posting. Let me restate it here boys and girls: MONEY BUYS ELECTIONS. I will add that the public employee unions, developers, and chamber who have had a big voice in local elections have a new player to deal with in Mr. Bushala. The beating death of Kelly Thomas was a tragic but perfect catalyst for Mr. Bushala to spend big time — and have it work.

        1. Sorry, did you read my disclaimer? Tony isn’t my knight. He is more the city’s knight, but that is how I see it. And I have seen Tony once, but that isn’t enough to have a “my knight” relationship.

          As for your point, I was equating Tony buying the recall as to what as you put, “Public employee unions, Chamber of Commerce, and outside interests like developers buy the loyalty of council members all the time. This is local politics, this is state politics, this is national politics — This is the way America dysfunctionally limps along.” as the same. I was disagreeing with that. So you are right, money buys elections, I agree, but buying this recall does not control or buy this election. If one was to though, you would have to get to the candidates. That is all I was saying and buying a recall isn’t an efficient way to control/buy a city if that was the intent of buying a recall.

          More importantly, I worded it wrong(used the wrong point of view) when I said you, what I meant was a general consensus of people who say that. I didn’t mean it personally towards you. I feel like I owe you flowers for that. I am sorry.

          1. Dear Button – It’s pretty much out-of-the-norm for millionaires to not like the status quo. Mr. Bushala’s money can begin a process of change. But it’s definitely a pretty good start. One of the first items a ‘new’ Council might want to think about is a more experienced and dynamic City Manager. We need someone who has the support of the Council to do what needs to be done. Joe Felz is a nice guy, but he is in way over his head.

            1. very long time fullerton resident :
              Dear Button – It’s pretty much out-of-the-norm for millionaires to not like the status quo. Mr. Bushala’s money can begin a process of change. But it’s definitely a pretty good start. One of the first items a ‘new’ Council might want to think about is a more experienced and dynamic City Manager. We need someone who has the support of the Council to do what needs to be done. Joe Felz is a nice guy, but he is in way over his head.

              All right very long time fullerton resident, I feel like we are beginning to be on the same page here. I agree with this 100%!

          1. When Arnold Schwarzenegger used one-liners in all his movies, they made sense at the time. Unfortunately, you don’t, try again.

  7. very long time fullerton resident :Dear Admin: You don’t know what occurred, you don’t know why the ‘homeless’ man was questioned. This is simply a provacative posting meant to keep stirring the pot. I certainly do not have a problem with your recall or the three old farts, but this is really just playing to your base. I also don’t have a problem with you buying the recall with your $175,000 (?) in contributions to the cause. Public employee unions, Chamber of Commerce, and outside interests like developers buy the loyalty of council members all the time. This is local politics, this is state politics, this is national politics — This is the way America dysfunctionally limps along.

    should be …recall OF the three old farts

      1. WOW! Hit a nerve. I’m not even saying what you are doing is bad. Mellow out, dude!!!

        1. Very long time fullerton resident , It’s you that don’t know what occurred. It’s hermit, indoor cats, and box people like you that fear the dark and don’t go outside at night.

          1. Dear Kelly’s Hero: So, you know what happened with this homeless guy, you were there? I’m not a hermit, but what is a ‘box person’? I guess questioning Saint Anthony of Fullerton gets the questioner a pack lot of crap.

    1. Perry Larmer · Top Commenter
      Funny thing I heard was, Christine Walker quit her job because she didn’t want to wash her boss’s dishes then turned around and sent her resume to Joe Felz (City Manager) back in September to try and get a job with the city. Now, do any of you think the city would hire someone like her? Good lord above!

      1. Perry Larmer · Top Commenter
        In no way was I trying to make the 3 jokes look good. If either of you have attended or watched the council meetings, she is a loose cannon. Just a matter of time before she snaps and gets hauled off on a 5150.

        1. Great comment Perry Lamar. Its about time someone put her in her place..Maybe next the loony bin.

  8. I find it comforting that the only one on the blog who thinks I’m a moron is Greg Diamond ; )

  9. just more cops looking for some possible admin leave with pay so they can party with the other cops already on paid leave. why work when you can get full salary and do nothing……right?

  10. With all the heavy police presence in Fullerton, maybe they could crack the Caper of the Missing Campaign Signs. I’ve noticed that all of “Failure of Leadership” signs in my neighborhood were mysteriously replaced with “Stop Bushala” signs overnight.

    1. Larry is the likely sign swapper while City crews pick up the rest of the signs. Several candidates have told me that signs are being taken from residents’ yards.

      1. Matt Rowe’s signs along Bastanchury between Brea Bl and St College have also been replaced.

  11. I wanted to bring this up at a council meeting but work prevents me from getting there.

    * NO MORE OVERWEIGHT / OBESE COPS!
    We deserve better. Fat cops are a liability to the city and themselves. The entire FPD needs to go on a 60-90 day notice. If you don’t meet the FBI height/weight BMI standards, then you take a pay cut proportional to how far out of standard you are.

    Cops should be able to chase a suspect for a few blocks then have enough energy to engage in a clean struggle to get the suspect in cuffs. An out of shape cop will be forced to escalate to some device on the “sam brown” (utility belt) in order to get a disorderly suspect to comply more often than a fit officer would.

    As we see in this photo spread this out of shape cop probably felt this detainee could out run him, or worse so backup was called. “Officer Safety” of course.

    Regarding the “fight of my life” comment from the video.. When you are clinically obese EVERY FIGHT IS THE FIGHT OF YOUR LIFE. EVERY DAY YOUR HEART PUMPS BLOOD THROUGH THOSE CLOGGED ARTERIES IS A FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE.

    A physically fit cop is more apt to display “command presence” without “baton twirling”

    * INCREASED DRUG TESTING FOR FPD
    If you want to have the public trust you, take the drug test. I want physically fit cops, not juiced up junkies.

    That’s all for now.

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