Controversy follows Minneapolis police union president

[geardaddy]

http://m.startribune.com/controversy-follows-minneapolis-police-union-chief/361517061/

The uproar began almost as soon as Lt. Bob Kroll took over as president of the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis last May, after handily defeating longtime incumbent John Delmonico in the union election.

Civil rights activists and police reformers pounced on his lengthy disciplinary record, which includes civil complaints and lawsuits for wrongful arrest and excessive force. That record, they say, embodies the brash, hard-charging mentality of a rapidly fading era of policing.

The scrutiny intensified last month after Kroll spoke out in defense of the two officers involved in the Nov. 15 killing of Jamar Clark, which triggered weeks of furious protests over police aggression, racial profiling and what some called a racially biased justice system. Kroll later called for a swift, sharp end to the protesters’ blockade of the Fourth Precinct police station, which drew further ire.

His critics gleefully circulated a newspaper article reporting his membership in City Heat, a motorcycle club for police officers, some of whose members, the Anti-Defamation League said, “have openly displayed white supremacist symbols.”

This is the guy who applauded the off-duty officers walking off the job because the Minnesota Lynx (WNBA) players wore Black Lives Matter t-shirts.


The rest at link.

[Wellstone ruled]

1. Wow,this explains

lots of things. Have heard stories about his total opposition to the new Mpls. Police Chief and goes out of his way to agitate when ever and where ever. No darn wonder there is friction in Minneapolis between Police and certain neighborhoods.

[msongs]

2. he reflects the mentality of the rank and file. amazing how these union heads are so much alike nt

[Sentath]

3. Sounds like an old school kinda guy

Y'know, the rubber hose and sap club.

K&R I know some good things are happening, but this needs attention too.