On November 11, a Dalton, Georgia school bus dispatcher called 911 when one of the school bus drivers requested the police because he could not control a busload of unruly Dalton Middle School students. The responding officers, Steven Collins and John Gurrie, met the bus and lectured the students using the ‘F’ word four times.
When a parent complained about the profanity used by his officers, Dalton Police Chief Jason Parker suspended Collins, a seven-year veteran, and Gurrier, a cop for one year, for two days without pay. They were also ordered to perform 40 hours of community service on their own time in support of Dalton’s youth programs. Furthermore, Collins and Gurrier received a written reprimand and will be required to undergo training in verbal communication.
Chief Parker said, “I was very disappointed to hear about this incident. This type of behavior is not acceptable, and is out of line with department and community standards.”
Cone on chief, get real! I’ve been around middle school students often enough to know that many of them use the ‘F’ word over and over again on a daily basis. The students who do not use the word, would not have been shocked to hear the cops use it. Collins and Gurrier used the ‘F’ word as a means of communicating with the students in a language they understand.
The officers did not act in anger and were merely trying to get the kids' attention by speaking in their language. The parent or parents who were offended by what Collins and Gurrier said are not living in the real world. I do not believe the suspensions, written reprimands, community service and verbal communication training are warranted. A simple oral reprimand would have sufficed. It’s Chief Parker who needs the verbal communication training.
1 comment:
I might be inclined to argue with you on this one Howie. There is something to be said for staying above the fray. Never the less the punishment was excessive for the offense (if any).
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