Tallahassee PD's Pathetic Response to Rachel Hoffman's Death
I've already discussed the shamelessness of Tallahassee Police Chief Dennis Jones, who blamed Rachel Hoffman for her own death after his officers got her killed in a botched drug sting. But the more I think about it, the more sickening it becomes.
This statement from the Hoffman family's attorneys perfectly highlights how insulting and evasive this response from Chief Jones really is:
From the press conference's inception, the Tallahassee Police Department took the opportunity to inform the community of the victim's criminal charges, and made the point, both directly and indirectly, that her death was the result of her breaking protocol during the sting operation. The family and the attorneys for Rachel Hoffman have serious concerns about the statement that Rachel somehow caused her own death.Rachel Hoffman was a 23-year-old woman, a graduate of Florida State University, and a daughter, beloved family member, and friend. At no time during the press conference was it addressed that Rachel Hoffman was not a trained law enforcement officer, was not on the Tallahassee Police Department Vice Squad Unit, or that she had taken any training classes regarding the Tallahassee Police Department's "protocol". It was not addressed why Rachel was placed in this situation in the first instance, other than she had criminal charges pending. However, even with criminal charges pending, the main concern is how Rachel came to this position and what measures were taken in order for her to agree to go there. Her family and attorneys believe it was her involvement in the drug sting that led to Rachel's death, and not the fact that she allegedly broke any protocol, but rather that she was led to the site in the first place. [baynews9.com]
Officers pressured her into becoming an informant and instructed her to attempt a massive purchase of ecstasy, crack cocaine, and a handgun. The suppliers either knew she was setting them up or simply killed her as part of a robbery. In either case, it was the police who instructed her to approach dangerous people with a suspicious request.
It's their fault she died, but also the fault of the drug war itself, which treats police as heroes when they learn to excel at manipulating and endangering people.
digg
redditI have said for some time....
Comment posted by krokker on Mon, 05/19/2008 - 5:47amCops, especially the DEA could not have many "successes" if it were not for snitches. They know all the talk of leniency is B.S. but we all know that they can lie as long as they get what they want. I found out fist hand that a rat can fabricate most everything around a kernel of truth and as long as the cops get the arrest it does not matter if the warrant was based on lies. I have less than 2 months left of probation for indoor cultivation and my future is looking brighter. I have upcoming plans to speak at marijuana rallies and get more involved in the legalization effort. I am pleased to do my part. The snitch on the other hand has his name hanging out there everywhere. That is a life sentence. I am sure the law is continually in his face for more of the same as well. I hold my head up, do you think he can? My condolences to the Hoffman family. Take the bastards to court. Peace
Achilles Heel
Comment posted by Giordano on Sun, 05/18/2008 - 12:33pmBecause there is no complaining victim acting as a plaintiff in drug cases, informants are absolutely essential to the drug war. Throw a monkey wrench into the informant system, and the drug war machine will grind to a halt much faster.
Unfortunately, the faltering U.S. economy is adding to the problem. Snitching to earn some extra cash is going up. Note the 'gun bounty' in the NY Times article.
Giordano