Editor”s note: The following is the memo written by Patricia Montague, a park ranger at the Vicksburg National Military park, to Columbus Police Chief Joseph St. John, concerning the four police officers recently put on suspension for their behavior at the park on May 5.
This complaint is in reference to information supplied to me by visitors in the park on 5/5/09 regarding police officers in the park on this day and my investigation.
Vicksburg National Military Park was established in 1899 by Congress to commemorate the battle, siege and defense of Vicksburg during the Civil War. We are fortunate to host nearly one million visitors each year from around the world who come to see where their relatives fought and died. For many the war has not ended 146 (sic) years later. This may be their once in a lifetime opportunity to be here. Visitors also include academia and domestic and foreign military units studying the battle. While all of Vicksburg was the battlefield, the area was concentrated to the site today so that the city of Vicksburg could grow. There were approximately 20,000 casualties during this period. As you can imagine the importance of the area is great, filled with gratitude, respect and pride for those who fought and died for their beliefs. Vicksburg National Military Park is also honored to maintain the USS Cairo, one of seven ironclads used during the war and the largest Civil War cemetery in the United States with 18,000 interments. It is not a surprise that the visitors, local and distant were angered by what they saw.
On 5/5/09, at approximately 1620 hours, I received information from visitors that there were police officers, in a police car, at Grant”s Circle, acting like “assholes, idiots, unprofessionally, like college kids and a ranger needed to get there now.” The visitors informed me that the police officers were riding in the trunk of the car, all the doors were open, and they were using the siren, hanging out of the car and alike. I assured the visitors I would head right up.
Not knowing what to expect, I expedited to the scene with my overhead lights on. Once in the vicinity of the complaint, visitors directed me to the vehicle. I turned the overhead lights off and drove around the corner uisng caution. On Union Avenue, between the New York and Rhode Island monuments, I observed a marked police cruiser driving on the road with all doors open and the trunk up. I took my seat belt off preparing to stop and exit my patrol vehicle. Facing the opposite direction, I slowed to their vehicle driver side door and observed six to eight adults in the vehicle. Two were in the front seat, at least two were in the back seat and at least two were sitting in the trunk. The trunk was held open by a fire extinguisher placed in the hing of the trunk. I made a general statement asking what they were doing and explained why I was there. They would not acknowledge their actions and acted as if it were commonplace. I stated to them that visitors had reported them driving with person hanging out of the trunk of their vehicle, doors open, siren on, etc. There was smiling and grinning as I spoke. I was unhappy with their attitude and explained the establishment of the park. I told them there is an expectation of solemnity from all visitors, including law enforcement. I further explained our expectations of all visitors and they were to put their seat belts on, get out of the trunk and drive on. I remarked what they would think if they saw the same activity in their jurisdiction. What piqued my interest was the lack of concern, humbleness or apology. They kept smiling and laughing, the driver continued to be arrogant questioning why they had to put a seatbelt on and I did not and questioning me. I told them what I did is not up for questioning. They were to put their seatbelts on and drive.
The driver and another officer continued to be mouthy.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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