WARREN Image of cops varies widely
One resident says allegations of police brutality have to be viewed on a case-by-case basis.
By DENISE DICKand PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Recent allegations of police harassment have some residents defending those in blue, but others are critical of the officers sworn to protect the city.
In the past few weeks, two videos of police have been broadcast on national and local airwaves.
One video shows three white officers using force to arrest Lyndal Kimble, a black man. Kimble says police beat him. Police Chief John Mandopoulos said a preliminary review of the matter shows officers acted appropriately. The chief said Kimble was attempting to swallow crack cocaine and officers were trying to stop him.
The FBI is investigating the matter.
The other tape shows the police chief and another officer calling a man names. The man was using a camcorder to tape them in the parking lot of 77 Soul. His friend, LaShawn Ziegler, is owner of the popular nightspot.
Ziegler says police have been harassing him. "I know it's because I'm black," he said.
Mandopoulos, however, has said police have been regularly visiting the nightclub because of complaints. According to police department records, officers have been at the club 21 times since June 1 responding to complaints of noise and parking violations.
He doesn't generalize
Tom Horrell, who lives on the city's northeast side, said allegations of brutality have to be viewed on a case-by-case basis.
"To blame all of the Warren Police Department of actually abusing people is ridiculous," he said.
There may be some officers who don't know how to handle the power bestowed upon them, he noted. Whenever he has had dealings with Warren officers, such as being pulled over for a traffic infraction, the officers have been "very professional, very courteous," he said.
"And I try to give the same back," he said.
Police work is a stressful job, Horrell said, adding that he doesn't know if he would be able to do it.
Resident is critical
John Johnson, who lives on the city's northwest side, has a different view. He thinks the officers were excessive in their efforts to restrain the suspect last month.
"It's always the same, the way this city is run," Johnson said. "If you don't know somebody ..."
Sam and Mildred Wilson, who live on the city's southwest side, have differing views of the police.
She's never had problems with city officers. "They've always treated me pretty good," she said.
Sam Wilson, however, said he just tries to stay away from police. At 81, he said he was treated badly by police years ago.
"The Niles police always treated me better," he said.
Ralph Magliocca, who owns the Dunkin Donuts on U.S. Route 422, has had positive dealings with officers, many of whom come into his business.
"They must be doing something right. If you look at this year compared to previous summers, there's a lot less trouble," he said.
Magliocca doesn't believe there are enough police on the force.
Rosemary Moronti, a northwest side resident, she has "a big problem with people -- when they're told [by police] to stay down, they don't listen," she said.
Police may have gotten carried away with their efforts to restrain him, Moronti said. "But if he would have stayed down, it probably wouldn't have happened," she said.
She thinks community leaders should instruct their constituents to obey officers when they order a person to stay on the ground.
Outside investigation
Kathleen Mosko, chairwoman of Warren Safe Streets and Neighborhoods, said the organization welcomes the opportunity for an outside source to investigate the accusations of impropriety of some of the officers' actions.
"Warren is struggling with many issues: blight, unemployment and the flight of business and population," she said. "It doesn't need notoriety on a national level as a community that doesn't protect its citizenry. We are trying to attract new business to our area. This cannot be done if there is such lawlessness. I believe that the citizens of Warren want to let the proper authorities address the issues concerning police brutality."
An honest, open communication with the citizens on behalf of the police department may settle some of the ill feelings that have been expressed lately in the newspaper, Mosko said. That line of communication should be a continuous one -- not only when things are going wrong but when times are good, she said. Community involvement on the part of the citizens as well as the police department, Mosko believes, will go a long way to bring about a safe city.
denise.dick@vindy.comsinkovich@vindy.com