From ALOC
I posted this on ALOC and wanted to share it here:
I just spoke with the deputy chief.
First, I want to repeat the apology that I gave him. I was incorrectly under the impression that he was ducking me. He had a valid reason for not returning my email or my calls. (I won't share it here; I respect his privacy.) He did make an effort to get the matter handled by someone else. She never called me. I don't know why, but I will assume she meant nothing by it.
Montgomery PD and the city attorney recognize that OC is lawful and not cause, in and of itself, for stopping a LAC. Training has been implemented, including training for the current class in the academy. Not all of the officers have gotten the word, but I have been assured that the word is being put out.
Since, based upon my last stop, clearly matters are getting better, I am inclined to give the MPD a pass on this. They are moving in the correct direction. Momentum is hard to overcome, but we are succeeding.
The deputy chief mentioned that part of the problem is an uninformed public. I agree. The public is going to call 911, and an officer will be dispatched. Education of the officers will keep them from stopping us, however money can be saved and officers can be more effectively used if they are not responding to OC calls. I mentioned that it would be a good idea to train 911 operators on how to deal with MWAG calls in a way that weeds out calls about lawful OC. He agreed and gave me a suggested contact in the communications department. That's next on my to-do list.
Any concerns of mine that MPD has backslid have been allayed.
Let's just keep getting the word out. It would be helpful if the media were more responsive.
Carry on.