Ecambia County Corruption

The Escambia County Police Department has been accused of abuse of power, harassment, and physical abuse on Escambia County Sheriff's forum of Topix. I myself have witnessed these criminal acts and the way I was treated was the same as many others.

According to "anotherguy" from The Escambia County Sheriff's topic, he was pulled over by a Escambia County police officer and was immediately met with cursing and yelling from the officer(several witnesses were accounted for). He was then pulled by his clothing to the officer's car, put in handcuffs, and then threatened. After being handcuffed he was given a $85.00 ticket and was never told what the ticket was for.

In a video on youtube a man was released from jail and was told by a deputy that he had changed his mind and the man was to get handcuffed and put back in jail while the man was on the phone with his lawyer. As the man is speaking with the lawyer, the conversation between the policeman and the person being detained is recorded and you can hear the misconduct that the officer performs.

On the Escambia County Sheriff's topic "Bob" claims a county official of the jail bragged to the people that he has the judicial system in his pocket and has proved so by getting his son out of a hit and run felony and walked away clean.

When a police officer threatens your safety and well-being he is abusing his power. It is just as illegal as one person threatening another person, but yet it is always dismissed with either a slap on the wrist or nothing at all.

These officers feel invincible because they hold the title of "the law," yet the same people who are suppose to protect the law are abusing it. With the crime rates already as high as they are we should be able to at least feel safe around the officers who are suppose to enforce them. In such a corrupt county as Escambia, we must rely on ourselves in order to stay safe.

I was also a victim of a Escambia County police officer during a house party that they claimed was a "open house party."

According to various other police officers that I have spoken to prior to the house party, a "open house party" is considered so when people are visible in the front of a resident's home, the door to the residential area is open, and when a police officer is capable of looking into the house and seeing alcohol.

Each of these situations were regulated and managed carefully in order to avoid breaking any of the rules stated, but I was somehow charged for it. Also, I did not permit the police to come into the house, but they still barged right in. After being put in handcuffs, I was not read my rights and was immediately put in the car to be sent downtown.

After getting my report back my charge was changed to possession of alcohol although no alcohol was in my hand at the time and I was not breathalyzed to show any proof of alcohol use. I have yet to go to court, but I will know the outcome on October 15th.

I just like many other bloggers have chosen to bring my story to the masses instead of pursuing legal action in hopes of justice through media. There are a lot of voices out there willing to tell their experience with the Escambia County Police Department we just need a better way of reaching the public.

-Alonzo Prendergast