Hit and run raises questions at police department

By STACY VOGEL ( Contact )   Wednesday, March 5, 2008
ADVERTISEMENT
 

Podcast Episode


Kyle Geissler talks with Janesville Gazette reporter Stacy Vogel about a hit-and-run incident raising concerns about the Milton Police Department.

RSS   

— A Milton Police Department sergeant has warned officers to be careful handling incidents involving friends after a hit-and-run accident went hours without investigation.

Officer Ryan Justice responded to a hit-and-run accident at 3:36 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, according to his report. Someone had hit a car belonging to Forrest Perry, 505 E. St. Mary St., Milton, while it was parked in front of his house.

Justice followed a trail of debris and fluid to 1243 Brown Drive, Milton, the home of Chad Olson, he wrote.

“Because of a personal conflict, I turned this information over to Sgt. (Jim) Schumacher to complete the investigation,” he wrote.

Justice and Olson are friends, Milton police Sgt. John Conger said.

Justice informed Schumacher of the incident at the start of Schumacher’s shift at 6:30 a.m. Schumacher responded to Olson’s home at 7:11 a.m., 3 1/2 hours after police learned of the accident.

When he visited Olson, Schumacher saw heavy front-end damage to Olson’s vehicle and noticed both airbags had deployed, he wrote in a supplemental report. Schumacher told Olson he’d be issuing a citation for inattentive driving, but Schumacher didn’t issue it on the spot because he had to leave for another call, he wrote.

The department was unable to determine if alcohol was involved in the accident, Conger said.

Three days later, Conger was contacted anonymously by two people upset about the incident. Conger read the reports and told Schumacher he was concerned about how the incident had been handled.

“I also suggested that (Schumacher) should issue Olson, at minimum, a citation for hit and run,” Conger wrote in his own supplemental report. “Sgt. Schumacher did so, and I later personally delivered that citation to Olson at his residence.”

Conger also sent a memo to the department dated Feb. 27 to clarify department procedure. Although the department’s policy and procedure manual addresses only conflicts of interest involving family members, officers “should employ common sense” to incidents involving close friends or acquaintances, he wrote.

“If you find yourself involved in an incident that requires police action, and you discover that a party involved is a close friend or acquaintance … you are to immediately contact a supervisor,” Conger wrote. “You should do your best to preserve evidence, secure the scene, etc., and then discuss the matter directly with a supervisor.”

Conger said he turned over the entire matter to David Ostrowski and the Milton Police Commission for possible disciplinary action.

Ostrowski, a commission member, has been serving as a liaison between the commission and the department while the department has no chief.

When the commission announced the liaison in January, Ostrowski said the police sergeants would run day-to-day operations, but Ostrowski could get involved in major decisions such as spending and discipline.

Ostrowski declined to comment on the Feb. 16 incident, saying he’s not in charge of the police department or a spokesman for the police commission.

Commission Chairman Stephen Tupper also declined to comment, saying he’s unfamiliar with the details of the incident.







reader COMMENTS (89)
sincerely
Mar 9, 2008 at 6:59 p.m.
Suggest removal

Thanks!

wisconsinheat
Mar 9, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
Suggest removal

OK

sincerely
Mar 9, 2008 at 6:26 p.m.
Suggest removal

It's actually pretty funny now that I know it's a joke. Would you do me a favor and put a :) after any jokes in the future so I don't go getting all worried and embarrass myself again? :)

sincerely
Mar 9, 2008 at 6:14 p.m.
Suggest removal

Sorry, thanks for clarifying.

wisconsinheat
Mar 9, 2008 at 6:03 p.m.
Suggest removal

That was a joke. Like maybe the commission.....

sincerely
Mar 9, 2008 at 5:59 p.m.
Suggest removal

Will they really wait for the chief to review it? I mean who knows how long it will even be before we have a chief? It was my understanding that it was up to the police commission, and to be honest I hope they take care of it so the whole issue can be done and over with and all can move on.

wisconsinheat
Mar 9, 2008 at 5:45 p.m.
Suggest removal

Just put on hold until the chief can review it.

LikesIke
Mar 9, 2008 at 4:38 a.m.
Suggest removal

So, is that it? Case closed?

truth1
Mar 7, 2008 at 10:31 p.m.
Suggest removal

This "is in the news" simply because a reporter did their job.
Very simple to answer that question.

LikesIke
Mar 7, 2008 at 10:13 p.m.
Suggest removal

Flint--Because the evidence is pretty clear that an officer didn't do his job because he might have had to arrest his friend. And, because of the current (and recent past) lack of leadership at the Milton P.D., it looks like he will get away with it. Of course, the officer apparently doesn't think he did anything wrong (which raises an interesting question: If he thinks he did nothing wrong, has this been going on for a while? Will it continue? Judging from the 'friends' commenting here, it seems the answer may be yes. But that's pure speculation.) That's why it's in the news.

joeflint
Mar 7, 2008 at 4 p.m.
Suggest removal

> Why is this even in the news?
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

craiggrad
Mar 7, 2008 at 8:14 a.m.
Suggest removal

Conner CYA ? No thats CSA having to cover Schumachers A$5

etown
Mar 7, 2008 at 6:59 a.m.
Suggest removal

the on light traffic town is nothing but a trap anyways, unless of course you know someone at the police department,i go through there after they switch the light s to flashing yellow and red, anyone going through the yellow late at nite gets stopped for not yeilding enough to the yellow light, WHAT, they dont even slow down in janesville lol , so either turn the light to flashing reds in both directions or let it run normally,but if they know you well dont worry about the light your safe out of town , busted

Iceman
Mar 7, 2008 at 12:02 a.m.
Suggest removal

Okay buddy, just sober up for a few hours and get some sleep... I know you were not drinking at 3AM this morning after your crash that you didn't report, so just hang tight until later... did you hit anyone?

Same old small town Barny Fife cops running Milton for years. I have never had a run in with the Milton cops either. Imagine that! Just Family that is best friends with some of the boyz...

check out this website, lol.

http://www.copswritingcops.com/

Often_Misunderstood
Mar 6, 2008 at 10:29 p.m.
Suggest removal

Why is this even in the news? This is a departmental matter; it does not even come close being a criminal matter and sure does not belong here in the public eye. I suspect a reporter contacted one of the Sergeants to inquire if there was anything going on and they obtained this. I sure hope they learned their lesson.

If this is the most egregious thing law enforcement in Milton, or anywhere for that matter, has to deal with when it comes to personnel matters consider yourself very fortunate.

KathrynSullivan
Mar 6, 2008 at 9:42 p.m.
Suggest removal

Insofar as Conger & Schumacher's actions it's called CYA (cover your a**) PEOPLE! The poop rolls downhill.

bandit04
Mar 6, 2008 at 9:32 p.m.
Suggest removal

Again... this department is in dire need of leadership... the two sergeants are not leaders and they need direction... this department currently has none... The blame for this department issues are directly that of the Mayor and the City Administrator... Come on city government wake-up... its time to give this department a true leader....

LikesIke
Mar 6, 2008 at 9:17 p.m.
Suggest removal

So, earlier I talked with an MPD employee. According to that person, Justice maintains he did nothing wrong. Well...isn't that special...

Kudos to the Commission, though. They said NO to Gilland, and have someone in mind with experience in law enforcement and education. Actually, that could do the trick. I wish them well.

benthinkin
Mar 6, 2008 at 7:18 p.m.
Suggest removal

The timeline tells it all.
3:36 am officer finds trail of debris up to a vehicle that has both airbags blown.
6:30 am officer hands information over to another officer because of conflict of interest.
2 hours and 54 minutes go by without an officer responding to an accident with possible injuries even though he was at the accident scene.
No, they were not trying to hide anything...

sincerely
Mar 6, 2008 at 4:35 p.m.
Suggest removal

Wisconsinheat, I am in total agreement with you that Sgt. Conger should not have needed to "suggest" to Sgt. Schumacher what citation to issue.

sincerely
Mar 6, 2008 at 3:42 p.m.
Suggest removal

The original policy and procedure was in regards to family, but said nothing of what to do with close friends. Sgt. Conger clarified that in dealing with anyone close to you,not just a family member, to use common sense, and immediately contact a supervisor.

Likeslke, try reading it again. I didn't say he should have needed the clarification, I was just pointing out that it came after this incident.

wisconsinheat
Mar 6, 2008 at 11:23 a.m.
Suggest removal

"There was nothing in the current policy and procedure manual that addressed this particular concern."
.
If there was nothing in the "manual" then what did the "memo" clarify?
.
There must be something in there because according to Conger, it was "to clarify department procedure."

LikesIke
Mar 6, 2008 at 11:17 a.m.
Suggest removal

Sincerely--I don't think I agree with you, at least from how I read the article. Regardless, though, are you saying the officer needed to have a specific policy to tell him what to do in case he had to investigate a friend? Hmmm. Ok.

wisconsinheat
Mar 6, 2008 at 11:14 a.m.
Suggest removal

Three days later,
“I also suggested that (Schumacher) should issue Olson, at minimum, a citation for hit and run,” Conger wrote in his own supplemental report."
.
One Sgt. had to "suggest" this to another Sgt. three days later? hmmm........

melstew47
Mar 6, 2008 at 11:12 a.m.
Suggest removal

first of all this officer done what he thought was right, how do any of us know if there was alcohol involved. an i for one would not ever defend a police officer in rock county area, because there are some real winners here. but if that was me they would have hauled me down to get a blood test, and then a breath test. everyone knows who has dealt with the police in rock county, they take care of their own. i got an owi years for sitting behind the wheel of a vehicle while it was running, a police officer in rock county also got a dwi. i got jail time and huge fines and my license suspended, an i guess i should have. you know what he got a promotiom at the county jail.hmmmmm, an you say their is no problem here.

sincerely
Mar 6, 2008 at 10:14 a.m.
Suggest removal

Likeslke, that "clarification memo" you were referring to, was issued AFTER this incident. There was nothing in the current policy and procedure manual that addressed this particular concern.

conradslady
Mar 6, 2008 at 9:52 a.m.
Suggest removal

Once again we must be critical because the outcome from the incident was not "juicy trash." The fine officers of Milton handled the situation properly. Who knows what time the incident really occured, some people do work early morning hours and not all incidents involve alcohol. The streets all over Wi. are a icy disaster. Why does everything and everyone have to be judged so negatively?

LikesIke
Mar 6, 2008 at 9:41 a.m.
Suggest removal

Conrad--How can you say that he followed the procedure? “If you find yourself involved in an incident that requires police action, and you discover that a party involved is a close friend or acquaintance … you are to immediately contact a supervisor,” Conger wrote. “You should do your best to preserve evidence, secure the scene, etc., and then discuss the matter directly with a supervisor.”

What part of that 'clarification memo' don't you understand? More importantly, what part of that procedure DID he follow? About the closest part was waiting 3 /12 hours to contact a supervisor.

Get a life? Get real!

truth1
Mar 6, 2008 at 9:34 a.m.
Suggest removal

Once again, the buzzword "accident" is used in the article..Whats WITH that word that journalists and reporters like so much?

Spilling your soda is an "accident"...The results of using a 4000 pound weapon to injure, kill, and do property damage are NOT "accidents".

WAKE UP.

wuncamarine
Mar 6, 2008 at 9:25 a.m.
Suggest removal

I'm impressed with all the loyal friends that wrote in with support and sympathy for Officer Justice, however, when he became a police officer he took an oath to uphold the law. Small town officers are bound to have conflicts when dealing with friends. Most of the time, there is another officer available to handle the situation if it is not an emergency. In this case, Justice did not have the option to call someone due to the urgent need to collect evidence and to render aid if necessary. He needed to take care of his responsibilities as an officer prior to those of being a friend. This is wrong in so many ways, and if Justice can't admit this maybe he should think about another career.

conradslady
Mar 6, 2008 at 9:23 a.m.
Suggest removal

Get a life people, Officer Justice followed procedure correctly. Are officers now allowed to have friends....this is very sad indead for all concerned. No one was injured in the situation, tickets were issued, life goes on.

LikesIke
Mar 6, 2008 at 8:32 a.m.
Suggest removal

If what he did was so right, then why did the one Sergeant write the memo saying it wasn't handled correctly? He certainly had the time information, as well as the other facts. You can't blame the paper on that.

Look, maybe Justice is a great guy; maybe he isn't. But, that's not the issue.

cactuspatti
Mar 6, 2008 at 5:41 a.m.
Suggest removal

In regards to the time limit everyone is complaining about with Officer Justice, does anyone know what time he arrived at the scene, took the report from the person who's car got struck, took pictures of the area and car involved did his investigation of the scene and than follow-up on the evidence which led to the friend's house? This procedure takes time, not minutes, if you do your job right and collect all of the information needed. The Gazette did not report any of this information in their article, but only their short version of what happened, maybe they should get all of the facts before they print a story. It sounds to me that they are trying to slam the officer's involved. Officer Justice did the right thing by letting his supervisor know when he has received all of the information that he needed to. The Milton Police do need more Officer's in their town to protect their city. Yes, I think the Milton Police Dept. has some officers that don't belong there. Maybe they should check into some of the other officer's they have hired in recent years and see if they are qualified. I can think of one or two of them that should not even have been hired, but Officer Justice is not one of them. He takes his job seriously and with dignity. How can one officer on duty cover the whole area and than people have the gull to sit here and complain about how an officer does his job, put yourself in their shoes once. Officer Justice still take pride in what you are doing and keep up the good work. You and everyone else knows what kind of officer you are, and the ones that are complaing are probably the ones that don't abide by the rules and deserves what they get.

copperguy
Mar 6, 2008 at 3:24 a.m.
Suggest removal

Wisconsinheat, you are so right about there being multiple sides to every story. Most folks do well to see more than one side objectively. Similarly, there is often more than one right way to do something, and ways that are more right than others.

I try to look at issues objectively from multiple viewpoints. It's far to easy to judge someone when you are not in their place. Monday morning quarterbacking is a fact of policing, though.

I concur that the situation could have been handled better. However, I am not familiar with how the Milton PD and/or Rock County SO work things.

Perhaps a better way to handle it would have been to request assistance from a Deputy Sheriff. Without knowing how Milton PD and Rock County SO typically work together, I don't know if this would have been appropriate. Hence, my use of the word "perhaps."

Perhaps a better way to handle it would be for the responding officer to telephone an "on-call" supervisor. It certainly sounds like that will now be the direction.

That may not have been the COMMUNICATED direction in the past, however. If that direction was not clearly understood by everyone and the officer called the "on-call," that "on-call" supervisor might have felt the officer should have called the SO for an assist. Now, however, there are no surprises. Everyone should be on the same page.

A wrong way to handle it would have been for the responding officer to turn a blind eye to the evidence, fail to report it to the supervisor, or otherwise cover it up. That did not happen.

LikesIke
Mar 5, 2008 at 10:51 p.m.
Suggest removal

Heat, I think you've hit the nail on the head...

wisconsinheat
Mar 5, 2008 at 10:44 p.m.
Suggest removal

Let's face it, there's three sides to every story and this one is no different.
The staunch defenders who claim everything was done right.
The staunch condemners who claim nothing was done right.
And the third side which includes most, that he is a good officer but made a mistake that should be addressed.

LikesIke
Mar 5, 2008 at 10:26 p.m.
Suggest removal

Except, apparently even Sgt. Conger felt it wasn't right--or he wouldn't have considered it necessary to tell a fellow Sgt. that he was concerned that the incident wasn't handled properly. Or, for that matter, writing a memo reminding officers to use 'common sense' in matters involving friends. Or did that all happen because Justice did everything right?

iwork911
Mar 5, 2008 at 10:09 p.m.
Suggest removal

Blah blah blah. Once again, officers get slammed by the public. Do you think they waste their time looking for people just to hassle them? If you're breaking the law folks than Officer Justice is just doing his job. The fine officers of Milton, and other communities, never get a pat on the back, just a knife in the back.

GuardianAngel
Mar 5, 2008 at 9:53 p.m.
Suggest removal

You're ALL missing the REAL issue in all of this mess ... the police department is shorthanded because the City Administrator is trying to show HE IS IN CONTROL of the city. He wants to divide and conquer the staff at the police department, therefore it's running without a chief and two officers (and has for months!). He's managed to run out a librarian, an accountant, a police chief and others with city jobs - some of which have devoted many long years of their lives to this city. (Don't kid yourself - the chief probably didn't leave for personal reasons - he was probably sick of dealing with a micromanaging, unrespectable, "little man" who attempts to CONTROL everyone and everything!) This city administrator is a little man who tries to intimidate people. He uses tactics such as telling one thing to one person's face and contradicting those statements when talking to others. He attempts to control the City Council by only telling them what he wants them to know and leaving out other things they SHOULD know (filtering information). He has managed to destroy the morale of many people who work hard for the citizens of Milton. He is NOT RESPECTED by anyone, other than the mayor and maybe one or two council members. It's a shame that he has been allowed to spread adversity everywhere. When are the people who are being damaged by all of this going to join forces and collectively send a message to the council to take a close look at the person who is manipulating them like a puppeteer works a puppet?!?!?!?!? Band together and fix the REAL problem and then there will 2 officers on whenever you need them, and articles like this one won't need to be written.

outspoken
Mar 5, 2008 at 9:46 p.m.
Suggest removal

This all began with the inability to make a decision. By that I mean the Police Commission. If you disagree, tune back in after the meeting, in about 90 minutes. Im sure a "no decision" is already in the minutes.

cactuspatti
Mar 5, 2008 at 9:34 p.m.
Suggest removal

I have known Officer Justice for a very long time and he would not jepordize his family or his job as a police officer for anyone. Rino is a very caring and respectable officer in the Milton community and he does his job very well.If he gives someone a ticket, than they deserve it, as someone stated that he only goes after the same people all of the time, maybe if those people would stay out of trouble, he would not have to give out tickets to them. Officer Justice goes by the law and does it well. Rino took the situation and took the right steps as the situation was in conflict of interest and he proceeded to call Officer Schumacher. Both Officer Justice and Schumacher do their jobs to the best of their ability. As for being a crooked cop there is no one that I could even think of that would even claim him to be one. What a disgrace to have some people that don't even know him or the whole situation to call him that. He would never hurt his career or family in that way. Officer Justice and Officer Schumacher have all of the respect for their community and their jobs. The city of Milton should be proud to have them as officers that are protecting them and caring for their interest. Being a officer is a very hard and tiring job putting their lives in danger to protect the citizens of Milton and should be given credit for what they do. I know that there are always a few officers that don't go by the rules, but Rino is not one of them. He respects and takes his job to heart. Officer Justice and Officer Schumacher I give you credit for taking this situation and doing what you should have done at the time. Keep safe and ignore all of these negative comments, as you both know what kind of Officers you are and the good job you both are doing in the Milton community.

piperann
Mar 5, 2008 at 9:19 p.m.
Suggest removal

Are you all bored? Half of you can't even spell. I do not see any cover ups here. Officer Justice was correct to pass the investigation on. If some one was injured this may be a bigger deal, but goodness, I think the tickets issued seem fair.

MeanKitty
Mar 5, 2008 at 9:13 p.m.
Suggest removal

Sounds to ME like he gave his good ol buddy some time to sober up...what a pal huh?

LikesIke
Mar 5, 2008 at 8:54 p.m.
Suggest removal

Oh, what tangled webs we weave...

mickie
Mar 5, 2008 at 8:46 p.m.
Suggest removal

Ok all you non- believers that there was NOT a cover up- or "head turned here".... What on earth do you think would have happened if this was YOUR vehicle parked at YOUR house, with extensive damage and air bags deployed?? They would have beat your down! WAKE UP people!!! What a joke.. I do live in Milton, and believe me some- I say some of these officers do have bad reps, and repeatedly HARASS the same persons.. What a joke!!

darling_menace
Mar 5, 2008 at 8:02 p.m.
Suggest removal

FooFoo girl
I did not state that I would not "need" a police officer in my life. I am commenting on this story.

Are you sure you are following my post..or someone else's??

employspec1
Mar 5, 2008 at 6:48 p.m.
Suggest removal

Sounds to me like the MPD needs some Conflict of Interest training for the entire department. Another thing that occured to me is that it may be time for Milton to consider having more than one Officer on duty at a time for instances like this. I would think that conflicts occur more often in smaller towns, which would only make sense as to why there would be at least an "on-call" Officer available for these situations. However, Officer Justice did pass the case to a Supervisor when he was able to and should be complimented for this. If any of us were put in a conflict of interest as this, would we have done the same? We say we would...but its a tougher decision to make when its happening in real time!

spinmaster
Mar 5, 2008 at 6:40 p.m.
Suggest removal

Oh great. Once again, someone blaming the media for another person's mistakes. I don't think the Gazette is making this cop out to be anything at all. They are (all together now) REPORTING A STORY. This is what happened, this is what the sargeant said, this is how the individual was ticketed... Granted, if the Gazette didn't report the story, then people would say they're protecting the officer (or the other individuals involved). If someone could please point out to me what the Gazette "added to the story" to "make [Officer Justice] out to be some horrible person," then maybe I'd understand.

Nascar17
Mar 5, 2008 at 6:29 p.m.
Suggest removal

The only thing I can say is that there is something wrong with the police commission or maybe the City Administrator is behind not hiring a interim chief. That department needs some guidance and direction

mltongrl85
Mar 5, 2008 at 6:23 p.m.
Suggest removal

Here we go with the Gazette again probably adding more to the story then what has actually happened.... I for one do NOT think that Officer Justice is a "crooked" cop just because he had a personal conflict of interest with the person involved in the incident. I have been pulled over by officer Justice in the past and I must say that he follows procedure and does his job the way that ANY GOOD officer would. Granted it took a little longer for the other officer to respond but when he did respond the proper citations were issued. Granted some people are wondering if the man involved in the accident was intoxicated. To me even if he wasnt intoxicated the Janesville Gazette would make him out to be some horrible person!

craiggrad
Mar 5, 2008 at 5:50 p.m.
Suggest removal

It appears only one person usedgood judgement and level headedness in this whole feasco. Take a poll on that?

wisconsinheat
Mar 5, 2008 at 4:58 p.m.
Suggest removal

It sounds like the citizens should make a decision on the police commission.

sincerely
Mar 5, 2008 at 4:56 p.m.
Suggest removal

Do you suppose that the police commission will actually make a decision on interim chief tomorrow?

copperguy
Mar 5, 2008 at 3:57 p.m.
Suggest removal

LikesIke:
(1) Check your sources regarding the alleged 4 hour window of which you speak.
(2) Talk with officers and prosecutors about the prosecutorial difficulties in hit-and-run OWI cases.
(3) Don't overstate other folks' posts.

firecapt128
Mar 5, 2008 at 3:46 p.m.
Suggest removal

I have known Officer Justice for years and I can tell you he is not a crooked cop. Seems that some here have met Officer Justice in person and you got a ticket or at the very least a good chewing out. Its too bad Officer Justice had to do what your parents failed to do in the first place. Officer Justice is a man of honor and honesty and has my full support. Enough about small town cops all being bad its just the Gazette really likes to beat on anything that makes anyone look bad. And forget facts or getting the whole story. Thats why the Janesville Gazette is best left for the bottom of the bird cage.

sincerely
Mar 5, 2008 at 3:42 p.m.
Suggest removal

The article obviously doesn't have all of the answers, and while it is good to question things, I don't believe it is fair for people to operate under so many assumptions about what did or did not happen that night. I for one would not have liked being put in the position that Officer Justice was put in that night.

LikesIke
Mar 5, 2008 at 3:33 p.m.
Suggest removal

Well, isn't this juicy....

First, state law provides a four hour window for taking an alcohol test, within which time there is a legal presumption that the person was driving 'under the influence'. We won't know if the person was intoxicated when he allegedly did his hit and run right after the bars closed, because the officer decided--apparently--not to make contact. Curious, though, how he knew it was his friend driving the car, and not someone else.

The bottom line is, folks, that if he felt there was a conflict, he should have either called for one of the on-duty sheriff's dept. deputies to assist (done ALL the time in situations like this), or he could have called one of the supervisors at home. Apparently, he didn't even check to see if there were injuries--friend or not--in a crash where both airbags deployed, and there was substantial damage? And some of you are arguing he did nothing wrong? Please!

Put it this way. When an applicant for a police job has an interview with the hiring committee, and they ask the hypothetical question, "What do you do if you stop a car for owi, and see that the driver is a friend?", do you suppose the correct answer is, "Leave the scene, and turn it over to my supervisor when he comes in 3 1/2 hours later,"?

copperguy
Mar 5, 2008 at 3:21 p.m.
Suggest removal

Wrong as to what?

And, please be careful with your labels.

I also have experience in small town law enforcement. Those of us who do our job professionally, courteously, and with the highest levels of commitment to the golden rule, the spirit of the Constitution, and ethical observation will take exception to your statement.

Some of us have personally been harmed in our profession by individuals who do "do as they please," yet we do not choose to categorize everyone in the 10-percent file.

curtaincall
Mar 5, 2008 at 3:03 p.m.
Suggest removal

You would be wrong. I do have experience in small town law enforcement, I end up defending them in court more than I should . Yes they tend to do as they please. They should be watched. This is just from experience in what we have had to defend. Some never learn.

copperguy
Mar 5, 2008 at 2:42 p.m.
Suggest removal

I expected that question to be asked.

Frequently in hit and run cases, alcohol charges do not result. A time lapse of any significance (as evaluated on a case-by-case basis) causes difficulty in prosecuting OWI charges. So, you go with what can be proven. Some time passed between the crash and when the offending vehicle's location was found. The article doesn't tell us how much. Best case guess would be close to an hour or more. OWI would be a tough case to win.

wisconsinheat
Mar 5, 2008 at 2:31 p.m.
Suggest removal

Speaking of evidence. Has anyone considered the possibility that alcohol may have been involved and therefore evidence may have been lost because of the delay?

copperguy
Mar 5, 2008 at 2:25 p.m.
Suggest removal

This is a tough situation to be in as an Officer. I caution folks to avoid hyperbole. This article doesn't begin to cover the whole story, and I don't think it was intended to do so.

Some folks here have asked some very pertinent questions. The fact that the answers are not in the article doesn't mean the answers don't exist.

It certainly does not appear that anyone tried to cover up anything, except for the suspect that left the scene of the crash. The responding officer followed the trail, and passed the information to the investigating officer. That may not be a thorough investigation by the responding officer, but it is far from a cover-up.

Officers do get called to deal with people who are friends and family members. In a locality where there is a single officer on duty, this can present problems. The responding officer has to address immediate safety and evidenciary concerns, certainly. After that, things get a little more open to interpretation. After the safety or evidenciary concerns are addressed, then time becomes less of a factor. It sounds like the police got the evidence they needed, the alleged offender has been identified, and citations have been issued. All of which could have been avoided or covered up by a truly "crooked" cop.

Keep in mind, too, that it is very difficult to write "fits all" policies and procedures in a field where there is so much unpredictability.

wisconsinheat
Mar 5, 2008 at 2:24 p.m.
Suggest removal

I'm sure someone has or will or should.

mcs
Mar 5, 2008 at 2:23 p.m.
Suggest removal

curtaincall...You claim that "Don't you guys know by now small town dept's do as they please? Forget procedures or the law"..You obviously don't have any Law Enforcement experience in small communities. I've had several years experience in both small and larger communities..You are scrutinized much,much more in a small communities.

sincerely
Mar 5, 2008 at 2:19 p.m.
Suggest removal

Yeah, if your asking Officer Justice.

wisconsinheat
Mar 5, 2008 at 2:17 p.m.
Suggest removal

It's a legitimate question under the circumstances.

sincerely
Mar 5, 2008 at 2:15 p.m.
Suggest removal

Wisconsinheat, I don't know. You want to sit here and speculate?

wisconsinheat
Mar 5, 2008 at 2:11 p.m.
Suggest removal

Even if it was only 1 1/2 hours, what was he doing in those 1 1/2 hours? Trying to decide what to do next?

mcs
Mar 5, 2008 at 2:07 p.m.
Suggest removal

THIS SHOULD READ...(INSERT "INJURY")............Once again the conspiracy theorist pull their head out,from in front of the TV and make their way to the Internet. I totally agree with Sincerely and JCK. Officer Justice not only should be complemented for putting aside his personnel feeling for friendship, he should be complimented for his investigative skill. If their was an attempt for cover up it would have been simple to miss the trail evidence. Also when he realized who it was and most likely checked the car for evidence of serious...INJURY...he did the proper thing and turned it over to Officer Schumacher. Mismwe points out the lapse in time was 3 1/2 hrs. It most likely was more like 1 1/2 hrs between discovery of the car and notifying Officer Schumacer. If there is any fault here it would be for not issuing a Hit/Run citation at the point of initially making personal contact with Olson.

mcs
Mar 5, 2008 at 2:01 p.m.
Suggest removal

Once again the conspiracy theorist pull their head out,from in front of the TV and make their way to the Internet. I totally agree with Sincerely and JCK. Officer Justice not only should be complemented for putting aside his personnel feeling for friendship, he should be complimented for his investigative skill. If their was an attempt for cover up it would have been simple to miss the trail evidence. Also when he realized who it was and most likely checked the car for evidence of serious evidence he did the proper thing and turned it over to Officer Schumacher. Mismwe points out the lapse in time was 3 1/2 hrs. It most likely was more like 1 1/2 hrs between discovery of the car and notifying Officer Schumacer. If there is any fault here it would be for not issuing a Hit/Run citation at the point of initially making personal contact with Olson.

sincerely
Mar 5, 2008 at 1:13 p.m.
Suggest removal

darling_manace: I said when calling names it's pretty easy to hide behind your screen name. I don't believe I have called anyone a name.

foofoogrl
Mar 5, 2008 at 12:59 p.m.
Suggest removal

You can't go through life thinking "WHAT IF". You need to think "IF...THEN". I have faith in the police, I respect them, I don't fear them, therefore, I don't try to find wrong in what they do. This world would be a sorry place without them. And I don't see myself being in a situation that I need to fear a police officer covering something up that will harm me...if I thought that way, I would never leave the house. Just be thankful, you probably will NEED THEM someday.

missmwe
Mar 5, 2008 at 12:42 p.m.
Suggest removal

the article says officer justice followed the trail of debris to the address as listed. what did he do after that? the article just states that 3 1/2 hours later he asked someone else to investigate the matter. How did he know it was his friend driving the car? did he know if anyone was hurt or bleeding to death? If he did know that it was his friend driving the car and purposely waited 3 1/2 hours to tell someone else about it, then it as good as lying. If you are a cop that lies then doesn't that make you crocked?

darling_menace
Mar 5, 2008 at 12:34 p.m.
Suggest removal

Sincerely
Pretty easy, indeed.
What's your's?

darling_menace
Mar 5, 2008 at 12:32 p.m.
Suggest removal

foofoogirl
Easy for you to say now, until one of these "crooked cops" happens to cover up something that might mean something to you one day.
Wake up.

foofoogrl
Mar 5, 2008 at 12:14 p.m.
Suggest removal

I feel for the officers involved. Once again, there isn't enough help, because the same people that scream the PD is understaffed, get upset over taxes that are needed to pay their wages. And why is it, every time something happens that needs addressing, people come crawling out of their shelter yelling crocked cops, crocked cop?? Policemen/women are HUMAN and they have to make spontaneous decisions every day, and sometimes the decisions that need to be made may not have been the right one in hind sight, but isn't EVERYTHING 20/20 in hind sight? I just wish you ney sayers would realize that these officers risk their lives EVERYDAY for our safety, and until you go to the academy, please don't judge them.

sincerely
Mar 5, 2008 at 12:14 p.m.
Suggest removal

Well put JCK!

JCK
Mar 5, 2008 at 12:06 p.m.
Suggest removal

I'd suspect that LiQUiDice and officer Justice have met before and that somebody's parade got rained on. Fess up LiQUiD, you and him meet before?

Craiggrad, Schumacher doesn't learn of the incident until 6:30am and by 7:11am he's at Olson's home investigating and advising him that he'll be ticketed. That sounds like he's a part of a conspiracy to cover up the incident to you?

If Justice had wanted to cover this all up and was a "crooked" cop couldn't he have simply told the victim he was unable to locate the other vehicle and let it go at that. I agree he should be disciplined and not calling the supervisor immediately, even at 3:30am, was a lapse in judgement. But calling him a "crooked" cop is a bit over the line imo.

sincerely
Mar 5, 2008 at 11:51 a.m.
Suggest removal

Officer Justice is not a crooked cop. I find it interesting that people are willing to call names, but only if they don't have to reveal their identity. Pretty easy to hide behind that screen name huh?

sincerely
Mar 5, 2008 at 11:49 a.m.
Suggest removal

The incident was personal for Officer Justice, not the whole department, which is why it wasn't turned over to county.

Small town departments do not "do as they please". They have policy and procedure just like any other department.

Had anything like this happened in the past it would have been addressed just as it was this time. Who said the Officers involved don't know what, if anything, they did wrong? It's easy to judge when you have never been put in the same situation.

curtaincall
Mar 5, 2008 at 11:33 a.m.
Suggest removal

Don't you guys know by now small town dept's do as they please? Forget procedures or the law.

missmwe
Mar 5, 2008 at 11:27 a.m.
Suggest removal

Another thought...how often did this sort of thing happen in the past? Is it possible that these things happened, but they were never addressed? Maybe that is why the officers involved can't see that what they did is so wrong! I hope that officer Justice is not the only one who is disciplined. The supervisor involved is just at much at fault. they both failed to do there duties!

missmwe
Mar 5, 2008 at 11:20 a.m.
Suggest removal

I guess the bigger question is why this entire incident was not turned over to the Rock County Sheriff's Department, like any other department? I dont think that the Police Commission can investigate this incident to see what policy or State Statute was violated. This is just another example of backwards backwoods way this department has been run, and another shinning example of why this department needs new leadership!

sincerely
Mar 5, 2008 at 10:18 a.m.
Suggest removal

Ostrowski and Tupper are probably still trying to figure out who Justice and Schumacher are and why people keep asking about them.

sincerely
Mar 5, 2008 at 10:14 a.m.
Suggest removal

At this point Milton should have at least two Officers working at any given time, but that is not the case. If it had been, Officer Justice could have turned the case over immediately instead of having to decide if he should wake someone at 3:30 in the morning. Police Commission, and City Council are you listening, this never should have happened. We need a Chief and 2 more full time Officers.

craiggrad
Mar 5, 2008 at 10:05 a.m.
Suggest removal

What about Shoemaker. he didn't do his job and covered up to.

thekid3477
Mar 5, 2008 at 9:25 a.m.
Suggest removal

sounds like dude was covering or at least delaying for his buddy. if i did that for a friend id be arrested for obstruction of justice. fire this 'cop'

MYYEAR08
Mar 5, 2008 at 9:22 a.m.
Suggest removal

I would like to know if anyone saw this person out that night . Was he at the bars drinking ? If so, someone needs to speak up . This is so wrong in so many ways !

LiQUiDiCE
Mar 5, 2008 at 9:15 a.m.
Suggest removal

It's about time Officer Ryan Justice gets investigated as a crooked cop.
SO not only does he harass & ticket the same local individuals on a regular basis but he helps out his friends who are driving drunk.
For all the years Milton folks have put up with him it's about time he gets the boot!

Before you post a comment, consider this:

Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy Agreement
  • Keep it clean. Comments that are obscene, vulgar or sexually oriented will be removed. Creative spelling of such terms or implied use of such language is banned, also.
  • Don't threaten to hurt or kill anyone.
  • Be nice. No racism, sexism or any other sort of -ism that degrades another person.
  • Harassing comments. If you are the subject of a harassing comment or personal attack by another user, do not respond in-kind.  Hit the "Suggest Removal" button on offensive comments.
  • Share what you know. Give us your eyewitness accounts, background, observations and history.
  • Do not libel anyone. Libel is writing something false about someone that damages that person's reputation.
  • Ask questions. What more do you want to know about the story?
  • Stay focused. Keep on the story's topic.
  • Help us get it right. If you spot a factual error or misspelling, email newsroom@gazettextra.com or call 1-800-362-6712.
  • Remember, this is our site. We set the rules, and we reserve the right to remove any comments that we deem inappropriate.

Post Comment

Commenting requires registration.

Username:
Password: (Forgotten your password?)

Comment:

ADVERTISEMENT