Gunn Family Fundraiser
A Dinner Night Out Fundraiser for the Gunn Family will be held on Tuesday, November 10th, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., at Barney’s Beanery, 250 N. First Street, Burbank. They have agreed to provide 25% of the proceeds earned to establish a scholarship fund for Sergeant Neil Gunn’s grandchildren.
Please be sure to mention the Gunn Family to your server. We hope you will all come out and enjoy the evening.
Burbank Police Officers’ Association
http://www.burbankpoa.com/
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November 13, 2009 UPDATE
Mailbag: Who is in charge of this city and its police?
Burbank Leader
Published: Last Updated Friday, November 13, 2009 9:29 PM PST
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The Burbank City Council meeting Nov. 3 was one of the most disgusting displays of municipal manipulation I have ever seen (“Police chief called out,” Nov. 4).
It is abundantly clear the City Council, with the exception of Councilman David Gordon, is intent on using every method at their disposal to dismiss any attempt to hold the council responsible for what has been happening in our Police Department for years.
Accusations of impropriety, misconduct or inattention are always dismissed as unfounded at these meetings. The police matters are too far reaching to be ignored or hidden.
It is becoming clear who the culprit is in all this turmoil. Who tells the council they can’t interfere with the city manager? Who tells the Police Commission what they can and cannot investigate? Who tells the Civil Service Board how they should arrive at decisions? It is always representatives from the city attorney’s office.
Are Burbank citizens so naive as to think our system of city government is controlled by the council? Who is in charge here?
The city staff should not be allowed to run roughshod over the city’s operations. When is the council going to act responsibly and take control?
DON ELSMORE
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Group of officers vote 'no confidence' in chief
Union leaders call it 'long overdue action.'
Burbank Leaders / By Christopher Cadelago
Published: Last Updated Friday, November 13, 2009 1:22 PM PST
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DOWNTOWN — A group of police officers Thursday voted no confidence in Police Chief Tim Stehr, three days after he announced plans to retire at year’s end amid an FBI investigation into police misconduct and a growing stack of lawsuits against the city.
In a special meeting of the Burbank Police Officers’ Assn., 64 sworn officers — less than half of the union’s 163 active members — cast their no confidence votes Thursday at the Holiday Inn Burbank-Media Center, said Det. Mike Parrinello, president of the association.
Fifteen other retired officers also joined to bring the vote to 79. While the group represented a minority of the union’s total membership, union leaders described the vote as an “unprecedented, but long overdue action.”
“This is an unprecedented position for the police officers to take so it’s important that the leadership of this city recognize how passionate we are and how we believe this is really what was necessary to fix the Police Department,” Parrinello said. “When you have the FBI, the sheriff’s department and an internal investigator, when you have people on administrative leave and this type of division in the department, you have serious, serious problems.
“Chief Stehr’s actions and inactions have resulted in where we are today.”
FBI officials in September confirmed that they were investigating allegations of excessive use-of-force and civil rights violations by officers. Seven current and former officers have also filed four lawsuits against the city, alleging everything from racial discrimination and retaliation, to unlawful demotions and firings.
In April, Stehr called in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to launch an investigation into his department. City officials followed up with their own independent review.
Union leaders originally approached Stehr April 6 and expressed concern that the organization was headed toward crisis. Although some members discussed a no-confidence vote, none was taken.
Stehr announced his retirement Monday, citing his desire to remove himself as a possible hindrance as the city works through the lawsuits and investigations. Mayor Gary Bric on Friday said he was surprised by the union vote, especially given Stehr’s decision to retire at year’s end.
“I respect their opinion and their vote, but ultimately the decision is in the hands of the city manager,” he said.
Still, a growing segment of officers at the meeting indicated that the chief should leave his post immediately rather than stay on until Dec. 31 and assist in the transition for 30 to 60 days.
“But they also understand there is the running of the Police Department that we need to be concerned with and I don’t believe the membership has a lot of faith in those in the building right now to takeover in the chief role,” Parrinello said. “If the membership has no faith in the captains, you have to weigh that between having [Stehr] step down now or giving it a little bit of time to get an interim chief in there.”
Councilman David Gordon, who was rebuffed last week when he called on his colleagues to direct the city manager to place Stehr on administrative leave, said he took the vote as indication that the chief’s continued service is a distraction the city and department don’t need.
Stehr met with each council member a month prior to his decision, but the council remains split on what he indicated as far as a retirement date, which ultimately came after Gordon’s motion last week in front of police officers and the family of the late Sgt. Neil Thomas Gunn.
“I think what Councilman Gordon did was despicable,” said Councilman Dave Golonski, who this week agreed it was time for Stehr to retire. “It was everything you shouldn’t do in a charged, emotional situation.”
The matter is expected to return to the City Council Nov. 24.
On Friday, Gordon remained unwavering, citing the fact that other officers are typically placed on immediate leave pending the outcomes of internal investigations.
“They’re escorted to the door and they leave,” he said. “That’s the way it works. I think it’s appropriate. There’s too many important issues here to let things linger.”
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November 19, 2009 UPDATE
Lawsuit filed against Burbank Police Dept.
By Christopher Cadelago
Published: Last Updated Thursday, November 19, 2009 6:36 PM PST
Burbank Leader
source
DOWNTOWN (5:26 p.m.) — A seventh member of the Burbank Police Department filed a lawsuit against the city and members of the department in federal court Tuesday, alleging that his civil rights were violated by a rogue group of cops who used intimidation, harassment and brutality to keep him and witnesses from talking about several investigations.
Burbank Police Det. Angelo Dahlia alleged that high-ranking members of the department investigating the 2007 robbery of Porto’s Bakery assaulted and beat witnesses and suspects “under the color of authority,” according to the lawsuit filed in U.S. Central District Court.
The lawsuit brings to eight the total number of current and former officers suing the city for everything from a pattern of racial discrimination and retaliation, to unlawful demotions or firings.
When Dahlia took his complaints up the chain of command he was told to “stop his sniveling,” and later intimidated and threatened, the lawsuit claims.
As his superiors worried about reprisal from an internal and then later an FBI investigation, intimidation and threats mounted, Dahlia claims.
His attorney, Dieter C. Dammeier could not immediately be reached to comment.
The lawsuit brings to eight the total number of current and former officers suing the city for everything from a pattern of racial discrimination and retaliation, to unlawful demotions or firings.
These are a new set of allegations related to cases already being investigated, city spokesman Keith Sterling said in a statement Thursday. As with all serious charges, it is important for the investigations to be completed, he said.
FBI officials in September confirmed that they were investigating allegations of excessive use-of-force and civil rights violations by officers.
The city brought in an outside attorney and investigator to conduct an investigation into allegations of wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation and abuse of force, officials said.
Outgoing Police Chief Tim Stehr requested the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department conduct its own investigation.
Check back for updates to this developing story.
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November 20, 2009 UPDATE
Looks like the same article as was posted above BUT there are differences. See if you can find them:
Another lawsuit filed against Burbank Police Dept.
Burbank Leader by Christopher Cadelago
Published: Last Updated Friday, November 20, 2009 12:48 PM PST
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DOWNTOWN — A seventh member of the Burbank Police Department has filed a lawsuit against the city and members of the department in federal court, alleging that his civil rights were violated by a rogue group of cops who used intimidation, harassment and brutality to keep him and witnesses from talking about several misconduct investigations.
Burbank Police Det. Angelo Dahlia alleges that high-ranking members of the department investigating the 2007 robbery of Porto’s Bakery assaulted and beat witnesses and suspects “under the color of authority,” according to the lawsuit filed Tuesday in U.S. Central District Court.
The filing marks the fifth suit by a total of eight current and former officers. The plaintiffs claims span the gamut, from racial discrimination to retaliation, unlawful demotions to firings.
Dahlia’s claims are a new set of allegations related to cases already being investigated, city spokesman Keith Sterling said in a statement Thursday. As with all serious charges, it is important for the investigations to be completed, he said.
Dahlia was called in on the morning of Dec. 29, 2007, and advised to conduct the investigation into the robbery, according to the lawsuit. After several suspects were brought into the station, he allegedly witnessed Lt. Omar Rodriguez place the barrel of his handgun under a suspect’s eye and threaten him. Dahlia alleges that the lieutenant had a reputation for illegal and corrupt practices.
Solomon E. Gresen, Rodriguez’s attorney, said in a statement Friday that the allegations were “categorically untrue.”
“The current lawsuit brought by Angelo Dahlia is the latest incident in a long string of retaliatory conduct against Rodriguez, and seems designed specifically to discredit Rodriguez and to detract from the claims of Rodriguez and officers Steve Karagiosian, Jamal Childs, Elfago Rodriguez, Cindy Guillen-Gomez and Christopher Dunn,” said Gresen, who represents the officers in three lawsuits against the city.
Rodriguez and five other high-ranking members of the department, including Police Chief Tim Stehr, are named as defendants in Dahlia’s lawsuit. Stehr this month announced plans to retire effective Dec. 31.
When Dahlia complained of brutality and witness intimidation, he was told to “stop his sniveling,” and was later intimidated with a brandished gun, the lawsuit states.
As his superiors fretted over an FBI investigation into police misconduct, the intimidation and harassment mounted, Dahlia claims.
He allegedly was told to “watch your back” and “keep your head down.” He also claims he was constantly monitored.
On May 11, four days before being placed on administrative leave, Dahlia talked with investigators with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department about the Porto’s robbery investigation and the events that followed, according to the lawsuit.
His attorney, Dieter C. Dammeier, could not be reached to comment.
FBI officials in September confirmed that they are investigating allegations of excessive use-of-force and civil rights violations by Burbank police officers, focusing on complaints generated in response to the Porto’s Bakery robbery and records in connection with the August 2007 arrest of Rene Escarsega, according to the subpoena.
In April, Stehr requested the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department conduct its own investigation before the city brought in an outside attorney and investigator to probe the allegations, officials said.
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What was the weapon used in Sgt Gunn's alledged suicide? I'd recently been told it was a shotgun and the following article confirms it.
Police address council concerns
Member of Glendale police advisory group brings up Burbank woes at meeting.
Glendale News Press by Veronica Rocha
Published: Last Updated Tuesday, November 17, 2009 10:06 PM PST
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CITY HALL — Police officials assured at least one Glendale Police Advisory Council member Monday night that the turmoil consuming Burbank’s finest was a far cry from things here.
Advisory council member Mike Gomez said he wanted to prevent tragic incidents similar to those that recently occurred in Burbank from happening in Glendale. He cited the recent public suicide of Burbank Police Sgt. Neil Thomas Gunn and the decision by Burbank Police Chief Tim Stehr to step down at year’s end amid a slate of outside investigations, including by the FBI.
“What assurances do you provide us . . . that what happened in Burbank is not happening here in Glendale?” Gomez asked during the meeting.
Glendale Police Capt. Kirk Palmer said that while he was in no position to comment on the Burbank police situation, “you have to allow the process in Burbank to work its course.”
Glendale police are handling the investigation into Gunn’s suicide, in which he shot himself Oct. 29 with a shotgun on a neighborhood sidewalk, and have back-filled shifts left vacant by grieving Burbank officers.
“I think to make any assumptions, or for me to respond in relation to their issues, is just presumptuous,” Palmer said, adding that he wasn’t sure anyone “truly understands the complexity of what’s really going on” in Burbank.
Glendale has a concrete system to respond to any police misconduct and constantly evaluates its progress, he added.
Earlier this year the FBI confirmed that it had launched an investigation into misconduct of several Burbank Police Department officers. Gunn was named in the investigation.
Less than two weeks after the suicide, Stehr announced his retirement.
Seven current and former police officers have also filed lawsuits against the Burbank Police Department, alleging racial discrimination, sexual harassment and on-the-job retaliation.
While Glendale has seen its own share of discontent within its ranks, Palmer told Gomez that the city had a “very professional” police department.
“Will mistakes be made along the way by this department? Absolutely, but I think the big thing is to be transparent to admit we make mistakes and take corrective actions, so that’s the assurances I will give you for that,” Palmer said.
At least two claims from police officers have been filed recently against the Glendale Police Department, according to the city clerk’s office.
In one, Officer John Balian alleged that he was the subject of discrimination by peers in the department because he is Armenian. And Glendale Police Sgt. Tigran Topadznikyan said in his claim that he was defamed, retaliated against and harassed at work.
The city is also gearing up for a trial in a lawsuit filed by Glendale Police Sgt. Vahak Mardikian, who’s suing the city for allegedly failing to allow him return to full duty after corrective surgery to his knee, despite getting consent from his physicians. He also claims that his superiors retaliated, and that he was discriminated against because he is Armenian.
Glendale Police Sgt. Tom Lorenz, the department’s spokesman, said he couldn’t comment on pending litigation and referred comments to the city attorney’s office.
On Monday, City Atty. Carmen Merino, general counsel for the Police Department, told Gomez city officials took “any complaints regarding harassment, discrimination and retaliation very seriously.”
The lawsuit is scheduled to start Jan. 5, Senior Assistant City Atty. Ann Maurer said.
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This Nov 3, 2009, Glendale article says 'shotgun wound to the chest':
Burbank chief called out
Councilman says department leader should be on leave in light of controversy.
Glendale News Press by Christopher Cadelago
Published: Last Updated Tuesday, November 3, 2009 11:47 PM PST
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CITY HALL — In front of the bereaved family of a police sergeant who killed himself last week, Burbank City Councilman David Gordon on Tuesday called on his colleagues to direct the city manager to place Police Chief Tim Stehr on administrative leave amid an FBI investigation into police misconduct and a growing stack of lawsuits against the city.
Citing the recent public suicide of police Sgt. Neil Thomas Gunn, who was named in an FBI probe into police misconduct along with several other officers, Gordon said the City Council had a “moral and legal responsibility” to place Stehr on leave until the investigations were concluded.
“The stress and tension in our Police Department has understandably become toxic,” Gordon said. “We cannot close our eyes or cover our ears to what is going on.”
Gunn died Thursday of a self-inflicted shotgun wound to the chest at the corner of North Sunset Canyon Drive and East Harvard Road, said Lt. Larry Dietz of the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.
Gordon’s comments were met with repeated applause from a chamber packed with Burbank police officers, many of whom joined the Gunn family in a candlelight vigil outside the steps of the police station.
The group, carrying a large portrait of Gunn and candles bearing his name and badge number, marched up the steps of City Hall before the council meeting.
Stehr’s “actions and inactions” pushed the Police Department “to the brink of disaster,” said Burbank Police Lt. Omar Rodriguez, a 22-year member of the department who is on leave.
Although FBI officials would not expand on why the officers were named in the probe into civil rights violations and excessive use of force, several of the officers listed in the investigation — Rodriguez, Bill Taylor and Steve Karagiosian — have also filed lawsuits against the city alleging racial discrimination, harassment and on-the-job retaliation.
The City Council took no formal action on Gordon’s proposal after City Atty. Dennis Barlow questioned the legality of the request.
Council members, arguing that they had yet to receive any information linking the chief to police misconduct, made clear they had no intention of declaring an emergency order.
“I don’t believe there is an emergency,” Councilman Dave Golonski said. “I can’t help but feel that you’re grandstanding.”
Vice Mayor Anja Reinke characterized Gordon’s request as hasty and later bemoaned the applause and jeers in council chambers as a “three-ring circus.”
“I think it’s a little vigilante, to be honest,” she said.
Dozens of Gunn’s friends and family members made their way to the front steps of City Hall where they briefly memorialized the life of the 22-year department veteran whose list of commendations included Ministerial Officer of the Year in 1992 and two Professional Esteem awards.
Remembered as a dedicated officer who mentored up-and-comers, Gunn’s brother-in-law and longtime motor officer Chris Topolovich blamed the Police Department and union officials for failing to offer the sergeant adequate support.
Just days before committing suicide, Topolovich said a heartbroken Gunn had asked why people hated him so much.
“My brother was the victim of retaliation for defending officers falsely accused of wrongdoing,” Topolovich said at the news conference outside City Hall.
Gunn was married to Tina Gunn, who works in the Burbank city manager’s office, and his son, Neil Jr., began in the department as a police cadet.
“No matter what he did, he was going to be the fall guy,” Topolovich said. “Because he was the one who stood up.”
Gunn was named in a federal subpoena for the personnel records of 12 officers. The subpoena specified information related to use-of-force issues and possible civil rights violations.
FBI agents also sought police internal affairs investigations initiated in response to use-of-force complaints dating back to 2003. Topolovich maintained that Gunn was “a good man” and “beyond clean.” Neil Jr., who looked on in uniform, joined in an emotional family hug before the flashing lights of media.
“Please,” said Topolovich, who spoke for the family Tuesday. “No more dead bodies in the city of Burbank.”
— Jason Wells contributed to this report.
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Original October 29, 2009 post: http://sonomanewstoday.blogspot.com/2009/10/burbank-police-sergeant-in-fbi-probe.html
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