POLICE SEEK APPROVAL TO BE BRIBED

Check out this story from the Cincinnati Enquirer about a suburb just across the Ohio River in Kentucky.

Ludlow Police Department officials asked the Kenton County Commonwealth Attorney in June to approve an idea that would have the state offering reduced sentences to suspected drug dealers in exchange for cash donations to the police department, county attorney Bill Crockett said Saturday.

Crockett said he immediately rejected the idea, but confirmed that a Ludlow police officer still tried to pursue the idea even after Crockett's office advised against it.

"When the idea was brought to me, I advised the department that it can't be done, that we can work toward resolving the cases, but not (like that)," Crockett said.

When asked if the idea was illegal or just bad policy, Crockett said: "Both. It's illegal and it would look bad. There is just no basis in the Kentucky revised statute to achieve what they wanted to do."

I spilled my coffee when I read this piece. Cash donations to the police in exchange for getting out of jail! ! ! Holy Christ! What were these protectors of the public thinking?

[Update - 9/16/03] The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Ludlow City Council is considering policy changes regarding investigations conducted by the police.

The policy changes are in response to claims that a Ludlow police detective improperly sought cash payments in exchange for reduced sentences for people charged in a drug investigation. Several Kenton Circuit Court judges asked state police to investigate the matter last week.

Kentucky State Police confirmed Monday they have begun investigating unnamed Kenton County public officials in connection with letters seeking thousands of dollars as part of plea negotiations.

The Kentucky State Police Special Investigations Unit received an undisclosed complaint regarding the case, but will not provide details. The investigation continues.