If you haven’t seen the video yet, go back to your cave.  Apparently, the Prince George County police force is notorious for their use of excessive force, and they certainty took the cake this month.  Footage was released of their assault on an unarmed University of Maryland student, John McKenna, committing the unforgiveable offence of celebrating a basketball victory over Duke during March Madness.  No, we’re not kidding.

What adds plenty of spice to this story is the official arrest report, written by a veteran officer, which states that McKenna committed assault on police officers and their horses causing injury, something the video clearly refutes.  Three separate agencies, including the FBI, are now investigating this obvious attempt to subvert justice by its very protectors.

Compare the actions of those above with the example set by Washington State Trooper Adam Gruener.  Gruener, a rookie with WSP only 14 months, was called down to Pierce County by Sgt. Chris Clark, a 21-year veteran and direct superior to young Gruener. Upon arriving Gruener discovered his superior exhibiting all the tell tale signs of a Washington DUI arrestee, most notably that he ran his car off the road and got it stuck. Gruener, in a very awkward situation, did the right thing and notified his superiors.

Clark now faces a Washington DUI charge and disciplinary action for the attempted abuse of authority. 

Police officers, just like the rest of us, make mistakes. They are unique, however, in that their position of authority allows them to mask actions that might have legal repercussions.  I can’t remember how many times one of my clients has shot themselves in the foot by admitting to speeding, or some other crime, because they felt guilty.  The most important thing to remember when you speak with any Washington State law enforcement personnel is that they are not your friend, and you have a right to silence.  Our advice:  use it.

In almost every situation involving the police, the less said the better.  And, you find yourself in the difficult situation of being investigated for a Washington DUI, please invoke your right to counsel immediately.  It’s always your best move.