Chief Villa entered law enforcement in 1990 as a police officer with the Tukwila Police Department. Good for him. I work with over 120 of them right now at the Port of Seattle Police Department. (206) 787-4722 - Social Media Response Line. No easy rolls, Lets train!. In the video posted on May 7, Anderson, in uniform and sitting in a patrol vehicle, says citing or arresting people in relation to what he called tyrannical social-distancing orders violates peoples constitutional rights. Ci He refused on the very same grounds that he passionately articulated in his first video: right is right, and the Constitution trumps non-legislated laws decreed by one elected official. From his post on Facebook, he seems like an honorable man and police officer. Watchdog recommends suspensions for two Seattle officers in fatal READ NEXT: Man Tried to Crash Train Into Navy Hospital Ship: Feds, Washington Police Officer Greg Anderson on Leave Over Video Opposing COVID-19 Orders, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Chief of Police Rod Covey, by all accounts that Ive seen (including from Anderson himself), is an incredibly honorable human being. Seattle Cop Placed On Administrative Leave After Bill Of Rights Video Anderson said that once his video reached 400,000 views his commanders urged him to pull the plug but he refused. As of this writing, it has exceeded $350,000. Port of Seattle fires police chief after investigation | KOMO '", I got into this job because I want to do the things that the city is talking about doing, about being a partner with the community.. I agree with that assessment, by the way: He is a hero. With that said, we social distance and stay at home out of respect for our elderly and vulnerable, not because our governors order it. We dont hold power over our citizens. While watching Andersons follow-up video, I was hoping that he was going to say he took down the original video recorded inside his squad car and was going to re-record it as he sat in his gym, without mentioning his position or police department. He then reads the Declaration of Independence and says: Our power and any governmental officials power is derived from the people, okay? Chief Villa entered law enforcement in 1990 as a police officer with the Tukwila Police Department. I want to remind you that regardless of where you stand on the coronavirus, we dont have the authority to do those things to people just because a mayor or a governor tells you otherwise.. Were here because we know how to handle that You have got to protect everybody's constitutional rights. How do I know? Ive seen officers nationwide enforcing tyrannical orders against the people, and Im hoping its a minority of officers, but Im not sure anymore because every time I turn on the television, I look to the internet, Im seeing people arrested or cited for going to church, traveling on the roadways, for going surfing, opening their business, going to the park with their families or doing nails out of their own house, using their own house as their place of business and having undercover agents go there and arrest them and charge them with what? In 1998, he was promoted to Sergeant. I felt surprisingly well during my WOD today, and its crazy how quickly you lean out on a fast! militant tactics to take over the company, Host Todd Herman says farewell on his last show on KTTH. If you would like to share your thoughts or experiences in relation to this story, please email the reporter or, WA to end masking requirement in health care, correctional facilities, Fire on Lake City Way in Seattle raises smoke, flooding concerns, Tacoma woman refusing tuberculosis treatment continues to face arrest, One Seattle business is taking a stand against tipping mania, Be bolder to get light rail done, expert panel tells Sound Transit. It also addresses a reality about the restrictions of making the law enforcement profession a career and life choice. Less than 20. Many officers out there are trampling on peoples liberties. Chief Villa grew up in Tukwila and the SeaTac area. He articulately produces examples of police officers blatantly violating several amendments by stopping people from protesting, blocking people from going to church, and making traffic stops merely to find out where the driver is going. She used her official position to tell people to steal rent from the people who own their buildings. We dont get to violate someones constitutional rights because somebody in our chain of command tells us otherwise, he added. . "The investigation concluded that Chief Covey violated the Port's Code . In October of 2021 he became the Interim Chief of Police. Meet Our Officers - Police | seattle.gov Anderson says he was informed by the department and his union that the reason for termination was due to insubordination for refusing to take down his Instagram video. On February 15, 2021, Port of Seattle officers called SPD for assistance with a "man in crisis" wielding a knife to his throat. He represents the Northwest region on less lethal issues on the International Law Enforcement Forum and has worked with the National Institute of Justice on its Tactical Technical Working Group. I think many state governors are way over their skis when it comes to their actual powers. They requested assistance and multiple Seattle police officers responded. And to do it while adhering to our training and our policies all of them. The Port of Seattle Police Department lateral police officer testing process consisting of an oral interview. Port officials had recommended last month that he be fired. I support, in principle, basically everything he said, as well as his right to say it. We're really trying to hold that I think it's necessary for policing to change in a way that is really focusing on what the community wants and needs. All good questionssolid questions. I was told by both the agency and my union that this will result in termination due to it being an insubordination charge for refusing to take down the video. We are sorry for the inconvenience. I have three little kids, I have this house, I have another house, said Anderson. Can that same person, on his or her own, determine that such a suspension should be established with no clear end in sight? He also indicates on Instagram that he is married and a Jiu jitsu Blackbelt. He is very into fitness, writing on Instagram a week ago, 46 hours into a 48 hour water fast. Port of Seattle Police Department | Port of Seattle This is what I am seeing, First Amendment rights. The answer is yes. However, he is not allowed to do so while on duty, wearing our uniform, wearing our badge and while driving our patrol car. The Police Chief says the officer is accused of violating departmental policy "while on duty, wearing our uniform." More here: https://www.king5.com/articl. We dont get to violate peoples constitutional rights because somebody in our chain of command tells us otherwise., Anderson said he was disturbed at the implication people would be violating the law by going to church, for traveling on the roadways, for going surfing, opening their businesses, going to the park with their families or doing nails out of their own house using their own house as a place of business.. I walk un-intimidated into the fray. Its not how this country works.. Caso continue recebendo esta mensagem, Disculpa Can the benchmarks for returning to freedom from government oppression be moved at the will of that very same person? We need to start looking at ourselves as officers and thinking, Is what Im doing right?, He continues: We dont have the authority to do those things to people just because a mayor or governor tells you otherwise. I walk un-intimidated into the fray. Ali Gostanian is a New York-based senior reporter with NBC News' Social Newsgathering team. pic.twitter.com/4gpFQ7u1el. Around 9:20 p.m. on Feb. 16, 2021, two Port of Seattle police officers encountered a man, later identified as Hayden, walking with a large butcher knife near Alaskan Way and Seneca Street,. Telling people they cant protest, freedom of assembly. During his six years as a Commander, he oversaw and led the Investigative Services Division, Training, the Valley Regional SWAT Team, and the Patrol Division. Anderson made a video and posted it to social media. In a follow-up video which was recorded as an update of his current situation and status a few days later, Anderson states that he is shocked his speech went viral and was surprised at how well his video was received. Do state constitutions give their respective governors the authority to suspend the constitutional rights of its citizens for a limited amount of time in order to survive certain crises? We agree with that 100 percent, well done, and that was a relief for me, said Anderson. Does that sole individual have the ability to prohibit the average person from walking down the street, attending church, or assembling with friends? The Port officers then contacted the Seattle Police Department. E-mail us at: editor@calibrepress.com. Washington state had the countrys first documented COVID-19 death on Feb. 29. Si continas recibiendo este mensaje, infrmanos del problema He served as the Services Bureau Deputy Chief. I dont think so. He said he comes from a department where he feels the chain of command shares his view. He was appointed as an Assistant Chief of Police in 2007, where he led both the Patrol Division and the Investigations Division, respectively. per informarci del problema. In 1996, He was selected as one of two officers to implement the Departments first community-oriented policing bicycle team. I think what is going to happen is were going to see bloodshed in the streets. Kneel to no king, be Americans. The policies concerning the use of social media are there for a reason. the American people. Please help us protect Glassdoor by verifying that you're a Port of Seattle Police Department Facebook page, The Four Truths of the Human Animal from Jim Glennons Arresting Communication, Jim Glennons Book, Arresting Communication Excerpts & Special KINDLE Price. Two of the six off-duty Seattle police officers who attended a pro-Trump rally that led to the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol in January trespassed onto restricted grounds and stood by in the . Covey had been on paid administrative leave since June 2020, when the investigation began. He has personal convictions, and he stands and lives by those convictionsthe same ones that are shared by most of his brothers and sisters in law enforcement. Anderson received another call from the very same commander. Address:
I have been placed on administrative leave (still being paid) pending investigation. What really has been pissing me off lately is the fact that these officers who have been going out here and enforcing these tyrannical orders. He said, Greg, if you openly defy your governor, you cant be a police officer in the state of Washington, Anderson said of his conversation with Covey. Jay Inslee has relaxed shutdown rules in some rural areas, but stay-at-home orders remain in place for the Seattle area, and starting May 18 residents in Seattle and King County will be urged to wear face masks in public. A Washington police department placed an officer on administrative leave after he urged fellow law enforcement members not to enforce stay-at-home orders in a viral Instagram video. I wish he took it. om ons te informeren over dit probleem. If youre a part of a department or agency that is asking their officers or deputies to impose on peoples rights and infringe on their freedoms, you need to say no.. and if that costs you your job, so be it. Im seeing people arrested or cited for going to church, for traveling on the roadways, for going surfing, for opening their businesses, for going to the park with their families. Concerning the constitutionality of the edicts established by governors during this crisis, I wrote, decrees that are unquestionably (outside of very limited circumstances) and completely unconstitutional.. People from a variety of different extremist groups seem to think he's their champion when he actually hasn't expressed any of their views. To the reason for your visit to our site, Officer Greg Anderson is on paid administrative leave while we look into allegations that he violated our policy on the use of social media. Your email address will not be published. The Seattle Police Department said many of their newly hired, non-white officers would be the first let go should the city continue with drastic, politically motivated talks of budget cuts. In this, I agree with Anderson once again: Covey seems to be the kind of guy Id love to work for. Mike Villa, who has been serving as acting chief of police during that time, will continue in the acting role until a replacment is found. Anderson said in a Facebook video he is humbled by the response his video got. News Flash Everett, WA CivicEngage Covey had been the subject of a lengthy investigation into allegations. Time is running out on free COVID tests and vaccines; what then. He advocated for officers to defy the direct orders of their chains of command, while in uniform and on duty. But another 20 of my heroes have their names on the walls of the Peace Officer Memorials in Washington, DC and in Phoenix, AZ where I served 32 years with the Arizona State Patrol. The officer who filmed this viral video has been reportedly placed on administrative leave pending investigation. He supervised patrol staff and then the Support Services/Crime Prevention Unit before being appointed as a Commander in 2001. Port Police Careers - Application Process | Port of Seattle Port leadership determined that termination was the appropriate discipline. Two Seattle police officers fired for presence at Jan. 6 Capitol riot A Washington police officer is on administrative leave after posting a video on social media urging cops not to enforce the states stay-at-home order. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Wir entschuldigen uns fr die Umstnde. Does one person (a state governor) get to determine what defines a severe enough crisis which allows that same person to suspend the average citizens constitutional rights? The Port of Seattle terminated the employment of police chief Rod Covey on Thursday, according to a Port-wide email. Copyright 2022 Port of Seattle. The incident occurred on February 15, 2021, when two Port of Seattle officers saw an individual-now known to have been Derek Hayden-on Alaskan Way holding a butcher knife to his throat. The Seattle Times reports Chief Rod Covey's termination was announced via email on Thursday. Make sure you are staying in the know with all of today's hot news and takes on issues. Jay Inslees stay-home order. He said hes received support from all over the country. You do NOT have that authority regardless of what your governor / overlord or agency thinks. Als u dit bericht blijft zien, stuur dan een e-mail petition with the city auditor seeking to recall Fortney. On top of that, the first time I saw Andersons original videono matter how much I agreed with the vast majority of itmy thought (as a guy who was in command for 15 years) was, Why the hell is this guy doing this on duty, in uniform, in a squad car? But he is definitely in a tough spot, and its probably not as political as most may think it is. Refuse unlawful orders. In the caption, he wrote, Are you doing the right thing? The Seattle Police Department (SPD) prevents crime, enforces laws, and supports quality public safety by delivering respectful, professional, and dependable police services. [Instagram/Screenshot/Public User: granderson33]. Herman: Port of Seattle cop reminded officers to respect the Bill of Port leadership determined that termination was the appropriate discipline. Its just a matter of everyone else taking part because I felt like it was a call in my life to take up that challenge and to answer that call. Face adversities both large and small. The two officers join a growing number of off-duty police officers facing repercussions for attending the riot. I talked to him today for over an hour about the death and chaos overtaking that city. And that's our job, is to protect people's constitutional rights. Gov. I have seen officers around the country enforcing tyrannical orders; I was hoping it was a minority of officers, anymore, I am not so sure began Officer Andersons video. The Seattle Times reports. We are violating peoples rights and taking money from them or even worse arresting them and depriving them of their freedom when they are exercising their constitutional rights. 2023 Bonneville International. Volunteer to help people understand their Medicare options! In 2018, he worked with state and regional law enforcement partners to execute an interlocal agreement that secured Port participation on the Auto Theft Task Force. To many around the country, Covey is seen as the bad guy. Port of Seattle places cop on leave over viral video discouraging Gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and age, these characteristics are all widely representedthroughout the department. SEATTLE (AP) The Port of Seattle has fired its police chief, who had been the subject of a lengthy investigation into allegations of workplace misconduct. We dont get to violate someones constitutional rights because somebody in our chain of command tells us otherwise, he added. Aydanos a proteger Glassdoor y demustranos que eres una persona real. Prior to his law enforcement career, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. The video essentially addresses the need for officers to uphold their oath to the Constitution of the United States and resist enforcing tyrannical orders decreed by state governors around the countrydecrees that are unquestionably (outside of very limited circumstances) and completely unconstitutional. When SPD officers. para nos informar sobre o problema. enva un correo electrnico a This week is National Police Week and Friday, May 15th is National Peace Officers Memorial Day. To many, he is a hero in more ways than one. Jay Inslees stay-home orderbecause he believes it is unconstitutional. Ive seen officers nationwide enforcing tyrannical orders against the people and Im hoping its the minority of officers, but Im not sure anymore, said Anderson in the video that now has over 600,000 views on his Instagram account. @hunterwell.s @jay._.roughton you guys looking at the Teams or Force Recon time to get it on! October 1, 2021 SEATTLE (AP) The Port of Seattle has fired its police chief, who had been the subject of a lengthy investigation into allegations of workplace misconduct. Anderson posted the video May 5, addressing his concerns with police officers across the country enforcing quarantine orders administered by state and local governments. SEATTLE (AP) The Port of Seattle has fired its police chief, who had been the subject of a lengthy investigation into allegations of workplace misconduct. The Seattle Times reports Chief Rod Coveys termination was announced via email on Thursday. As of now, the page has raised over $200,000. pic.twitter.com/6zh1DaHHj2. Thoughts? message, please email Mask mandate in WA health care, correctional facilities to end, Fauci should be jailed over COVID lies and mandates, Cruz tells CPAC, Final state emergencies winding down 3 years into pandemic, Troops who refused COVID vaccine still may face discipline, A condition called POTS rose after COVID, and patients can't find care, Coronavirus origins still a mystery 3 years into pandemic, Lab leak likely caused COVID pandemic, Energy Dept. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. Medicare open enrollment is here and SHIBA can help! Come one, come all! Seattle police shot and killed a man armed with a knife on the Waterfront late Tuesday. In 2012, he worked with Tukwila elected officials and city leaders to open a neighborhood resource center, and implemented a crime reduction initiative focused on hot spots and chronic offenders. Anderson has been voicing similar views for some time. Hours later, however, the winds shifted. Telling people they cant go to church, freedom of religion. In a nutshell, Andersons chief explains that you are never off duty as a police officer when it comes to how you represent yourself, your agency, and your responsibilities. #police #liberty #constitution #quarantine @unclesamsmisguidedchildren @eddiebravo10p @cameronrhanes @granderson33, A post shared by Greg Anderson (@granderson33) on May 11, 2020 at 6:15am PDT. He risks his life domestically and has risked his life in foreign countries. In October of 2017, he became a Deputy Chief of Police for the Port of Seattle. He may be fired. In another video posted on his Instagram account on May 11, Anderson said he was getting pressure from command staff to take down the earlier video. My best friend on this earth is an ER physician in New York as we speak. On February 16th, officers from the Seattle Police Department (SPD) responded to reports of a suicidal man, walking along The Seattle Waterfront with a knife to his throat. Donald Trump Jr. commented, great post, thank you on Andersons original Instagram post. Reactions on social media ranged from people who have called him an idiot and say discipline is warranted to others who applauded his heroism in speaking out and have established donation pages to raise money so he can hire a lawyer. SEATTLE The Office of Police Accountability (OPA) concluded . Mark Thomas joined the Port of Seattle Police Department in September of 2013 after serving two years as the Chief of the Medina, WA Police Department. The Port has declined to comment on the substance of the allegations against Covey, but Port police Officer Yandle Moss said in a lawsuit last summer that Covey had been placed on leave after Moss, who is Black, filed an internal complaint accusing Covey of racial discrimination. He fills his Instagram page with family photos. The lengthy public post stirred strong reactions among voters who supported or denounced it. Our power that we hold as law enforcement officers is nothing more than a faade. Se continui a visualizzare He was then told by the department and the police union that he would likely be terminated for refusing to take down the video, an insubordination charge. Officer Greg Anderson is on leave pending an investigation, according to a Port of Seattle spokesman, who declined to comment further on the pending personnel matter. He is clearly a good police officer and an exceptional American. No matter what situation youre put in, if you look inside yourself and ask yourself one question, Am I doing the right thing? If you ask yourself that, you know the answer.. He said the American spirit of defiance is going to rise again, and its gonna be a big problem for our country. He said he once served in the Army. Officer Greg Anderson with the Port of Seattle Police Department posted the video on his Instagram account on May 6. In June of 2020, he accepted the position as the Acting Chief of Police. Police officer on leave after urging cops not to enforce stay-at-home order Lamentamos pelo inconveniente. You dont get to stop people unless you have reasonable suspicion or probable cause that they have committed a crime. Would love your thoughts, please comment. I personally told this to Greg and told him that I would support his right to talk about these issues as long as he did so while not claiming any affiliation to our police department. Join the 125,000+ law enforcement professionals who receive the weekly Calibre newsletter filled with analysis of force encounters caught on video, training articles, product reviews, expert commentary and more. When officers arrived, the man, who had reportedly cut himself, fled down Alaskan Way. Police Officer FIRED for Telling Other Cops to Do What Is Right (RELATED: Hearse Stolen From California Church, Body Still Inside), Ive received tons of questions regarding my termination from the Port of Seattle Police. He is committed to providing excellent, professional service and continuing to improve the organizations and spheres in which he serves. Mark previously spent 26 years with the Washington State Patrol (WSP) including nine years as a Division and District Commander. Theyre happening every single day. We are team Checkmat out of Lake Stevens, WA. Make sure you are keeping yourself in the loop with all of today's hot news and fresh takes. In 1991, he deployed to Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm. to let us know you're having trouble. Less and less public trust and more often than not thats the result of isolated incidents blown out of proportion. Anderson said he doesnt buy it when people say theyre just following orders or need to keep their job. The investigation concluded that Chief Covey violated the Ports Code of Conduct and Human Resources policies, according to the email, sent by Port Executive Director Steve Metruck. The estimated additional pay is $5,364 per year. But if they are legal and they are designed for the betterment of the department and the departments reputation, then they must be abided. Mike Villa, who has been serving as acting chief of police during that time, will continue in the acting role until the Port hires a replacement for Covey, Metruck wrote. After 45 years in the policing profession while leading and mentoring thousands of employees in the sworn and civilian ranks, it is heartbreaking and devastating to have my career end in this manner., The Seattle Times closes comments on particularly sensitive stories. Adhere to your fucking oath and serve the people. I was told by both the agency and my union that this will result in termination due to it being an insubordination charge for refusing to take down the video. A GoFundMe page with a goal of $50,000 was set up to support Anderson. You cant ignore policy violations just because you agree with the intent of the violation or are fond of the officer in question. Ask yourself are you doing the right thing? One recently said to me, They are asking us to be glorified hall monitors for grown-ass people.. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. As of now, the page has raised over $200,000. His department the Port of Seattle Police is in the process of termination as the video was deemed a violation of policy. Jay Inlslee is releasing violent felons who have gone on to commit new crimes. Covey had been the subject of a lengthy investigation into allegations of workplace misconduct. Jessica McLaughlin set up the GoFundMe page for Andersons family. We are seeing this more and more and more, and we need to start looking at ourselves as officers and thinking is what I am doing right? Two Seattle officers trespassed on U.S. Capitol grounds during riot and I dont care if its your sergeant or chief of police. ", "I was expecting to be judged, to be looked up and down and told 'You want to be a police officer? As this officer fights for his career, Gov. I dont know what crime people are committing by doing nails in their own house. Come celebrate Anacortes 11th annual Bier on the Pier! Id love to have a drink with Officer Anderson and talk God, country, politics, and family with him. A Port of Seattle police officer has been placed on paid administrative leave after posting a video online last week telling fellow officers they shouldn't enforce coronavirus-related. Why? It's easy to be accused of fearmongering regarding crime, but Seattle residents might have good reason to be concerned for their safety. So, obviously, I support him and his video, right? Police Boat and Dive Units | Port of Seattle excuses voor het ongemak. He is an experienced cop who cares about his officersprobably to the point that he would give his life for each and every one of them without hesitation. I dont care if its your sergeant or chief of police; we dont get to violate peoples constitutional rights. I want to remind you that regardless of where you stand on the coronavirus, we dont have the authority to do those things to people just because a mayor or a governor tells you otherwise, he says. He has received support from a variety of corners, including average people who want their states to reopen, militia groups and the presidents son.