QUESTION: IN THE KNOXVILLE NEWS-SENTINEL FOR FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2000, THE OAK RIDGE CHIEF OF POLICE COMPLAINS THAT IN DEALING WITH THE DA, HE IS "CRITICIZED" IF HE DOESN'T AND "CRITICIZED" IF HE DOES. WHAT SAY YOU?

ANSWER: I don't know which cases he references.

With respect to the "Sting" operation on beer sales, ORPD ignored a fresh resolution of its own City Council providing a City Court remedy for such cases, and with respect to the "Y-12 Protesters" , ORPD ignored an express directive from the DA to use municipal ordinances. With respect to "Ride-Alongs", ORPD ignored the DA's written request to report any and all cases charged where "ride-along" witnesses were present.

Here, Lt. Davidson made a political decision and attempted to pass it on to the DA; if we overruled their decision it would be termed a "witch-hunt" and if we had ratified his decision it would be termed a "cover-up". Lt. Davidson has made his bed and he can sleep in it.

Significantly, it would seem that ORPD is reluctant to subordinate itself to civilian control, or simply doesn't understand the constabulary's role with respect to the authority of City Council and the district attorney general.

Jim Ramsey, District Attorney General

www.AttorneyGeneral.org