From the Chairman

Again I must start with a "Thank You" for your many generous contributions to the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund. Without your support we would not have been able to go to the aid of dedicated police officers like Blake Hubbard, Ramiro Pena or Walter Budzyn.

 

Ramiro and Blake were acquitted and we are very thankful for that. However, we are exceedingly sad that Walter Budzyn was convicted of manslaughter. We still do not understand the verdict because Walter testified that he did not strike the victim. Even the witnesses against him were not credible. Apparently, under Michigan law, however, Walter could be held responsible for failing to prevent the victim from being struck by his partner, Larry Nevers.

 

On a happier note, the LELDF is pleased to report that Blake Hubbard, who we featured on the front page of our last newsletter, was re-instated by the Grand Prairie Police Department. He has since resigned his position and intends to relocate.

 

Regarding our newest case, Todd Sears, I recently interviewed Mr. Sears and am convinced that he acted to save the life of a fellow officer and his own life. Anyone facing the barrel of a firearm would have acted accordingly and used deadly force.

 

As we announced in a recent mailing, the LELDF has assisted in the funding of a video about Stacey Koon and the arrest of Rodney King. This professionally produced documentary sets the record straight about the arrest of Rodney King, in particular the use of an edited film clip by the media which put the incident in the worst possible light.

 

The video contains several recent interviews never before aired in which it is acknowledged that Stacey Koon and the other officers were unfairly charged by the U.S. Department of Justice following the riots in Los Angeles. Rodney King himself agreed to be interviewed for the documentary, but, as expected, avoids the truth that his aggressive actions and refusal to obey lawful orders made it necessary to use force to subdue him.

   

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"The Rodney King Incident" is being produced by Michael Pack of Manifold Productions, who hopes to get it shown on major television networks. I had the opportunity to preview the film and make suggestions to the producer. It is now in the final editing stage and should be released shortly. 

Everyone who contributed at least $50 to help with the production costs of "The Rodney King Incident" will receive a video tape of the film. I am sure all the donors to this effort will be pleased with the quality and substance of this long-awaited documentary.

We, at the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund, continually emphasize the need to have professional, well-trained law enforcement officers., who are even-handed and honorable in their actions.  However, when constraint is necessary to subdue a resisting suspect, we want officers who are prepared to use whatever force is required by the situation. The last thing a law enforcement official needs is to be second-guessed by politicians or the media.

What is often misunderstood by the public is that the use of force is almost always not commenced by the policeman but is instead a response to violence or resistance. This is proper and the way it should be.

We continue to stand by our motto, "With Justice for All," which includes not only the public but law enforcement officers as well.

    Sincerely,

Video Offer, LELDF,
400 West Service Road,
P.O. Box 16129,
Washington, DC 20041.

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