New Iberia Police

By Concerned Citizen
Published/Last Modified on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 11:24 AM CDT

This weekend at the 2008 Sugarcane Fais do do downtown mainstreet the bicycle patrol police were out of control. I witnessed a man standing there talking to someone with his back faced opposite of where the bicycle patrol were coming from get thrown down to the ground beaten and then arrested. He was doing nothing wrong just talking to someone and because he didn't see them coming 1 bicycle patrol ran into the back of him and when he turned around and said what he was attacked by 4 or 5 bicycle patrol police and then arrested. I was really disturbed when I witnessed this. I didn't see anyone making trouble at the fais do do except for the bicycle patrol. Where are our rights as people. When I witnessed this happening it was like a dream but yet it was reality. The bicycle patrol were bullying people around. I hope these people that were victimized by the bicycle patrol voice what has happened to them and gets some justice done around here in New Iberia.

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Comments

To the uninformed wrote on Oct 18, 2008 9:15 PM:

" I know I have made some angry because I do not agree that all of the officers are ex NIPD. So what if they are? The ones that are ex NIPD that I know are competent officers. Someone posted that all of the "ranking" officers are ex NIPD and that for the majority is true. But remember this, the ex NIPD officers are the members of the Sheriff's Department that have the most experience. Of course you are going to put your most experienced officers as your leaders! Once again whats the issue with that? "

To the uninformed wrote on Oct 18, 2008 8:09 PM:

" What difference does that make? "

yeah Im back wrote on Oct 17, 2008 7:12 PM:

" Well informed..keep talking. We almost have you narrowed down. "

T.R. wrote on Oct 17, 2008 1:52 PM:

" The dye is cast, the milk has already been spilled. I wonder how many of this forum's "complainers" actually voted for Ackal? Or voted at all? (thinks David Landry as he reads my post) "

known fact wrote on Oct 17, 2008 9:24 AM:

" I know the problems some of you face with police officials from time to time. Remember, not all policemen are cut out to be police. You complain about the Deputies, well you complained about NIPD and allowed one mayor and three (3) other officials do away with the department. All of which were politicly motivated. They gave you no say so when they did that, remember, or did you forget. That's how much they thought of you! Oh, they let you vote after it was all done and told you the cost.you need NIPD. "

KNOWN FACT wrote on Oct 17, 2008 8:52 AM:

" All of you people amaze me! One Mayor and three city board members did away with the City Police and you let them. You had a chance to bring them back and still voted not to. You let three city officials and a mayor do away with the protection you had. Sure changes needed to be made inside the department but you people needed that department. Well, you know now that you did! Politics is what got rid of the NIPD and its Politics that led you to believe you didnt need them. "

To trick no treat wrote on Oct 16, 2008 8:50 PM:

" And this is your buisness how? It's politics people,wake up. and do you know 100 percent that some of these people are not qualified, most companys in this town are about who you know are others things,should you be suprised. and to ac I agree.. "

AC wrote on Oct 16, 2008 3:28 PM:

" Ok I am totally confused here..... When the sheriff's dept took over the city, everyone was crying to bring back the NIPD. Now that the Sheriff has some old NIPD officers working for him you are crying about that? Seems like some people just like to complain "

Tricks no Treats wrote on Oct 16, 2008 2:14 PM:

" To Rationalizer:
Since you obviously missed the point I'll have to explain it to you. Not all the ex-NIPD are qualified for the jobs they are being given, especially those that have been out of law enforcement. It's not their fault about the break in service; it is what it is. The POINT is they are people there qualified for the jobs that were passed over. Whether they worked for Romo or Sid should not be a factor.
I have no agenda, I worked for Romo a few years then moved on to the State. Just stating simple FACTS. "

Rationalizer wrote on Oct 15, 2008 11:56 PM:

" Well Tricks what's your point? If ex-NIPD officers are employed with the Ackal administration so what? If they all have rank, so what? All that should matter to you is the fact one of these officers are making sure you and your family are safe in the Parish of Iberia. But that's not your agenda right? You hate the fact the old guard is back doing the job they should have never lost to begin with. But you'll have to get to like it because they are here to protect Iberia Parish whether you like-it-or-not.-----RUTH! "

To the uninformed wrote on Oct 15, 2008 4:49 PM:

" If you read my post it says that there are only four ex NIPD officers that were hired on with the New Administration. I can think of no others that were not at least at some point hired during Sid Heberts term. All the others you are referring to were hired by the old administration. It is also my understanding that the new administration promoted two officers to the rank of Sgt. both of whom are not ex nipd and both had came to work at the Sheriff's Office after consolidation. "

Tricks no Treats wrote on Oct 15, 2008 11:05 AM:

" To this day I can still call him for advice on different matters. Other long time employees also had their pay cut, while newly hired "secretaries" and other people that sit outside the courthouse all day smoking, or standing on the back deck on Main st doing nothing. Absolutely nothing. I heard this treatment of long times employees was a way to get them to quit, the current powers to be have no valid reason to fire them. Maybe it's their(employees) fault.
"Ackal quote.. "NO EMPLOYEE HIRED WILL LOSE PAY" but...I need money to pay ex-NIPD..... "

Tricks no Treats wrote on Oct 15, 2008 10:55 AM:

" Here are some simple FACTS that cannot be disputed. The majority of the ex-NIPD all have positions of authority. The exception to this are those recently hired in the past month or so, or the ones that had serious "issues" or character flaws when they were with the NIPD. For example, 2 were recently moved into Investigations. Were they the most qualified? Don't think so. Meanwhile, a dedicated employee with almost 30 years as a deputy had his rank stripped, pay cut in half, and is overworked. He mentored me when I worked there in the 80's....continued "

To To the uninformed wrote on Oct 15, 2008 8:58 AM:

" You might want to recheck your "knowledge"... "

well informed wrote on Oct 15, 2008 7:24 AM:

" Just to let everyone know, the majority or our deputies are ex-NIPD officiers. With the new administration, more than 4 exNIPD officiers were hired. If you look at it really good you will see Capts., Lts., & Sgts. are all exNIPD. We voted to get rid of them and they are back anyway. What is this coming to. Some of them that came with the new admin. are the ones we really don't want. Just look around and you will see them. It is rediculous. "

To the uninformed wrote on Oct 14, 2008 6:56 PM:

" To Jennifer. To my knowledge there are only four ex nipd officers that came to work after july 1st in the enforcement division. The other handful were hired by the old administration. "

too bad too sad wrote on Oct 13, 2008 1:08 PM:

" Don't like NIPD,don't like IPSO.Tell Hilda to contract with the 82nd Airborne and see if that makes you happy. "

To clem wrote on Oct 13, 2008 8:40 AM:

" Nitwit, well I guess name calling is what you do best. Do juveniles not carry guns in this day and age, because
I know for a fact they do in this town.
There is more problems with kids carrying guns than imaginable, oh but let me guess because there a "kid" its ok. Do not try and justifify that.Some kids are some of our worst criminals.. "

Reminder wrote on Oct 11, 2008 11:38 PM:

" If I do recall just a few months ago in New Iberia 3 teens between the ages of 13-16 stole an suv,drove it into a gun store and stole several guns from this store and were running wild on the streets with these weapons..... "

Jennifer wrote on Oct 11, 2008 7:47 PM:

" To Remy McSwain: We call them "police" because most of the officers hired by the new administration are former NIPD officers! It's a fact, check it out! And, I am sure, residents of the city remember what it was like with them in the position of a law enforcement officer. That's why they voted for the contract in the first place. Well....they're ba-ack!! "

Old Time Cop wrote on Oct 11, 2008 10:09 AM:

" To Clem-

Tell that to the young lady who was being stabbed this past week. "

Clem wrote on Oct 11, 2008 7:51 AM:

" You don't point loaded weapon at a kid's heads for any reason, nitwit. "

To I now carry a camcorder wrote on Oct 7, 2008 7:55 PM:

" We here your story, but why was a gun pointed at his head, what did this person do, what is the story behind that. Anyone can witness something from a distance but if your not there to know the exact reasons for what happen why write about it. And as for as his father being a principal-so-is he suppose to get some special privilige. Principals kids break the law too... "

Remy McSwain wrote on Oct 7, 2008 3:21 PM:

" Must I remind the folks of New Iberia there are no "police" in the city. The law enforcement designation is "deputy". Sid and Ruth made sure of that and for good measure, the people voted to make sure it would stay that way. Please stop refering to these individuals as the "police". "

I now carry a camcorder wrote on Oct 7, 2008 1:43 PM:

" The most alarming incident regarding NI police that I recall occured several years ago.

A cop pointed his weapon to the head of a NISH senior and threatened to "blow his brains out."

Even though this episode was witnessed by several students, and his father was a principal with Iberia Parish schools, nothing was ever done.

In most towns across this country, an investigation would have followed.
I know first hand that the father was threatened with losing his job if he continued to press the matter. "

No fan of NI cops wrote on Oct 7, 2008 1:29 PM:

" Your typical lawyer does not want to anger the police. The cops have ways of exacting revenge in very creative ways. They also have long memories.

In New Iberia, police misconduct could not continue without support from the DA and the local judges.

This is a very conservative town. I doubt that a jury of our people would convict a cop for anything short of murder.

The police have come to believe that they are above the laws they are hired to enforce. "

Opinion wrote on Oct 7, 2008 10:53 AM:

" Bottom line you just have some cocky
officer who are looking for a reason to over exercise their authority. Some folks get carried away when they are given a title or a bit of authority. I'm all for the law never been in trouble and I'm 50 yrs. we all have seen it many times excessive force not just in NI all over the US. The cops are not always right. Ego has a lot to do with it too. Good Day!!!! "

F. Lee Whatshisname wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:07 AM:

" Deputy Dog's Dad does not know the legal system. No lawyer is going to take a case without some certainty of winning in court.

The case might be valid, but proving it in court is an altogether different endeavor.

No lawyer is going to to take a contingency case that is less than air tight.

Dream on, sucka! "

Dear Deputies dad wrote on Oct 7, 2008 7:43 AM:

" No attorney from the great state of Louisiana will take any case regarding the police ! I know for a fact ! I just had surgery for a torn bicep and tricep muscle that our great police had done to me. I was innocent and if you don't think so then why did they drop the charges against me before knowing about my torn muscles !!!! "

Once Again wrote on Oct 6, 2008 10:47 AM:

" Okay, I have a problem with that no the little rascals were wrong for throwing rocks thanks for bringing to my attention. It still did not make any sense to have that many patrol cars & officers and the road partially blocked for rock throwing. Thank for the fact and the truth. The correct spelling is cars not gars that's the fact and the truth. "

A Deputies Dad wrote on Oct 6, 2008 9:29 AM:

" Bubblyboo wrote: Most citizens don't have $5000+ to take them to court and then take a chance on a bunch of lying cops and a sympathetic judge to stack the deck.
***********************
And again we see another *street lawyer* that just doesn't have a clue.

Let me tell you something BubblyBoo, IF you have a winnable case you can find a lawyer to take it, no money down, there are too many ambulance chasers out there, it's called a contingency, and NO evidence means NO case...

Pictures... Pics don't lie, people DO, put up or shut up! "

Vesta Ray wrote on Oct 5, 2008 2:41 PM:

" To the person who who wrote Dear Vesta Ray I know more about reality than most people will ever know.Reality is I put my name to what I wrote and you did not.
I stand by everything I said that why I put my name .You did not WHY???? "

Bubblyboo wrote on Oct 5, 2008 12:43 PM:

" Hey Ackal, I was one of your supporters, even did footwork for your capaign....care to tell me when you are actually gonna do all of the things you said you would? Aside from harrassing the community and letting one of your 'friends' get rail roaded , I havn't seen much. Man up and keep your word or prove Sid right. The choice is yours. "

Corruption is here to stay wrote on Oct 5, 2008 12:28 PM:

" One of the respondents suggested that the aggrevied parties hire lawyers and sue the NISO back to the stone age.

Most citizens don't have $5000+ to take them to court and then take a chance on a bunch of lying cops and a sympathetic judge to stack the deck.

Citizens usually have limited resources to defend themselves; whereas, the cops have unlimited funds to defend their corruption.

Therefore, most citizens will just suck it up and forget about the whole episode.

But, isn't Louisiana known for official corruption? "

Neutral bystander wrote on Oct 5, 2008 12:10 PM:

" After reading these comments, there seems to be opinion both for and against the cops.

The only issue here should be the cops behavior as has been reported. It would appear that they acted horribly --- or a whole bunch of people in this forum are lying.

Give the violent history of NI cops, I am inclined to believe the "eye witnesses." "

Rationalizer wrote on Oct 5, 2008 10:46 AM:

" I heard there were so many horses in one of the parades this year that a woman was run over. What is the purpose of horses being in a parade that's suppose to be about cane farmers. I don't understand the whole concept of these parades. The other thing I can't quite grasp is the shutting down of Hopkins Street, a state highway for another separate festival not related to the sugarcane festival at all. You see it's all nonsense and problematic because people in the streets usually equates to craziness-and-who-knows-what-from-there. "

Southern Fried Brain wrote on Oct 5, 2008 10:43 AM:

" To ALL,
Almost every one has a C-phone, and most have built-in cameras. So, where are the pictures? Also, Someone HAD to have seen a name-tag on the IPSO's! What with so many witnesses! Now, no one can "remember" or "saw" name-tags. How convenient!
If this in fact did occur, please RUN, don't walk to the nearest IPSO office! Time is of the essence, before you lose your memory of what happened! Fill out the complaint form! As best you can! Do it NOW!!
Then, stand-back-and-watch. If-there-is-merit-in-what-you-say, it-will-be-addressed! IF NOT, be-prepared-to-answer-why-you-are-filing-a-FALSE-INCIDENT-REPORT!
Go ahead, speak-your-piece! "

Rationalizer wrote on Oct 5, 2008 10:37 AM:

" I remember a time when the bike cops made more drug arrests than the entire narcotics division of the NIPD. They probably still are doing that same kind of great work for Iberia Parish. I don't know what happened with biker boys at any of the too many functions New Iberia puts on during Sugarcane Festival. I personally wouldn't attend because it's all just a reason for people to act up in the streets. The only parade that's not like that is the children's parade. Even then parents don't seem to watch their children to keep them-safe.--continued "

To Bill wrote on Oct 5, 2008 8:34 AM:

" Different uniforms? Have you looked at the new uniforms for the Sheriff Department? Seems to me that they are very similar to the uniforms worn by the New Iberia Police Department. Maybe Sheriff Ackal is bringing the New Iberia Police Department back...hmmmmmmmmm "

Last festival for me wrote on Oct 5, 2008 5:10 AM:

" They guy I saw beaten by the police was only guilty of a slow reaction time. Had the cops given him 10 more seconds, nothing would have happened.

I still can't believe what I saw those cops do to that guy.

The only trouble I witnessed was caused by jackbooted thugs dressed in cop uniforms.

The behavior of the cops was outrageous. This is my last festival. The cops are too dangerous. "

No love for our Thugs in Blue wrote on Oct 5, 2008 4:43 AM:

" The only thing cops understand is a law suit.

I don't think The Daily Iberian is every going to do any investigative reporting to expose these thugs who prey upon the citizens of New Iberia.

I am seeing the same goons with the sheriff's department that were with NIPD.

Same goons, different uniforms. "

A Deputies Dad wrote on Oct 4, 2008 7:39 PM:

" dear concerned parent, Louis Ackal wasn't the Sheriff at last years festival, so I guess all the blame on that one goes to Sid...

As I said, a picture is worth 1,000 words, it's called procedural law enforcement and evidence, look into it... "

need police to calm down wrote on Oct 4, 2008 12:50 PM:

" I was at the children's parade and standing in front of me a group of 2 to 6 year olds wait for candy from the floats.Well here comes bicycle cops if I would not have grab two of those little kids by the collar and pull them out of the way they would have ran over them.The kids were standing on the side not in the road.The mothers of the kids also had babies and thanked me for saving their kids.police are out of control think what you want SOMEONE NEEDS TO PUT A STOP TO IT. "

stop complaining wrote on Oct 3, 2008 11:25 PM:

" to all the people that complain.
there were complaints when the city was here for oh guess what the same thing the beatings that would go on. the city wanted a change, a change happened. then you complained about sid for the same thing. and WOW look at you know complaining about the new sheriff. let me tell you a secret the employees, the majority of them are from NIPD. coinsidence i think not "

IPSO knight wrote on Oct 3, 2008 10:39 PM:

" Once again...the juveniles on Ann st. were throwing rocks at the police gars as they were trying to"SERVE AND PROTECT".That is why eight of the little rascals got arreted. Learn the facts and then speak the truth. "

Once Again... wrote on Oct 3, 2008 3:47 PM:

" Friday night on Ann St., at the Masonic
teenage dance. I don't know why the cops were there nothing happend no fight
at all. It didn't make sense the way they had the road blocked off and the no.,of officers there with flashing lights. Yes, they are there to protect and servie but, they over react. Some time they ask like the real thugs.. "

Lis wrote on Oct 3, 2008 2:26 PM:

" Many of you had something against IPSO deputies before this incident. This just gave you one more thing to whine about.

Would any of you like some cheese to go with your wine? "

concerned mother continued wrote on Oct 3, 2008 2:15 PM:

" I got all the officers names before i filed my report with internal affairs. i would love to know if these are the same officers. we no longer attend this affair due to this. they are so out of control they were even threatning to arrest my 16yr old daughter and 13yr daughter just because they wanted to stand by me. boy would i have loved to have a badge then maybe i could have whipped some a** too and got away with it. 4 cops on a 17yr old one was big enough for all 4 of them. "

outraged mother wrote on Oct 3, 2008 2:09 PM:

" to everyone that is taking up for these police officers on bikes. you must either be related or married to one. and as for internal affairs well that's even more of a joke. sid hebert probably shredded those documents also. before anyone attacks our new sheriff lets see how he handles this investigation first. im mad because these officers have to be stopped and its as if our own IPSO is affraid of them. and as for going to court good luck if you win make sure your willing to move per my attorney 1yr ago. "

concerned parent continued wrote on Oct 3, 2008 1:52 PM:

" its getting to the point where the police are making our FAMILY FUNCTIONS unsafe. STICK these guys in the bad neighborhoods and lets see just without they're badges or weapons and let them get the sh** kicked out of them... im sorry if some of you feel as if that comment is harsh but something drastic needs to be done about a cop who has a badge and thinks that they are above the law. the people need to start standing up for they're rights and should not have to hire an attorney to do so. "

concerned parent wrote on Oct 3, 2008 1:48 PM:

" well deputies dad let me tell you a story about 4 cops last year at the fais do do.... i had plenty of witness to the fact that these police officers beat my son, choked him till a blood vessel popped in his eye. he was wrongfully accused and i also brought him to the emergency room at dauterives hospital. i also filed complaints with the internal affairs department. nothing was done to these officers. the only thing that was done to make things right to my son was all charges were dropped. where is the justice in that. "

to Jaymz wrote on Oct 3, 2008 1:21 PM:

" The arrest that i witnessed, the guy was not standing in the street at all. we were on the second parking lot in front of the band. the cops were passing a car through the parking lot and his back was toward the cops. the cop did not ask him to move but pushed him out of the way so hard he almost fell to the ground. the guy actually thought is was some friends messing around with him. when he turned and asked the cop told him to leave and he did. "

tiger96 wrote on Oct 3, 2008 12:12 PM:

" Long b/f the Hopkins St. tear gas incident a couple years back, I've been saying that we are allowing the police to believe that they have more authority than that which the people giveth. This is the U.S.A. where we DO NOT live in a police state. Remember when you are supporting things like the Patriot Act & the erosion of the Bill of Rights, especially the 4th, 5th & 6th amendments, the rules which were allegedly only going to apply to "criminals" & "terrorists", will be used against you, eventually. "

c.c. wrote on Oct 3, 2008 11:32 AM:

" My husband and kids went friday night to the fais do do and it was really great. I was so impressed by how many cops they had there. i even let my kids walk around freely because they had so many cops. Great work Ackal you are making things safer around here.
the ones who caused trouble got trouble thats all i have to say great job to all policemen. "

City Limits wrote on Oct 3, 2008 10:58 AM:

" I have been going to the Sugarcane Festival for 27 years. The reason Main St. is blocked is for you to walk back and forth and it is a STREET party. If you aren't supposed to be in the street they shouldn't block it. These are some agravting people these bicycle cops. I watched one trying to keep up with the rest and got his bike stuck on one of the little flower bushes by main st. By the time he got it out his co-workers were gone. Talk about stick together. They had no buisness there. "

Dear Vesta Ray wrote on Oct 3, 2008 10:35 AM:

" Please don't shut yourself out of reality, you'll only become more miserable. Not everyone that attends a fais-do-do is drinking alcohol. There are lots of people who carry on the cajun tradition of dancing in the street; some of them don't even put their children to bed first but instead bring them out to enjoy the dance also. Jesus did NOT hang out with the perfect crowd. Maybe you should not go to the grocery store anymore because they sell alcohol. Get real; no one deserves your judgement only HIS!
LLTB "

B.Bean wrote on Oct 3, 2008 12:52 AM:

" I wish I would have found these cops to beat me I want some Rodnet King money "

Vesta Ray wrote on Oct 2, 2008 10:57 PM:

" I stand by Louis he is doing A wonderful job.I personal don't see why it is nessary for you people to stand in the street and drink.It is A family thing not A time for Every body to get drunk. Then you think you ten feet tall and bullet prove.If you all would learn to do what you told this would not have happen. We teach our children to obey but put A can of beer in your hand your brain stops working. "

A Deputies Dad wrote on Oct 2, 2008 9:35 PM:

" All those innocent people standing around, just talking on their cell phones... Didn't any of you get pictures?? Proof?? A picture speaks a thousand words, and Sheriff Ackal will NOT tolerate this type of behavior... Show it to him, show him hard proof and action WILL be taken.. I can't believe how many complain about Louis Ackal for something HE didn't do and wouldn't tolerate if a proper complaint, and evidence were presented... "

Jaymz wrote on Oct 2, 2008 5:00 PM:

" From my point of view I would have to say that most of this post is completely fabricated, far fetched if you will. Though it isn't impossible for something such as that to happen, let's face it, it's not exactly probable that it went down just as you say. Surely there is something you may be forgetting. So come on, four Deputies jumping one man for standing on the side of the road, highly unlikely. Fix your story and come back with something better. "

victims wrote on Oct 2, 2008 4:47 PM:

" The promblem here is . When Sid the man who though he was God was in charge they got away with the beatings. They didn't deserve to get beat like they did. The bruises were shown on television. Thats one reason alot of people stopped going to the fais do do's. The rent a cops thinks they own the town. They need to pay for what they did. By the way when a street is blocked for something like that. You can stand in the street. Enough people saw it go to court. Go for it all the way. "

ds wrote on Oct 2, 2008 2:46 PM:

" to concerned citizen we to have a tape coming soon cant wait to see this. "

By Stander wrote on Oct 2, 2008 1:21 PM:

" I agree 100% about these rent-a-cops. They had no badges that I seen. They were only carrying tie wraps, and foot pegs...We walked from Bourbon Hall to Napoleons and were stopped and harrassed 3 times by these rent-a-cops to get off the streets. They need to be taught on how to manage festival activities.... "

Concerned Citizen wrote on Oct 2, 2008 11:22 AM:

" To:Ray Addison

There was only one perfect man and he was hung on the cross. Good luck on finding the next perfect man. I think Ackal is doing a find job. You really ought to think before you criticize someone and their education. Lets put you in charge and see how you would handle things in this horrible town.
If the festival brings alot of voilence and harrassment do away with it. Quit downing someone who is trying to be fair and keep our town safe. "

witness wrote on Oct 2, 2008 7:23 AM:

" this is for Lis again: Maybe you don't realize that this guy was standing on Main St. for the fais do do. It was 11:00pm and the fais do do did not end until 11:30 pm therefore the roads were still blocked! Have you ever been to a fais do do?? Also, I don't think they could recognize a criminal from the backside. Oh, didn't I say he was run into from behind that is why he didn't move out of the way, he didn't see them coming! Know the facts PLEASE! "

concerned citizen wrote on Oct 1, 2008 11:11 PM:

" The harrassment by sheriffs deputies have been going on since Sid was in office. I was harrassed by an officer in my home. Because a female who worked in the records department didn't like me she was my neighbor. Everytime I turned around she was calling a deputy on his cell phone to come and observe what I was doing. For example One Sunday afternoon I was listening to music with my windows open. My neighbor called one officer to come and observe then he called another to come observe. "

Men of Law wrote on Oct 1, 2008 5:54 PM:

" Please let me know the names of these "men of law" because they've some explaining to do. My 10 & 14-year-old neighbors were witness to something similar at the parade. Now after watching "men-in-uniform" behave as such, do you think the 10-year-old little girl will run to a police officer for HELP?????? I went to introduce my 4-year-old son to a bicycle policeman who was at a convenience store buying a drink. My son was afraid of officers and after talking to this ZERO personality officer he still was afraid! PS. why do black people always say MINORITY? "

d wrote on Oct 1, 2008 4:04 PM:

" Any witness that would have been there Friday that would have seen what happen at the Coner of Iberia and Main during the Sugercane weekened with the police and the guys that were on tv please email me at dawnsgr@yahoo.com. Help this guys out and thats put this police were they belong off the force. "

good-vs-bad wrote on Oct 1, 2008 3:43 PM:

" Some of the police do there job right and some do not.I myself would never call the police no matter what,I had a couple police act like the live by a different law then the public does.Give some of them a gun and badge and they use it the wrong way.Then on the other hand there are some good police,but we all know the good suffer for the bad. "

Ray Addison wrote on Oct 1, 2008 2:44 PM:

" The IPSO is a complete joke. What these officers did this weekend to these festival goers in front of many witnesses is a complete disgrace and Sheriff Ackal himself should be held accountable. Passing the buck won't work as he is the leader that these officers follow and his public rudeness is as bad as these officers except it's verbal and not physical. At least when Sheriff Hebert appeared on the news it was apparent that the Sheriff had an education. "

Lis wrote on Oct 1, 2008 2:24 PM:

" To a witness, the key words here is "they were standing on Main Street" You cannot stand in the middle of the street, I do not care who you are. Being told to move on and not doing so does carry some consequences (no not a beating) but something. All you witnesses out there have no clue of what could have "sparked" this incident. Every criminal has a first time to be arrested. "

Lis wrote on Oct 1, 2008 2:17 PM:

" To Me, have you ever heard of a person of interest. Perhaps the officers thought he was one of them. Perhaps he fit the description of a person of interest. Cops see pictures of wanted people all the time and yes, they do have a memory.

You have a brain, don"t you? Think before you speak, ask questions if necessary.Don't be sarcastic and ignorant makes you look bad. :) "

to Tell it to a judge wrote on Oct 1, 2008 2:01 PM:

" It has gone to internal affairs and the court date is already set. "

Tell it to Judge Segura wrote on Oct 1, 2008 1:22 PM:

" So go to internal affairs and file a complaint. Then make your court date and plead not guilty ,have your trial,and let the judge decide. Did you ever consider that a subpoena could be served at the DI to find out who is writing in? "

RaginCajun wrote on Oct 1, 2008 1:16 PM:

" You Give these guys a badge and a gun and some of them think they are above the law. There are a bunch of real nice deputies but you have a handful that are just out right rude and believe they can treat everyone else like you know what. "

I was standing also wrote on Oct 1, 2008 1:12 PM:

" Oh my GOD, I was standing on the sidewalk after the fais do do .it had just finished, when about four cops came rolling and rolling fast, screaming go in the club are go home ! First off, I thought we had a curfew, which is 2 am ? And for the man who was hurt by these cops. get an attorney and bring them to court someone has to stop this, and you have people saw the same thing that happens and people dont believe them. these cops are angry and something has to be done! "

concerned citizen wrote on Oct 1, 2008 1:10 PM:

" The Iberia Parish Sheriffs bicycle police are out of control. They need to be investigated and taught anger management. Something is very suspicious with the way those deputies were acting last weekend. Maybe they should be drug tested. Next time I go to any New Iberia public function where the bicycle patrol will be I will have my camcorder ready. Since its so hard for people to believe that the guys who were beat were innocent. Maybe someone did get it on tape. We will soon find out. "

MR CLEAN wrote on Oct 1, 2008 12:34 PM:

" Well, when the police take someone down, they have to ensure their own safety first. I didn't see the incident, but I haven't heard anyone in the streets talking about it either.

That leads me to believe that the charges of brutality are trumped. Frankly, the police here in this parish treat me well when I see them. "

Mary LeBlanc wrote on Oct 1, 2008 11:17 AM:

" In reference to Sugarcane 2008 Downtown incident: The bike officers or any other officers should not be wearing a badge if they can't be told or asked a question by an individual! It doesn't matter how a person asks it. He or she could cuss an officer lower than a dog. The officer is tought to disapline himself enough to answer the question, without making any contact with the individual, no matter what! If you, as an officer, cannot do this, you are definitely in the wrong profession! We expect you to be our example. "

Master Sparks wrote on Oct 1, 2008 10:12 AM:

" If Main street was barricaded ,why the problem with standing in the street? Was it after curfew? Don't be so hard to judge complainers to an election lost . Recently 2 cops ( 1-Lafayette and an ex NI cop are charged with rape, St Martin cops bring drugs to the prisoners, you heard of malfeasance?). They're not angels by a long shot. You get the protection or lack of protection by what you pay for . A cops salary sucks. Who else do you expect to do their job ? No one in their right mind that's who. "

DON P wrote on Oct 1, 2008 8:48 AM:

" to UH HUH
got a news flash for you with Ackal in charge this will be a occuring thing. when the man in charge thinks he is GOD the troops will follow the lead "

Sheriff suppporter wrote on Oct 1, 2008 8:44 AM:

" If the bicycle police were abusive to people doing nothing wrong, then swear out complaints against the officiers. period, enough complaints will bring this cancer out of the department, meant to serve the people ,not abuse the people.

This type of behavior won't be tolerated by the public, Sheriff Ackal has a tough job ahead and needs deputies with cool heads not, hot heads. "

BILL wrote on Oct 1, 2008 7:47 AM:

" This is why the NIPD was disbanned, bullies with badges, unleashing on the taxpaying public. Oh, the department looks like the old NIPD, same people, different uniforms. I am convinced we should have elected Bobby Jackson, he had no political ties and owed no favors and could have done the right thing. Oh well, mayby in 3 more years we could correct this "

rynellaresident wrote on Oct 1, 2008 7:34 AM:

" I just wanted to say that this incident was very unfortunate. I am glad that y'all can now see a little bit of what african-americans have had to endure from our "great" police force. Just because the deputies are harrassing someone, does not make him right. I hope you all will take that into consideration next time you see a minority being harrassed. Now that Ackal is in office, I guess his force wants to show that they are equal opportunists and that you can get a beat down, no matter what color you are. "

By stander wrote on Oct 1, 2008 7:10 AM:

" These newbes are something else. Very, Very arrogate. I also heard that they did this to 2 younger males. Sad story. "

Tiffany wrote on Oct 1, 2008 6:53 AM:

" I hate to see whatwill happen for the Gumbo Cookoff!!! I think we will stay away. "

Tiffany wrote on Oct 1, 2008 6:44 AM:

" Last time I checked it was not against the law to question an officer or Speak your mine. Freedom of speech. The cops were walking around like they owned the town. Ackal must do something . He is not Hitler. "

Me wrote on Sep 30, 2008 11:09 PM:

" To Lis: And how did the officer know he had a warrant???? Did he check his laptop on his handlebars???? Or, better yet, maybe he was psychic!!! Yeah, let's go with that one. And to j., just what type of radio communication was there? "NP 1111 to dispatch, I have a man talking to someone on the street. Please see if he has any warrants. What's that? You need a name? Hold on let me run into him with my bike and I'll get that for you!" Duh!!! GET REAL!! "

parade watcher wrote on Sep 30, 2008 10:40 PM:

" The man was standing in the street? He was probably told several times to get out of the street. Many people in this town think rules don't apply to them. When a police officer tells you to do something, just do it. They are the authority. If you do not listen you are asking for trouble. "

To Lis wrote on Sep 30, 2008 9:44 PM:

" Stop reading books and see the facts for what they are. I am sure Officers were not looking for people with warrants in a crowded parade route. Even adults that spoke about this incident was having a hard time doing so due to the horrible beating that person took. "

Uh huh wrote on Sep 30, 2008 9:16 PM:

" To all things are possible, you must learn to recognize sarcasm my friend. Unlike the great unwashed, I have ZERO confidence in Ackal, and less in the bullies he brought on board. "

a witness wrote on Sep 30, 2008 9:07 PM:

" This is for Lis: Are you that naive? Please, these people that I witnessed, yes I said people, not person, were standing on Main St. talking to each other when one of them was hit by a bicycle officer. No, they were not criminals and never have been criminals but yet they were treated as if they were criminals or worse. "

TJ wrote on Sep 30, 2008 6:39 PM:

" I am the victim of the above incident! For those of you who do not think that this cannot happen in this city, i got news for you cause it can and it did. I do not have a warrant out for my arrest and i have never had a run in with the police. believe it or not I was actually just standing there talking to some friends about the upcoming Saints game when this happened! Cops are here to protect and serve not harass and arrest! "

clandry wrote on Sep 30, 2008 6:37 PM:

" I spoke to Mr. Ackal about the issue about man handling innocent people, he said you should go file a complaint at the department. He told that he doesn't tollerate that type of behavior and he would take corrective action. If you have any information you need to report you should go file a complaint. Nothing will be done about this if we just sit around and talk about it and don't do anything about it. It would help if you could identify any of the officers. "

seen it wrote on Sep 30, 2008 4:44 PM:

" Im not saying that the person I seen get arrested was innocent by any means but it should not take 5 cops to arrest one man who was not resisting. I also witnessed a cop hit him behind the head once he was already down. This should not be taking place it was simply cruel. "

disappointed wrote on Sep 30, 2008 4:18 PM:

" I was standing on the sidewalk after the Fa-do-do in front of one of the bars talking on my cell phone. I was not drinking or doing anything inappropriate. Four bicycle cops surrounded me. They told me to get off my phone and go into the bar or go home. I said okay, but it wasn't fast enough for them. They got in my face and said if I didn't leave I was being arrested. Aren't the sidewalls public property. How can I be arrested for standing. "

City Limits wrote on Sep 30, 2008 3:50 PM:

" Thank you Cameron and Concerned Citizen. Some of these cops get badges just so they can push people around for no reason. You have trouble with someone and people say call the cops, for what, you can't trust half of them. It's rediculous what this world has come to not just this city. Ackal isn't helping the situation either. New Iberia is a messy town I will tell you that right now. You can't even sit on your porch without someone saying something about it. "

Lis wrote on Sep 30, 2008 3:37 PM:

" Has it ever occured to any of you that this man may have had a warrant for his arrest. Or prior to being there perhaps he did something wrong and a citizen pointed him out in the crowd as the alleged criminal.

You people are much too quick to judge when there are things lerking behind closed doors "

Carmen wrote on Sep 30, 2008 2:13 PM:

" The victim was doing nothing. The cop pushed him out of the way so hard that he almost fell to the ground. When he turned around to ask what was going on the cop told him to leave. upon leaving, the cop stopped him again and asked what was taking him so long, and he replied that he was waiting for the person that was driving that is when the cop arrested him. He did not even know what for, was not even read his rights. "

All things are possible wrote on Sep 30, 2008 2:06 PM:

" This is to Uh huh. You may think just because there is a good man as sheriff means that good people work with and for him but that is not always the case. At the fais do do my cousin was beat by a bicycle cop with a billy stick with no reason behind it. All you people who are making comments like he had to be doing something or thinking this is not the case well it is reality and it did happen. It really doesn't matter if you belive it because God knows thetruth. "

Carmen wrote on Sep 30, 2008 1:20 PM:

" I totally agree. i witnessed the same thing. "

Give me a break wrote on Sep 30, 2008 1:06 PM:

" The victim was doing NOTHING?????????
Sorry I find that VERY hard to believe.
Just doesn't sound right. "

j. wrote on Sep 30, 2008 1:01 PM:

" New Iberia Police? You don't have a New Iberia Police! This Dept. was destroyed several years ago. They are called Iberia Parish Sheriff Deputies! Although I am against what YOU witnessed them doing to this person, YOU need to be informed that YOU HAVE NO POLICE DEPT. in this city! It is important to remember,
you may not have known the full spectrum of the situation either in judging the officers. You are not priviledge to radio transmissions and other information that may have related to this situation at the level you saw it. "

Uh huh wrote on Sep 30, 2008 1:00 PM:

" Surely you were seeing things! With Ackal in charge, surely this can't happen! "

Look out wrote on Sep 30, 2008 12:39 PM:

" Some SORE LOOSERS just won't quit. "

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