Back in January Pete Eyre, who blogs at Liberty is My Homie, posted this video of his encounter with Law Enforcement in Arlington, VA. This is exactly the content that Cop Block is looking for. Notice how Pete gets clear shots of the infraction, then approaches the officers and ask if they would ticket that vehicle. Once Pete realizes (presumably) that they’re not going to ticket it, he simply ask for the officers name and badge number. Even after the officer doesn’t give him all the information, only showing the camera his badge, Pete ends the encounter by simply saying, “you don’t have extra rights because you have badges.” Well done.

So I decided to go a step further and call the Arlington Police station to inquire about this video. On the first call I was put on hold while the officer went looking for the proper email address that I could send Pete’s video to. After 2 or so minutes on hold I hung up and called back. Getting a different person this time, who told me there is no email address for ‘citizens’ to direct complaints to. He then gave me the mailing address and rushed me off the phone (I did record these but had issues, hope to be able to recover the video). So not being happy with the results I got in my first two attempts I called back again. Which I got another officer who tried to get as much information about me as she could, though in the end I only gave a phone number for a return call.

After several days of playing phone tag with Sgt. John (something, his message is not clear) I have decided to blog this anyways. I was hoping to have an example of accountability but like expected holding those with badges accountable is difficult. Which is why I’m asking any and all supporters of Cop Block and Pete Eyre to call this officer, 703.228.4306, and voice your concerns. If you can get an email address from him where we can send him this link.

This is the first flood calling Cop Block is going to be doing. So, if you’re so inclined, call Sgt John (last name couldn’t be understood from his voicemail) of the Arlington Police department at 703.228.4306. Feel free to say you’re a member of Cop Block and would like to get an email address so you can send in a video. I hope we can get some accountability.

UPDATE: In my attempts to get a hold of SOMEONE I got another number: Jim Watson of Internal Affairs 703.228.4161