Code of Silence -- A One Way Application

Question: Why does law enforcement seem to have no difficulty naming suspects and accused persons who are not police officers; but when it comes to police, the offending officer's name is a secret?

In a recent article titled "Cop Charged with Assault", aside from a being a Calgary Police Officer, his or her identity remains anonymous.

http://www.calgarysun.com/news/alberta/2009/08/18/10493741-sun.html

Though police spokespersons and other government officials are prepared to publically name gang members and other accused, and may even be prepared to reveal damning allegations which undoubtedly turn the public (along with any potential jury) against an accused,

(see for example: http://jasonvanrassel.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/bolsa-bombshell/)

there seems to be a general unwillingness to name suspect or accused police or to openly reveal the nature of the case against them.

We still don't know the identity of the police officer who kicked and killed Harley the Dog. I have suggested that the investigation into the death of Harley would eventually slip from the minds of the once outraged public, and indeed that appears to be the case.

See: "A Flicker of Life on the Case of Harley the Dog

http://andjusticeforall-calgary.blogspot.com/2009/07/flicker-of-light-on-case-of-harley.html

and

"A Token Investigation - The Investigation into the Death of Harley the Dog"

http://andjusticeforall-calgary.blogspot.com/2009/07/token-investigation-investigation-into.html

The public should become ever more concerned about the code of silence relative to alleged police misconduct. At the very least, there ought to be some consistency in its application.

David G. Chow
Calgary Criminal Lawyer

www.calgarydefence.com