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For the record, I'd like to admit that I for one, have a lot of respect for police.
They put themselves in the line of danger for our safety, and many of them lose their
lives in the process. In my opinion, they all deserve our respect, until proven
otherwise, that is.
That said, I personally feel that some of the Newport Beach Police are, how
should I say, a little too aggressive. Do you know that I was once almost
arrested by Newport Beach Police officers for attempting to catch a taxi
cab? It's true. In fact, this website is dedicated to these two fine
officers and Homer Bludau. Unfortunately, I never did get their names,
so I guess that Homer gets all the credit. (sorry guys)
A couple of years ago, I was trying to catch a taxi to go home after a bar
closed (isn't that what we're supposed to do?). I was not in front of the
bar, rather down the street a little, on a public sidewalk. In any event,
two of Newport's finest walked up to me and told me that I couldn't stand
there. After questioning them for a reason, they threatened to take me to
jail. They wouldn't tell me why other than, "you just can't stand there."
So the next day, I called and asked to speak to their supervisor.
After hearing the story, he replied, "Son, you probably violated two Newport
Beach Municipal Codes (click NB Municipal Code),
and possibly one California Civil Code."
Can you believe this? In the United States of America, in the process of
attempting to get a taxi cab, I could have broken three laws?
This is unbelievable. This single incident spawned my interest in law,
particularly the Newport Beach Municipal Code, and later - this website.
(Thanks guys!)
Could this just be an isolated incident? You decide...
Last year, on the 4th of July, I personally witnessed two NB Police
officers ticketing a female whom dropped a cigarette on the sidewalk!
(Homer, subtract one off the total)
NB Lifeguards have told me stories of witnessing NB Police officers looking
in people's coolers as they sleep on the beach (see the
Fourth Amendment).
They constantly fly their recon helicopter over our neighborhoods at all hours of the
night to investigate "Suspicious Noises" (how ironic! - see the
Ghetto Bird
link).
I've also heard that they regularly ticket tourists whom unknowingly bring
alcohol on to the beach in coolers. (Welcome to Newport, come again!)
I once had a NB Police officer stop me on the boardwalk and inquire as to
what was in my cup. I told him Kool-Aid, and he asked to look inside! (see
the Fourth Amendment)
Regularly, I see some of their veterans walking into bars, just hoping that
they can write an occupancy violation. Officers from other cities, drinking
there, laugh at them after they leave!
On St. Patrick's Day, some of these guys entertain themselves by walking into bars
and performing "alcohol inspections". This time consuming and highly
scientific procedure involves them shining their flashlights into each and
every bottle of alcohol in the restaurant or bar to make sure that the
alcohol 'hasn't been watered down' (see the
Fourth Amendment)..
I have personally seen a few of them ride their bikes up to a recently parked car in a private parking lot
and knock on the window. Seeing what they claimed to be alcohol in the
car, they asked the occupants to exit the car as they searched the vehicle!
(see the Fourth Amendment).
Can you believe this? Aren't we usually at war with countries whom
treat their citizens like this?
I know that not all Newport Beach Police operate in that manner.
I've had the opportunity to work with their management staff, and I must admit
that these guys are arguably some of the nicest guys that I've ever met.
And of course it's not fair to stereotype all of the NPBD due to the actions of a few bad
apples, and we all have bad days. But keep in mind though, that you all wear the same uniform,
and we only remember you when you make a mistake (kind of like a referee).
In fact, I actually believe that it's probably the same few guys that give you all a bad image.
It's for this very reason that we encourage you to expose this behavior internally,
and strengthen our respect for your department. This last 4th of July proved that
good things can happen when we all work together.
Everyone should click on the "Fight Back
" link to share your personal NB Police stories, and start getting involved!
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