Idaho Falls Councilman Larry Lyon Sues Idaho Falls
Have something to say? ADD A NEW POST!
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to the newsletter or RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
The Post Register reported our own Idaho Falls city councilman Larry Lyon has filed a half-million dollar tort claim against Idaho Falls, meaning he can and likely will sue our city for that amount if the city denies his claim (which is almost certain).
Uhhhh, say what?
Larry Lyon’s political career in Idaho Falls has burned bright and hot and now apparently short like a Fourth of July sparkler.
I moved back to town when he was already serving, but apparently he ran his election campaign on notions of cleaning up our government and standing up for the little guys, a noble cause. I heard he wore strange protest t-shirts to several council meetings his first year. Anyone know what those shirts were like or about, and why he stopped wearing them?
I thought Lyon did a good job in questioning the city attorney’s contract, but not much more was followed up on after that.
Lyon reportedly protested our mayor’s raise at last month’s city council meeting, though his strategy was to say the city council members should get raises. Nobody raised much fuss over Lyon’s remark or personal motivation laid bare because of the fuss given to the raise, but what do you think of Lyon’s remark?
So this latest, this $500,000 tort claim, a precursor to a full lawsuit against the city for which Lyon is councilman, stems from an incident last January at Lyon’s home. I think most of us locally thought that incident had passed and the dust had settled, but apparently not for Larry Lyon. Lyon was ticketed for a loose dog, but Lyon claimed the police officers threatened and intimidated him, and that Lyon himself did nothing to deserve their harsh behaviors.
I hope Lyon is not planning to use that 13 second clip that he took via cellphone in his lawsuit? I did not think it proved much either way, but here’s the clip again for your review:
So what do you think about this continuing episode, Larry Lyon’s tort claim, and the police officers involved in last January’s incident? Were those police officers out of line with their behaviors? Where’s our local police visitors, does anyone know of internal conclusions? Has this episode been blown completely out of proportions? Do you think Lyon is certain to lose this fall’s election and just wants to cash out? How will this lawsuit affect Lyon’s role as a city resident, let alone a city councilman?
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Comments
Vote:
0 
0 I wonder if the officers can counter-sue for defamation of character?
Vote:
0 0 Aha! Good question.
A couple weeks back we discussed tort lawsuit caps of $250k for “pain and suffering”. Would Larry Lyon’s claim, if eventually found in his favor, also be limited to that cap, or is “pain and suffering” different than “emotional distress”?
Vote:
0 0 I think Lyon is feeling he has nothing to lose. He is probably right. Unfortunately, tax payers will have to pay for his neurotic behavior(s).
City Hall is not a very friendly place to him right now. I think he is feeling pretty hurt and is lashing out at them the best way he knows how. I think Lyon should have versed himself in Parlimentary Procedure and slowed up council business instead of filing a wacky suit that he is going to lose anyway. Lyon has asked some good questions—especially about City Contract Attorney Dale Storer getting city benefits when other contractors don’t. However, once again he is shooting himself in the foot. When is his term up?
Vote:
0 0 Does anyone know what the recall provisions are for recalling a City Council member?
Vote:
0 0 Wouldn’t it be nice to have a “lemon law” for city council members and/or government officials? (both on the state and federal levels)
Take them back to the dealer and say:
Ummm….my city councilman, congressman, president, etc. just isn’t running right and he’s really acting up lately, I’m gonna have to trade him in.
Well sir, can you describe the symptoms your experiencing?.
Well yeah….its sputtering nonsense, I’m getting a lot of hot air coming out of the wrong holes and he’s getting us absolutely nowhere!
Ok sir, try this model.
We can dream right? 
Vote:
0 0 This is the very reason why Rammel (sp?) should NOT be elected to the Idaho Legislature… I can envision hism pulling a similar stunt.
Vote:
0 0 He is thinking about a run for the U.S. Senate not the State Legislature.
Vote:
0 0 SlimPickens that’s great! You ought to run for office……..:-)
Vote:
0 0 Lemon Law….that is a good one. I think the idea someone broached about the poll for “who should run against Lyon” would be very appropriate right now. Make sure you add in that one guy who tried to buy his way into the Mayors Seat, and a Council seat….Brett Manwearing. I am sure he will raise his head out of the shadows.
Vote:
0 0 Please no on Manwaring. He’s a slum lord and last election I had the fortune to see him speak. It quickly became apparent he was clueless about every single issue except lowering property taxes which he was all for even though he couldn’t explain how he would balance the budget and cut taxes at the same time.
It should be obvious to me now after four failed elections that the people of Idaho Falls don’t want him in office. Hopefully he gives up.
Vote:
0 0 Just for the record, “intentional infliction of emotional distress” is rather limited. You just can’t say you “experienced” distress (everybody could say that certain actions by others caused them ‘distress’.) You have to show that the actions of others proximately caused emotional distress THAT CAN BE QUANTIFIED by physical manifestation.
In other words, that as a result of the action of another, intentionally directed towards you to cause distress, you suffered a “nervous breakdown”, “heart attack” or something that an expert can say was a PHYSICAL manifestation of the emotional “harm.”
You can’t just say the action caused me to be upset and I felt bad, sad, humililated, nervous or the like!
In Lyons case, he has better chance of becoming Pope than prevailing.
He has humiliated himself in a much worse way than the police might have, and if he sues, the city should seek fees, costs and anything else allowed!
Vote:
0 0 Mr Lyons certainly didn’t seem distressed at the Liberty festival as he was cavorting about with a much younger female and a baby. I can’t say for sure they were dating but they sure gave off that impression based on the closeness they showed in how they stood and walked. And I certainly have no clue about the baby and I’m not trying to imply I have any knowledge as to who the babies father is. Heck, for all I really know Larry might have an adult daughter and this was her and the baby was his grandchild. Point is he seemed happy, seemed to be having fun, and certainly didn’t look like he was in any kind of emotional distress. For $500,000 you better be so distressed you can’t get out of bed. Especially over a dog at large ticket.
Vote:
0 0 Is it appropriate for Larry Lyon to continue serving as councilman while this tort claim is under consideration?
Should he step aside until this tort claim is finished?
Vote:
0 0 Nah, it’s not like his vote means anything. The other four council members rubber stamp everyting anyways….so, it’s no big deal that he is still officially a council person.
Vote:
0 0 #14 - no, I think he is in a total conflict in his position to be voting on behalf of and suing the city all at once. He should excuse himself from his position at once.
I agree with whoever said he knows his political future is fried so he’ll try to build his nest egg now. If the city chooses to settle out of court, I will be very disappointed. They need to fight this one. How embarrassing to be his family right now.
Gee, I’m distressed by the heat, the fires, and poor Rosie and Trump fighting. Who can I blame? Who wants to be sued? Lyon has stooped to a level underneath the rest of us. Pray the next councilman has a backbone and an understanding of right and wrong.
Vote:
0 0 I’m distressed that I have horizontally sliding windows instead of vertical ones meaning its hard for me to find a cheap air conditioner to install that won’t require major improvisation on my part. Hey its not my fault I bought this house anymore than it was Larry’s fault that his dogs got loose. Perhaps I could sue the home builder for the distress the heat is causing me.
Vote:
0 0 I’m a little confused about how to share messages here. It appears that a very important issue is being overlooked and that is the behaviour this police department has exhibited quite frequently. One can’t run around behaving in a violent and manical manner as some of our police officers do. If one does their research, they will discover numerous incidents involving the IFPD as well as the Sherrif’s Department involved in some sort of misbehaviour and abuse of power.I think it’s fairly common here within this police department, I have lived in large metropolitan cities and have never seen or heard of such outrageous police behaviour. Much of the ivestigations are dismissed. But then again, most of them are investigated internally therefore quickly dismissed. I suppose in the case of Larry Lyons though, a higher authority will investigate because of his position, surely it won’t be overlooked as many other horrendous incidents have been.
Vote:
0 0 What abuse of power did the police exhibit in the Larry Lyon case? As its been reported the following is not in dispute.
Fact: Larry Lyon had two dogs which got out.
Fact: Animal control had to impound these dogs because they were running loose.
Fact: Animal control tried several times to serve Larry tickets for dog at large without success.
Fact: When animal control finally did meet up with Larry he refused to cooperate in receiving the tickets thus necessitating the police get called.
None of the above is in dispute. The only dispute is over the officer’s demeanors. Its pretty clear from reading the stories about this that Larry Lyon and Sgt Frei of the police got into a pissing match with one another. Sounds like both could have handled things better. But I fail to see where Larry got abused. He was perhaps treated rudely which it sounds like was merely a reflection of his own rudeness. And the whole camera phone incident as I understand occurred when Larry shoved the phone in the Frei’s face and Frei pushed it away which led to Larry pushing back and the comments you hear.
I’m just not seeing abuse by the police. I’m seeing an officer who verbally lost his cool with Larry because Larry was acting like a grade A jerk.
And at the end of the day the real person who should face repercussions from this is Larry Lyon and his day is coming this November when he gets voted out of office (hopefully).
Vote:
0 0 Way to go cattguurrll, got right to the heart of the problem! However, on this website, we have zero tolerance for negative comments directed at any member of law enforcment, the justice system or any other elected or appointed official. Never mind that some (NOT ALL!!!) of our officers believe it’s perfectly acceptable to break the law in an attempt to enforce it. They are above the rule of law and such an attitude is enforced by their superiors, the voters, the judiciary, etc. One of the things that is totally lost on the citizens of our community is that our officers are here to “serve and protect”. There is a perfectly good reason why “serve” comes before “protect” in every community but this one. Service is not part of the mantra of SOME of our officers, only protect. And service is only provided to a select few who meet the specific criteria established on an individual basis by each officer. So prepare yourself, my friend, to be nailed to a cross and burned at the stake for having the audacity to make a statement on this website that any officer of this community has ever exhibited even the slightest appearance of wrongdoing. Our law enforcement is perfect. Get your steel underwear out and prepare for an onslaught of nasty comments to follow yours. (and mine).
Oh, my bad. There are two exceptions, sort of. Kimball Mason and Larry Lyon. Everybody else is perfecto. Never mind that Larry Lyon is a bull in a china closet on too many occasions but has had the backbone to ask the tough questions now and again that many wanted the answer to. It’s status quo in this community. We don’t believe in change. He crossed a police officer and therefore, it’s time to fire up old sparky. Around here, my dear, we sentence one and all to the electric chair for jaywalking. The officer just simply can’t be wrong. He’s an officer. Period. He would never lie, he would never even fib, (never mind that he denied making a statement that was caught on tape).
Remember Officer Moulton having to settle his lawsuit as there was enough evidence to convict even though he denied ANY wrongdoing? Well, that’s cuz he wears a uniform. A citizen only needs to be accused and that’s sufficient to be sent to prison and throw away the key. He’s guilty and must prove his innocence (which the judiciary will absolutely not allow under any circumstances) cuz he doesn’t wear a uniform and have the undying, unswerving support of the citizenry and only heaven can help the poor individual who dares to suggest otherwise. May God bless you, cattguurrll, you’re gonna need it.
Vote:
0 0 Oh, and please take note that as stated in post 19, that if an officer does do something wrong (which you must remember that he can’t because he’s an officer) that it’s not his fault. They get to live a different standard than the rest of us. If they do something wrong (which they can’t) it’s just simply the other guys fault. The rest of us have to take absolute accountability for our own actions and aren’t allowed to blame others for our bad behavior. Wonder where I can buy me a uniform?
Vote:
0 0 Way to go Inside Observer! Nice comments lumping all of us in as apologists for the cops. Frankly, I am suprised that Sgt. Frei even showed up. It takes alot to get him out of his car…haha.
Seriously though, big deal if Frei told Larry do you want to goto the ground….Larry was escalating and Frei did too…which once again means to me that Larry must have been in rare form because Frei is pretty low key alot of the time.
I don’t think alot of us here give cops a free pass. We didn’t for Mason, Ericcson, or even the chief. Alot of people here didn’t give Moulton a pass either. I think that broad brush stroke treatment of those of us on this site is misleading and not true.
All of us have varying opinions on this site. It is totally inaccurate to state that we would all be apologists for police misconduct.
BTW….where do I sign up to file a tort claim….I have been experienced mental distress as a result of the above post! lol
Vote:
0 0 Mike,
Since I’m not a government worker (thank heaven) you don’t need to file a tort claim to come after me. And you’re correct, it was inappropriate of me to broad brush everyone posting on this site. Please accept my apology. It just gets on my nerves when we try to excuse an officer’s bad behavior by blaming it on the other guy. There were 17 postings doing just that before cattguurrll hit the nail on the head. Do you really think that would wash if their positions were reversed? Actually, how do we really know they weren’t? Did Larry begin taping because Frei was out of line and Larry’s behavior was escalating as a result of Frei’s rudeness? I don’t see any postings positing that position. We’re just quick to jump to the conclusion that it had to be Larry’s fault because he had let his dogs get out and the officers responded. Maybe, just maybe, we should wait until the facts come out in court before passing judgment. Just a thought.
My daughter called me one day when she was being pulled over for speeding. My children are instructed to have me on cell phone during all encounters with local law enforcement. So I was listening from the point in time when the officer approached the vehicle and began talking to her like some major felon escapee from Alcatraz to the point in time when I stepped out of my vehicle (yes, I drove over there as a result) when his tone and voice changed to “good evening, how are you?” My daughter was so traumatized by his behavior she was unable to drive herself home. And btw, she was driving 33 in a 25. So there you go, fire up ol’ sparky. I can swear to you that nothing she said or did warranted this man’s behavior. But hey, I’m sure, I’d bet money on it, that someone will post something behind this one excusing his bad behavior. “He may have been tired” or “Maybe he’d just got off a bad call” or “Maybe this” or “Maybe that”. In my opinion, it doesn’t matter. He had no right to talk to my daughter that way any more than if I were a waiter, I’d have the right to treat a customer like crap because the guy at the next table was acting like a jerk.
We’re each responsible for our own behavior, unless of course, we wear a uniform, carry a badge and a gun. Then everything we do wrong is the other guy’s fault.
I think if you read through some of the threads, you’ll see a great many folks claiming officers are ALL good guys and should get a free pass. I take great issue with the double standard. An officer should not be allowed to break the law to enforce it, and misconduct, including rudeness, should not be tolerated. My opinion on that one is that Chief Livesey is so rude most times, maybe he can’t identify it in one of his officers when he sees it.
But again, if you’re one of the few who doesn’t think this way, then please accept my apologies. And for those who think ALL police officers are saints, my Christian beliefs require me to wish you the best in not having to ever encounter the truth. In this particular situation, reality sucks.
Vote:
0 0 As I understand it, Larry is claiming one or both cops stuck a gun in his face?
Was this really an allegation made by Larry? If so, did those cops deny it or admit it?
Vote:
0 0 No guns were ever drawn at any point during the Larry Lyon dog incident. Whoever is suggesting that guns were drawn is lying.
Perhaps they are mixing it up with another incident since Mr Lyon has been arrested before and the police have been to his house many times during his tenure as councilman. On those occasions who knows?
Vote:
0 0 Having worked for all levels of local, state and federal offices the last 15 years, some of you would be surprised at the numbers of councilman, elected officials, lawyers, etc. who get out of offenses with a warning and a brush under the rug. I’m talking Idaho and other states. I once followed a county prosecutor (who was friends with my boyfriend) home to switch cars, might I ad he was nursing a good buzz in a county car. Showed in his driving.
Lyon was in the wrong, broke the dog law, and was justly served a ticket. Attitudes went from there. Doesn’t change the fact he broke the law he thinks he is above.
I have lived in major metro cities and for post 18 is definately not my experience. It happens more in larger cities, but is not glamorized in the press and You Tube like it is in rinky dink eastern Idaho. Those are the big stories next to fires and the latest fluff piece.
Question - is LL a habitual offender of animal control laws - I thought I read somewhere his dogs are an issue and this wasn’t a one-time deal. Either way, he’s a goner.
Vote:
0 0 I’m sure as an ex-fed, it is most definately not your experience however, I was simply attempting to illlustrate that possibly because officers in cities where there are actual crimes being committed, per capita, in comparison to “rinky dink” Idaho Falls, manage to conduct themselves in a more appropriate to the situation manner. Oh I KNOW, corruption is everywhere, it just seems far more prevelant here with such an itty bitty police force in an area with such a low crime rate. It’s as if the officers have recieved their training from the popular cops shows which of course are filmed in large metro areas, not IF. It’s as if they are aching to bring crime here so they’ll have something to do besides eat at certain great Mexican places and turn dog at large tickets into a key stone cop fiasco. I hear ya thogh.
Vote:
0 0 And by the way, if LL’s dogs have been an incessant “issue”, isn’t there a form of animal control? I would think it to be ovious that the most sensible form of action would be simply to alert animal control and they could do THEIR job.
Vote:
0 0 regarding Post #27 and comments by “Anonymous”
I need to see if you are as informed as you seem to believe you are. Please humor me. How many police officers does Idaho Falls have? How does the number of police related shootings in Idaho Falls compare to New York City per capita — last 20 years? In other words, is it safer to be a police officer on the itty bitty teeny weenie police department in Idaho Falls or on the NYPD with nearly 45,000 officers? On any given night, what are an officers chances of being shot, shot at or being in a position where they must shoot someone else? I know the answer to that, and from your comments you should too — but you don’t. What is the training and ceritification process like for police in the State of Idaho? Is there a POST Academy? What is a POST Academy? If there is one, where is it located? How long is it? What topics are taught?
You said: “I was simply attempting to illlustrate that possibly because officers in cities where there are actual crimes being committed, per capita, in comparison to “rinky dink” Idaho Falls, manage to conduct themselves in a more appropriate to the situation manner.”
Tell that to Rodney King.
This is so far gone that its hard to even take your seriously. First of all you know nothing about per capita comparisons or you would make no such comments. How do the numbers of rapes, robberies, assaults and burglaries that take place in Idaho Falls compare to both Los Angeles and NYC — per capita? Once again — you should have this information already in mind to have rightfully made the comments that you made.
Also, in your rediculous post #28 you once again show your ignorance. There is an Animal Control Division in Idaho Falls, and they do handle most animal related issues. However, when there is an escalated issue, or one that is more sensitive in nature (or potentially dangreous) the Police are sent to handle it. This is done because they are the ones capable of enforcing all State Laws — not just City Codes related to animal violations. They are also better trained at handling situations which may become difficult for whatever reason.
Recommendation; Keep your mouth shut unless you know what it is you are talkig about.
Vote:
0 0 Oh snap! Looks like somebody’s had just a wee bit too much caffeine today.
Vote:
0 0 Not at all. I just get real tired of people belittling the city and the police department by comparing them to “real Cities” with “real policeman” and “real crime.” Particularly when they are making statements which clearly show they know nothing about what they are talking about. That should bug most people I would think. Especially someone who has nearly given his life on more than one occassion working on that Fake police department, in the one horse town that has no crime. I guess I am over reacting. Statements like
“It’s as if they are aching to bring crime here so they’ll have something to do besides eat at certain great Mexican places and turn dog at large tickets into a key stone cop fiasco.”
Shouldn’t bother me I guess.
Vote:
0 0 and who on Earth saya “Oh Snap?” You must be 150 years old
Vote:
0 0 Personally I think there’s alot of crime here for a small town. But its still safer than most our size. An sure, anonymous doesn’t have a clue, but thats still no reason to get yer knickers in a twist! If anonymous is so unhappy here, why isn’t he living in a real town with real crime? One where he has to watch his back walking down the street at night. Because he wouldn’t last in a big city that’s why.
btw….I’m only 119. 
Vote:
0 0 There is alot of crime that goes on around this town that alot of the good citizens don’t see or deal with because the police handle things well. That doesn’t get as much attention as one poor encounter as described above might. There will always be encounters where both sides can exhibit poor behavior. I know some police officers that have poor attitudes. Unfortunately, they are a reflection of the people they police too. There is not enough attention paid to the stress officers undergo through encounters with the cream of the crop public, i.e. bad guys. There is also not enough attention paid to how officers could interact with the public better either. This is a failure on the part of the Police Administration. The only attention officers get is when they do something wrong. There is not enough on-going training and refresher courses to help officers stay focused and professional in the normal course of their duties.
I honestly think that it would be great for police officers to be REQUIRED to take a few weeks every year and work in another city occupation, like in Park & Rec. or even in Planning or Electrical….some other field so they can be reminded of the people they serve. Too often all they see is the bad in everybody. I had one officer remark to a guy that left the force…you are just one of the sheep for us to protect now. This patronizing view exhibited by the officer hurt our friend. It also speaks to the concern that police officers are forced into their own world…The thin blue line. They need to be performing work without the police authority and responsibility to remind them of who they serve and why. I believe this would be beneficial to the officer and to the greater public.
I would like the Police Administration to be more creative and proactive in helping officers stay in touch with their community rather than feeling apart from it.
Vote:
0 0 Knowing how most I.F. police officers handle calls and situations, I wouldn’t put it past them that they did such to Lyons. Coming from a family of law enforcement, one can not gain ANY sort of respect acting as “Napoleonic” as most I.F. police do. There’s a BIG difference between being “hard” and “hard to deal with”. I guess most I.F. police officers just lack real communication skills, social skills and a select few others lack just plain old common sense. I would hate to see these officers have to deal with crimes other than an “unleashed pet” or a couple of teenagers from OK walking 2 blocks to buy an ice cream all the while unknowingly breaking curfew and later to be hauled home in the back of a police car, ticketed and fined.
Hmmm…maybe we should allow certain officers only one round for their weapon, that is if we can be sure that they won’t hurt themselves!!
For the respectable and honorable police officers in I.F. (and you know who you are)…”Thank You” for doing the job you do and trying to keep law enforcement a respectable and honorable profession.
Vote:
0 0 In post #35 the truth finally comes out. I knew it would.
Vote:
0 0 It was only a matter of time.
Vote:
0 0 #35 is from a new “Anonymous” person, a first time poster and nothing to do with any previous postings.
Vote:
0 0 I caught up reading this thread and I would love to post a more in depth reply. But I will keep it short as my time is short at the moment.
As with any profession, career, job, or what have you; there are those that are good at what they do and those that are not. Thats life.
I do believe that the quality of service provided by our law enforcement is a direct reflection of the city as a whole.
One thing I would like to see is people in this community to stop complaining because they have nothing better to do with their lives, and participate in changing things.
If you think you can do a better job, prove it. Run for city council, run for mayor, heck even put in an application with the police. Put your money where your mouth is and truly attempt to make an improvement in this community rather than just complain about it.
Oh yeh, on the comment about the officers eating at a certain (I wont say the name) mexican restaurant… ever think its because they can get a very inexpensive dinner at 3 a.m.
Vote:
0 0 Good points there in post 39, but there’s a big difference between folks in other professions and our local city police. Do you know when the last time someone got fired from IFPD? I think it was when those officers got drunk and hit a car years back. So, if I’m not performing well in my civilian job, I’ll get fired. But if our IFPD officer performs poorly, he gets an officer of the year award from Livesey. (who is appointed, not elected and Fuhriman will never fire him although I can’t say why for sure)
And people do run for office, but if you’re not a Mormon Republican, you don’t have a prayer of getting elected in this town. Status quo, baby, status quo.
Vote:
0 0 Thats right, you have to be a mormon republican to get elected, just ask Linda Milam..ohh wait.
Vote:
0 0 Brother, let’s not get into that aspect again, it just poisons the entire conversation.
Back to Larry Lyon, any word on the city’s response to Larry’s notification of the half million dollar tort claim?
I imagine they are not going to pay right? Are they going to tell him quickly or wait the full sixty days allowed?
Vote:
0 0 Would it be a conflict for Frei to serve a complaint for Dog at Large when he allows his own dog to run at large on a daily basis? Or the fact that local police were called to his house when he was shooting his pistol in his yard. Or how about operating his unlicensed motorcycle on the roadway. As a police officer it’s important that he set the stage for others to see that he obeys the law as a Police Officer.
Vote:
0 0 Would it matter that Frei lives in another county with different laws? Where its not illegal to let your dog run loose seeing as Lyon was charged with Idaho Falls city code? Likewise would it matter that discharging a firearm is only illegal within IF city limits and again Frei doesn’t live in Idaho Falls and doesn’t even live in Bonneville county for that matter. Before you ask, its not illegal to fire a weapon unless a city law says otherwise. Would it matter that the person above obviously has an axe to grind and left out important information. Probably no more than it matter thats InsideObserver … makes lots of accusations but never ever backs them up with proof no matter how many times he called on them. Its all “you have to trust me.”
Vote:
0 0 Yikes! Feelinlucky, the information you have requested from the previous post is easily attainable, trust me. You must have recently attended the seminars at ISU and it is all still fresh in your head.But did they not mention that police officers actually have one of the least dangerous jobs?(and yes, I can provide esteemed sources for this info.)most officers never encounter a situation in which using their weapon is necessary? That most officer stress results from the mundane work they perform which causes some NOT ALL, to become disenheartened with the lack of excitement their job provides so they create their own. You may not ever even get to shoot your gun off the shooting range. Easy to get fired up, but relax why don’t you? As long as you are doing your job, and I don’t doubt that you are, you needn’t worry about everyone else’s lack of information or opinion. I myself have lived in much larger cities all over the world and really, just because someone makes a comment about the ridiculous behaviour of the IFPD (they do have a history of foolish behaviour) doesn’t mean they want to leave, or that they can. Let’s not be childish. And just so you know, “snap” is a rather trendy word these days.
Vote:
0 0 Just out of curiosity, in reference to post 29, what is so dangerous about a dog at large that the police would be sent? I don’t understand. Would they mace the dog? Arrest it? Help me understand why in fact, the animal control simply won’t take the dog off of the street if it is running about “at large”, why does the city need to send police officers?
Vote:
0 0 Post #44 suggests that there is no law governing dogs at large where this officer lives. Without endangering the officer by identifying the county where he lives the code states: (5.0) “All dogs found running at large in _____ County are declared to be a public nuisance and it shall be the duty of the County Sheriff to take up and impound dogs running at large.”
Vote:
0 0 POST #28
Anonymous Says:
July 10th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
And by the way, if LL’s dogs have been an incessant “issue”, isn’t there a form of animal control? I would think it to be ovious that the most sensible form of action would be simply to alert animal control and they could do THEIR job.
It appears that Anonymous is not up to speed on the incident, and has decided to attack others without proper information. Let me remind you that it has been reported several times that Animal Control was trying to handle the situation and Lyon was being uncooperative, which is when the police were requested by the very same people you said should do “THEIR job.”
POST #45
But did they not mention that police officers actually have one of the least dangerous jobs?…….
You may not ever even get to shoot your gun off the shooting range.
I beg you to ask the officer that was atacked recently, while trying to talk to a person, who later had to have surgery due to the injury, if thier job is “the least dangerous jobs?” or any of the officers involved in a shooting “GOT” to shoot thier gun off of the range. I would be willing to bet that they did not think it was a priviledge and hope to never have to do this again.
Vote:
0 0 #45- just because an officer may never shoot their gun off the range does not mean they have one of the “least” dangerous jobs as you state. “Esteemed” sources or not. Have you ever worked side by side with, been married to, or carried a badge yourself?
Most of us go to work without the threat of being yelled at, spit on, threatened with our jobs/badge daily, physically attacked, etc. If we use a business car, do we have the daily threat like officers do of our backseat being puked on, banged on, torn up, peed in, if we transport a group of business acquaintences to another location? No.
Do those with “normal” jobs have spouses and families at home wondering what kind of garbage you dealt with all day and the mood it will put you in, much less if you’ll make it home at all?
Betting no on all of these answers. Claiming officers create excitement in their jobs to deal with the stress is so far off base from the truth. Maybe a few do this, but that would be the result of mental concerns that are found in every profession and is not the rule in law enforcement.
Bashing law enforcement or IFPD as a whole is not the topic of this site. The facts are Larry Lyon is suing the city he represents for $500 K for a dog incident at his home. Period. So why isn’t everyone making false generalizations about city councilman nationwide? Police are easier to bash since so many have chips on their shoulders.
Remember an old Native saying: Do not criticize another man until you have walked a mile in his moccasins.”
Please everyone, the discussion would progress much further if posters were up to speed on their facts better as stated in post #47.
Vote:
0 0 I am willing to listen to a lot of alternative ideas, but the idea that cops have some of the safest jobs is pretty far out there. Even if their work injuries and stress occurrences were statistically lower than most other professions, they live with a potential danger hanging over their heads all the time which most other professions do not.
I appreciate you throwing the idea out there because it made me think about something new, but if cops somehow did work safer jobs then we should thank goodness our society is so fortunate.
- - - - -
It has been about a week now since the PR reported Larry Lyon was filing the tort claim. Surely there has been some developments since then? Anyone know the city’s response, or how Lyon has been interacting with the city?
Vote:
0 0 Re:Post 47
It references the officer who got attacked and had to have facial surgery to fix the damage. I wonder how many of you realize that the officer in question is one of the two involved in this case and if that changes opinions any? And before anyone suggests, InsideObserver I’m talking to you, that the officer somehow brought it on all the officer did was say “Hey Frank, we need to talk to you” as Frank was walking away and Frank spun and started to pummel the officer.
Vote:
0 0 Inside Observer;
You have made it very apparent that you hate the police. You took this whole discussion away from the fact that LL thinks he is above the law, and turned it into personal attacks on police officers.
LL did not want the ticket for his dogs running lose (neighbors complaining and calling animal control). LL tried to use his position as a City Council member to bully his way out of the ticket, when it didn’t work he resorted to Jerk 101.
You act as if you are informed about what happens within the police department and you obviously have… an axe to grind against the police.
You and Catgurl both seem to think the local police are somehow the most corrupt in the country. Bet you have both had run ins with law enforcement (at least traffic stops). One of the sad facts of life is that 10% of the population has 90% of contact with police. The vast majority of people have only very limited official contact with police. Draw your own conclusions from that but it holds true pretty much nationwide, and I would bet world wide for the most part.
Attacking Moulton and providing the fact that the city’s insurance carrier decided it was cheaper to pay out than fight the case through court shows your level of inside information. It was a business decision by the insurance carrier and had nothing to do with if Moulton was in the wrong or in the right.
Attacking Frei with … comments about his actions on property that is not even in this county or related to the issue at hand again proves that you just dislike the police.
Funny how most people are either supporters of police or indifferent. But those who are always having contact don’t like them. Maybe those that have all this contact should examine why they are constantly having contact. Could it be because they themselves don’t believe the law applies to them, their children, family, or their friends?
Suggesting that the local police are more corrupt than in big cities, a search of national police news would show how absurd that really is.
The reason most complaints go away is because a majority of the police officers record their contacts with the public. The recording usually shows who was really being rude and who is telling the truth.
Are there a few cops who a rude sometimes? Yes. Tell me you have never been rude to someone on your job. I bet you would be hard pressed to find a work place that does not have at least employee who is sometimes rude or rubs people wrong.
This post is about an elected official who will not be re-elected, trying to rip off the tax paying citizens of Idaho Falls because he didn’t get his way.
It is really funny when even the Editor of the Post Register, who usually is attacking the Police Department, sides with them. His piece in the paper about LL expecting people to kiss his ring and describing LL’s ability to rub people wrong was some of the best writing he has ever produced.
Vote:
0 0 I think the whole town is wondering what Larry Lyon was thinking.
Vote:
0 0 Actually, I have had a ticket before, I’m thinking quite a few people have, no reason to grind an axe as the popular assumption is.I’m not a cop hater or a hater of any sort. My grandfather was a police officer in Calif. , my father CIFA in DC, previously special agent for military,he dedicated himself and still does, to keeping American citizens safe from threats we will never see, my sister a detective , best friend a federal agent everyone I love and respect is or has been involved with some form of law enforcement and I have the utmost respect and admiration for them and everyone in the field who goes “above and beyond” to perform their duties ethically which seems to be a challenge these days. I suppose what is disheartening is knowing that my father has and still does dedicate his life to keeping America safe and we can’t even be safe from our own in some respects. Although the topic certainly was not about the police, they were involved and obviously (some)of their behaviour is of concern to the people. Hopefully to redeem myself somewhat, I have had some great experiences with a few officers. It is difficult however, NOT to doubt the integrity of the whole when a few behave out of line. I grew up believing the authorities were there to protect. And in foreign countries, Americans relied heavily on our military police to keep us safe. I suppose it is just odd to me to see any police harrassment towards another citizen as I have never seen it or heard about so much of it until moving here. I find it sad to dread calling the police because you are worried about what they might do.It is NOT acceptable to have a “few bad apples” on the police department. The job is NOT the same as an “ordinary” job, and that is because it comes with more power than ordinary jobs. If a maniacal freak has anger or self-esteem issues behind his or her desk, who cares? They aren’t responsible for the safety of another human being. It is not good to have the reputation the IFPD seems to have, the reputation does not foster trust in the community. In some criminal justice and social problems classes I’ve recently taken,it was mentioned that many departments within Idaho(as well as other states) are so desperate for officers that the departments are lowering standards (which are not the highest to begin with) and keeping officers on that should have been relieved of duty because of their behaviour. An officer of the law has the responsibility to the citizens. You knew the dirty work when you signed up for it. You don’t hear the soldiers out there fighting to keep you safe complaining about the blood spilled on them, the grenades blowing their buddies up and the horrors they face everyday, I’m sure you can go home to your family at night after someone throws up in your car or spits at you.Never-the-less, I suppose this is not the best place for this discussion. We should have a seperate one. Peace.
Vote:
0 0 So 90% of the folks voting in this weeks IFz poll do not think Larry Lyon can effectively serve Idaho Falls as councilman while he is suing the same city for a half million dollars.
I don’t think his suit has merit, but I respect his right to have a day in court and get the matter settled.
I do not think that a councilman is necessarily going to work in the best interests of our city while he has a half-million dollar grudge against the city.
I think it would be most appropriate for Larry Lyon to go on sabbatical or whatever you want to call it for the next few months until that issue is resolved.
What do you think?
Vote:
0 0 Yes, I think Larry the Lion should go on Sabbatical and he should take the IFPD with him.
Vote:
0 0 This is more of a police issue than a Larry Lyon issue, but since the I.F.P.D. has been brought up quite a bit in this thread, I’ll post here. I saw a report the other day that stated how many fireworks citations have been issued in Idaho Falls and Bonneville County this year. Would you believe none in Bonneville County, and only one in Idaho Falls.
I have friends with scanners who have told me that complaints about illegal fireworks have been almost nonstop chatter on the scanner many times recently. There must have also been numerous times when on-duty officers have seen or heard illegal firework activity, it’s been almost everywhere. I would have a very hard time being convinced that our local police have any desire to enforce the firework laws. There’s one local officer who lives on the next block from me, I know that he has to have heard a lot of the same explosions that I have. But with all of the complaint calls, and the opportunities to hear illegal fireworks in their own neighborhoods and enforce the law, the I.F.P.D. chooses to only enforce the laws that they want to enforce. It does not foster a feeling of respect as far as I am concerned.
If they are going to enforce any laws, enforce all of them please.
Vote:
0 0 Cattguurrll;
I get that you have contact with a lot of law enforcement. I have lived in several states and also come from a law enforcement family.
I know that most agencies in other places have more internal problems and corruption than the IFPD. I also know that you are talking like the majority of people here have a negative opinion of the police. I know that that is not the case.
You have apparently had a bad contact and know some others who have. The fact is that law enforcement especially the patrol people are nearly always contacting people in a negative situation. (No one wants to call the police, something bad has happened) (No one wants to be stopped for a traffic violation). Yet there are to my understanding relatively few complaints filled.
Here the police will come take your vandalism report, and respond to your minor car wreck. In LA they will have a citizen call you in a few days, on your accident they will tell you to call your insurance. They will take your runaway report over the phone and not even attempt to go look for them. Talk about attitudes go to a big city and argue over your ticket on the street with them. Complain about a rude traffic stop in LA see what happens (a lot less than does here, they don’t care and chances are the officer will never even hear about it)
This is still a small town so everyone knows everyone else’s business and you still only hear about an occasional law suite. Big cities at anytime have hundreds of them pending. Word of mouth here will get around within a short time of any action taken by police. Sit in a restraunt the day after a bar fight or group of youth get in a fight and you will probably hear people talking about it. In SLC, LasVegas, LA, the day after a drive by gang shooting chances are no one is talking about it.
I think your personal experience what ever it was is keeping you from seeing the whole picture. I look around and see just the opposite from my experiences.
I in no way believe that any level of corruption is acceptable. I think bad cops should be fired. I think that has happened here when there have been some. I also believe that as a whole the police here are of a very high standard.
I also believe that Lyons should take a leave until his case is resolved. Him staying there voting on things that effect the IFPD and the City he is suing is just plain wrong.
Vote:
0 0 Guest and Concerned,
I have absolutely no problem addressing and answering for comments I made on any post on this site, but before you attack me, please be sure it was my comment. You have both berated me in posts 50 and 51 for comments posted by someone else. (Who’s Frank?) (I’ve never said anything about Frei and his property. What property?)
And for the record, I have never been arrested and haven’t even been pulled over for over twenty years. And I have absolutely never said I hated the police. I have stated over and over again my respect for the majority. You have your head in the sand if you cannot concede that we have a handful of officers on the BCSO and IFPD who need to be ferreted out and fired. (Between the two forces, I would say we have about six officers total who shouldn’t be carrying badges, let alone guns) This is true for most law enforcement agencies in the country. I do wonder why the majority of our officers, whom I again have stated are good people, aren’t willing to actually do something about this handful. Or maybe they are and we don’t know. Any comments on that? There are posts on other threads where former and current officers are willing to make statements on IFz about the bad ones, but what other action is being taken? I guess my question to them would be, what action can be taken? I don’t know the answer to that question but I’ll happily participate if you tell me what we/I can do.
As for this thread, I am not a rabid Larry Lyon fan. However, I will maintain my position of respect for his willingness to step away from the party line and ask a tough question now and again. I don’t vote for sheep, which is what the remainder of the city council appears to be on many occasions. Just stay in line, don’t make waves, don’t ask questions. I guess that begs the question that if the city council is a bunch of sheep, who’s herding them?
Is LL effective as a city councilman? I guess not, but one would hope that progress for our community would come from someone being willing to ask the tough question without the remainder of the city council pushing their heads into the sand and hoping it will just all go away before they actually have to do something about a particular issue. And before you blast me for that comment, I am not saying the council never does anything, but as in the case of LL asking about Storer’s contract, everyone just ducked and ran and to date, months later, we still haven’t gotten a satisfactory answer to the question. Is Storer under contract or not? If not, why not? To a man, even LL, after the question was posed by LL and examined by an outside attorney, it fell off the radar and no one has followed up. Why?
Larry Lyon, why don’t you ask the question again?
PR, why don’t you answer the posts on this site about a follow up?
Mayor Fuhriman, I believe you said you were going to actually read the attorney’s letter and provide follow up. Did you? Where? When?
If the city council says Storer’s under contract and an independent attorney says he isn’t, why don’t we get another opinion? Oh, that’s right. We don’t need outside review. We’re all supposed to just be sheep too. So who’s herding us?
Vote:
0 0 As much as I shake my head over Lyon’s lawsuit and some of his antics, I also appreciated his questioning of the Dale Storer contract. Extending full city benefits to a contractor seems unusual.
The PR reported on a city council vote to allow a couple apartment buildings near an elementary school. I noticed from the votes that Larry Lyon was not present at the meeting.
Does Larry miss council meetings often, or is this an unusual occurrence? Perhaps he is taking an un-official leave of absence while this tort claim exists?
I think he would gain some respect from even his harshest critics if he recused himself from council duties during this lawsuit time frame.
Vote:
0 0 Re: Post #56 and the fireworks:
Did you consider that perhaps the reasons cops aren’t citing people for fireworks is because they have more important things to do? Yes, the constant booms are annoying. But whats more important: enforcing the fireworks code or responding to a man beating his wife? Or a burglary in progress? Or arresting a drunk driver? Or investigating a rape? In the grand scheme of things fireworks are down there with barking dogs on the list of importance. Not to mention that around the 4th of July there are so many fireworks going off that the cops couldn’t respond to all of them even if they weren’t busy doing other things.
As to the cop not arresting his neigbhor? Did you consider that maybe he values good relations with his neighbor above a minor law violation like fireworks? You start busting your neighbors for the little things and they will start vandalizing your property. Not to mention that when a cop is off duty he is off duty and isn’t going to be out there enforcing the law unless its something serious (i.e. not fireworks).
And to the idea that cops should enforce all laws equally. Do you realize that in Idaho its still illegal for two consenting adults to have sex outside of marriage? Why aren’t the cops out there arresting all the cohabitators? Not so long ago, in the 80’s, it was still illegal for married adults to have sex with the lights on and in any position but the missionary one. Didn’t see many cops enforcing that one either.
Thats because all laws are not equal. Some are more serious than others by classification, felony vs misdemeanor, and of those classified the same its very clear cut which are more important. Violent misdemeanors are more important than non violent. Non violent property crime misdemeanors are more important than noise misdemeanors like fireworks.
Vote:
0 0 It was my understanding that Larry Lyon’s question was regarding an indepent person/company on contract with the city receiving city benefits. If that’s true, it was a legitimate question, and deserves an answer from our city council. It seems to me that an issue like that would make for a good story for the Post Register to follow up, so why haven’t they?
I agree with earlier posts as to LL’s pointed questions. Someone needs to be aware of things like that and bring them up. Now, though because of his recent litigation, if he hasn’t sealed his fate with the city council, at the very least he should step down until it’s through.
Vote:
0 0 There are alot of people here that think Larry should step down. I will note that I don’t care much for Lyon…..but think of this:
If you filed a tort claim against your company you were working for, would you be expected to quit or go on sabatical?
Larry’s tort is only against the Police Department…yes, that is part of the city, but it’s not like he has sued every city department.
It seems pretty easy to just tell Larry he should quit or recuse himself. However, the only issue that I can see he should recuse himself from would be with police business the council takes up. What do you folks think?
Vote:
0 0 Mike,
You make some points; however, how many people who filed torts against their employer represent the citizens who voted them into PUBLIC OFFICE?
I’m no lawyer, but it would seem to me indirectly by filing this lawsuit, LL has filed a suit against the residents of Idaho Falls. Especially those who live in his district.
Hence, the conflict of interests concern.
To me the issue is a public entity (a City Council position) where he potentially stands to uphold positive equipment purchases or personnel additions, let alone raises, for the IFPD. vs. a private business where he may just be a pain in posterior, but can’t vote about governing laws or personnel.
Plus, say local residents really do think we need a new Police Chief. From my perspective, Larry has a potential vested interest on both sides of that issue, with this lawsuit.
Just another POV.
Vote:
0 0 Re: Post 62.
Why hasn’t there been any followup on the legitimate question raised about the City Attorney’s benefits?????????
Vote:
0 0 Re: Post #61
It’s nice that the IFPD have an apologist working for them. I have a personal problem with the defense that the police are busier with more important things. A while back I was attacked by a neighbor who yelled he was going to kill me, then charged at me swinging a spiked lawn edger with a 6 foot handle. I had to pick up my bicycle and deflect the blows with it. When I called the police they were too busy with other calls to respond. So the next day I spent my lunch hour downtown at the police station waiting to file a report. After waiting more than an hour while they answered phones, waited on other people, took passport photos and who know what else, I had to leave to get back to work. They were still too busy to take a report for at the very least aggravated battery or aggravated assault.
You tell me that some law violations are more serious and “more important.” Having my life and health threatened is more important to me than somebody’s passport.
So a police officer won’t ticket their neighbor because they want their neighbors to like them? That made me laugh. If that’s the case, they are in the wrong line of work.
I think that if the police did start writing some citations for fireworks you wouldn’t have as big a firework problem once word got around. As it is now, unenforced laws are a joke. And the police don’t need any help making excuses why they don’t do their jobs.
Vote:
0 0 You say the police were too busy to respond to your neighbor attacking you but in the same breath you want them to enforce fireworks. Obviously if they were too busy (which I highly doubt as I think your fudging the facts extensively) to respond to that then they are far too busy to respond to fireworks. You just made the case for the police. Again though its clear your fudging the facts. If the attack was in progress then officers would respond. If no IFPD are available then BCSO responds and vice versa. If they aren’t available then state responds. Between the two agencies someone always makes it to a violent crime in progress. If the attack was no longer in progress (as your incident seems to imply) then yes your incident may have had to wait while officers respond to stuff still in progress.
What you really should be arguing for is more officers. Not officers enforcing fireworks since that makes no sense if your chief complaint is officers being unable to respond to your incident.
Vote:
0 0 I’m not “fudging” any facts. It’s funny how I can refute the points that you made, but then you just turn it around and put the blame back onto me. I am telling you an honest personal experience, nothing about the story was fudged, exaggerated, made up, whatever you want to call it. If you didn’t have blinders on I would continue this discussion.
Vote:
0 0 They don’t take passport photos at the Law Enforcement Building. Try the Post Office.
Guest-I am sorry that you appeared to have a bad experience. However, I would really be interested in the chronology of events you discussed. If the attack was over and not in progress it does not warrant officers responding ASAP. It would appear from your description that the attack was over and you phoned after the fact and were not in immediate danger.
Now, I will say this: there are some lazy police officers that often tell people that they can’t or won’t take a report because it is a civil matter. That is b.s. and they need to be called on it….and their supervisor needs to be called out to respond. This happens to often for my liking. Note to everyone: if this happens demand that a supervisor be called over to take the report. This will put an end to this practice.
However, in the same breath, I will say that the guys at the police station counter are receptive to walk-in complaints and do their best to get officers to come in and take complaints. However, keep in mind that they have to be dispatched back to the police station. It is better (and quicker) to just have them come take a report at your location.
Another aspect here was correctly pointed out, there needs to be more manpower. On any given night during the week, the county has 4 maybe 5 deputies on to serve the ENTIRE area. I am not certain about city police staffing, but the number is not great. Many officers are assigned to certain beats and don’t get pulled off those beats unless it is life threatening AT THE TIME. So, if the cop in your ‘beat’ is handling a domestic or having to wait for Health & Welfare to show up to take kids into protective custody…chances are you will have a wait. These are factors that come into play and need to be recognized as limitations experienced by the police and unfortunately, as in your example, yourself.
Vote:
0 0 Thanks, Mike. Since you asked, I will tell you what happened. I called dispatch immediately after the attack. As I recall, an hour or so went by and no officer had shown up yet. I had to go to work shortly after that, so I called back and asked how soon the officer would be there. I was told that all of the officers were very busy and it would be a while. So I told them never mind, I had to leave to go to work.
The next day I went to the police station. I think there was an older civilian gentleman manning the counter there. He gave me a complaint form to fill out and told me he would have an officer come take my report. I don’t know how long I waited there but it was at least 45 minutes. In the meantime there were people coming and going and some of them would go into a side room. It looked like I could see a photo flash going off in there. I didn’t know what it was, so I thought maybe it was passport photos or something, but I don’t know. Anyway, that’s what happened. I could have stuck around and been late getting back to work, but there was no telling how long it would take, so I left.
Now, about Larry Lyon. It seems like it was all of the other council members against him a lot of the times. I’m not sure if he will be any less effective than he already was. He definitely has lost some credibility. From all of the information I’ve seen, it looks like he was as much (or more) at fault for the confrontation with the police as they were. I really don’t see how he suffered any, but I am not going to jump to any conclusions. I’m willing to let the jury decide that, if it goes that far. Does anyone think that the city’s insurance will offer a settlement just to keep from going to trial? That would be too bad if that happened.
Vote:
0 0 I think Larry would have gained a lot more respect if he had quickly admitted he probably fueled the fire as much as the cops had.
Taking responsibility is one of the most valuable ethics in our area, and he should have ponied up his part in the incident.
Instead he has gone further in the other (wrong) direction, acting like a victim to the tune of a half million dollars.
It seems like he has a different set of values now, like it is a different Larry Lyon than was first elected.
Vote:
0 0 Nope same Larry, just showing all his colors
Vote:
0 0 Anonymous,
Re Post 62
Don’t you find it interesting how no one will answer your question nor support your inquiry? If every person who posts on this site came behind you and demanded the answer and then called the PR and demanded a follow up, maybe, just maybe we would get an answer. But as you can see, we just move on past Larry’s tough question.
Is it because we really don’t want to know the answer or what?
Vote:
0 0 Comment 62 by Barneydog:
It was my understanding that Larry Lyon’s question was regarding an indepent person/company on contract with the city receiving city benefits. If that’s true, it was a legitimate question, and deserves an answer from our city council. It seems to me that an issue like that would make for a good story for the Post Register to follow up, so why haven’t they?
So why has the Post Register not followed up on this question?
Vote:
0 0 I find it interesting that many people involved in this particular discussion choose to discuss what they felt important but somehow it just ended. Obviously there are underlying concerns here and they don’t involve Larry, and they are certainly discouraged. Idaho Falls for you.
Vote:
0 0 Hey, I left news tips at all 3 stations. Apparently, they aren’t interested in looking into the issue. They are too busy reporting on serious issues!
Vote:
0 0 I take it you don’t think an uncovering of possibly more corruption is a serious issue? I would think finding a skunk in our goverment ranks right up there with finding a cayman.
Vote:
0 0 No, what I am saying is IT IS IMPORTANT. The news media doesn’t seem to care….they have more “serious” and “interesting” news pieces to work on.
Maybe they can only wrap their little minds around fluff pieces because covering corruption is too mind numbing for them to comprehend.
Vote:
0 0 Let’s not forget what and who controls the media here. They would all be out of jobs if they reported what is “important”. There are far too many incicents of police brutality here that go uninvestigated and the people are more than willing to let that slide.
Vote:
0 0 Give me a break anonymous. Where is your proof and/or where are you getting your information that there’s all these incidents of police brutality here?
I don’t know what kind of “people” that YOU know and hang out with…..but the people that I know, would never let a case of police brutality slide.
Vote:
0 0 Regarding the comment about “let’s not forget what and who controls the media here,” exactly what and who would that be?
Vote:
0 0 Police brutality in Idaho Falls as defined by those who haven’t a clue what brutality really is:
The officer hurt my feelings. (See the Larry Lyon case)
The officer was rude to me.
The officer gave me a ticket and I think I should have got a warning.
Police brutality in real life and the rest of the world:
Police sodomize a prisoner with a broomstick (Abner Loumia case in NYC)
A bunch of officers repeatedly beat a guy on the ground (Rodney King)
Its laughable when someone cries about “police brutality in Idaho Falls” like the poster did a few posts ago and uses something like Larry Lyon’s hurt feelings as an example. I know of a couple instances where IFPD officer did use excessive force. One was given the resign or be fired option so he resigned. Another was suspended. Neither instance was anywhere close to the brutality cases I mentioned and both involved a single strike to a handcuffed prisoner - in the case of the suspended officer his case was mitigated because the handcuffed prisoner had just head butted him. Nearly all police agencies, the IFPD included, take excessive force by its officers very seriously. But you get those like anonymous a few posts back who have no clue what “brutality” really is and think its things like the Larry Lyon case. Perhaps he should go talk to Abner Loumia to learn.
Vote:
0 0 Good post Disturbingthoughts
Vote:
0 0 I agree that the definition of brutality is used pretty loosely by some posters. This community by and large has a good force that is not out there beating people up.
The internal affairs guy, Roger Smart, wasn’t kept busy 24/7 fielding complaints and investigating people. It is laughable to hear about cases of abuse. This is a ’small town’ and even the police force is not exempt from openess. We do not have the same problems here as Los Angeles does. In the age of video and audio recordings these types of incidents are few and far between. This is good for the police and for the public in general.
Larry Lyon’s example here to be suit happy is laughable. Has anyone heard how long the city has to answer the tort claim?
Vote:
0 0 I agree Disturbing Thoughts - good post.
Leave Your Comment
Our Community's Comment Guidelines:- Please stay polite and on topic.
- Your email will never be published.
- No profanity or euphemisms for profanity.
- No personal attacks, name-calls, put-downs, or baiting other guests, races, genders, or religions.
- Express opinions, facts, logic, and reasoning; just don’t argue for argument’s sake.
- No commercial links (unless absolutely relevant to the discussion) and no religious proselytizing.
- No religious discussions (for or against). Go to http://religion.idahofallstoday.com for religious discussions.
- Use the "I" word as much as possible to demonstrate responsibility.
- Limit yourself to using one name per thread to demonstrate responsibility.
- If you think a comment is inappropriate, ask Joe to review it.
Loading ...
Vote:
This is another unfortunate embarrassment caused to the city by Larry Lyon. It really sucks because on the issues I really tend to agree with Lyon on most things. But he is such a trainwreck in how he deals with other people and how he conducts himself personally and at city council meetings that he ends up doing the causes more harm than good. Its to the point that people oppose him so they automatically oppose whatever he said.