Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Cop Sought Order of Protection

The following details were taken from public records at the McHenry County Government Center.

A Woodstock police officer sought, and was granted, an Emergency Order of Protection (OP) on June 9, 2009, against a Woodstock woman. In his petition he identified the relationship with the woman as "boyfriend/girlfriend" and hand-wrote an extensive summary of personal problems which led to the request for the OP.

In the petition he listed a confrontation that had occurred between the woman's husband and him. The officer didn't request the OP against the woman's husband, but against her. He also checked the boxes that the woman "has threatened to or is likely to use firearms illegally against me". And that she possessed a firearm.

In his petition the officer stated that he had discussed the problems with his chief and the chief had suggested the OP.

A hearing was scheduled for June 19, and the woman was in court for the hearing. The officer? He didn't show up for the hearing, and a Motion to Vacate the OP was granted. A hearing was set for June 23 at 9:00AM.

The June 23 court date arrived, and the officer did not show up in court. The cause was dismissed for want of prosecution.

* * * * * *

Now, here's the question. When an Order of Protection is sought, the person seeking it must make a sworn statement as to the circumstances leading to the request. Based on those statements a judge makes a decision whether to issue the OP.

What opinion will you form after realizing that the officer did not show up in court twice to re-state and explain the sworn accusations in the Order of Protection?

Should the judge have required his appearance?

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Perhaps the situation between the Officer and the woman resolved itself and the Officer did not want the lady to get into any more "hot water" with the police. Kinda like when an Officer doesn't show up for traffic court on purpose to let someoe out of their ticket.

Unknown said...

And this is your business WHY?

Pathetic, Gus.

STFU said...

What do you care about a cop wanting an OP? They hand them out every day and your'e gonna highlight one occasion because its a police officer? Police officers shouldnt be allowed the same protection as average citizens? Is that consistent with the constitution and our state laws? How can you claim to be an advocate of "the people" and run for sheriff when you dont even acknowledge that police officers have the same rights and protection as the citizens. And dont try to deny it or create a smoke screen of excuses. Your'e articles are too anti-cop for you to believe there's police officer's rights, employee rights and many other rules and laws employers have to follow. What do you "really" do for a living besides second guess McHenry County police departments and then calling them to report driving complaints all the time? I mean, do they pay you? It cant be much...

Gus said...

STFU, I absolutely believe that cops are entitled to the same protection as anyone else. So, maybe you can explain to be why the officer didn't show up at either the first hearing or the second hearing, resulting in the OP's being tossed by the judge. If he had a valid reason for requesting the O.P., for what possible reason would he not show up to so state to the judge to have the Order extended beyond the initial, temporary period?