Re: “Disgraced cop must go,” Sept. 16
Firstly, as a 38-year-old local woman from this town, I want to applaud the Nelson Star for condemning our local police for retaining a proven woman assaulter on the force.
This is absolutely appalling. In a small town, we are all worried that our faces will be tied to our names at the next road block, and that standing up to authority will result in an extra thorough check somewhere down the line. So thank you to the Nelson Star for being brave in that matter (and a nod to the police in advance for not abusing their power in this way).
The police have a hard job there is no doubt. And it is very true that there needs to be more thank yous for the good work that they do. But when a court-proven women abuser is allowed to remain on the job, it completely discredits any moral authority they have as a whole, which really blows for the good police.
I and all of my female friends frequent the nightlife scene in this town where police vehicles roam around. We will not feel safe until this person is removed from their job, at the very least, and hopefully takes a hint and moves. And if he would like to have a little chat about how to respect women he can come and find me. In the daylight. Off-duty. And the encounter will be filmed.
Trisha L. Elliott