Now I wouldn't recommend hanging for these officers of the law, but I'd probably chip in to buy the rope!

Hat Tip to Snooper

WED., NOV 26, 2008 - 9:28 AM

Police officers made guardsmen lick up supposed urine, lawsuit states

ED TRELEVEN
608-252-6134

etreleven@madison.com

Two Wisconsin National Guardsmen filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city of Wisconsin Dells, its police chief and three officers because they were forced to lap up what was believed to be human urine from the ground last summer.

The guardsmen, both of whom have served two tours of duty in Iraq, were in the Dells for weekend training and were stopped by police officers Wayne W. Thomas and Collin H. Jacobson early the morning of June 1 and accused of having urinated in public, according to a lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Madison.

The officers pointed out a wet spot in an alley that they thought was urine, the lawsuit states, but the guardsmen, Sgt. Anthony R. Anderson, of West Bend, and Specialist Robert C. Schiman, of Kaukauna, denied having relieved themselves in the alley.

In order to prove that it was not their urine and avoid a citation, Thomas and Jacobson made Anderson and Schiman lick the ground and scrape mud up with their hands and lick it, according to the lawsuit.

Schiman also was made to eat a plant that was drenched in the liquid, the lawsuit states.

A third officer, Scott Albrecht, arrived at the scene and was told by Jacobson, "I can't stop laughing. Wayne just made those two guys lick their own piss off the ground," according to the lawsuit.

The suit alleges infliction of emotional distress on the soldiers; negligent hiring, training and supervision of Thomas and Jacobson; false imprisonment and violation of the Constitutional and civil rights of Anderson and Schiman.

It seeks $600,000 in compensatory and punitive damages for each of the guardsmen, along with other unspecified damages and costs.

Their attorney, Jason Baltz of Whitefish Bay, declined to comment on the lawsuit and said he had instructed his clients not to comment as well.

Wisconsin Dells Police Chief Bret Anderson, who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit, also declined to comment. He referred questions to City Attorney James Gerlach.

The lawsuit states that Thomas, 19, was fired the same day as the incident and Jacobson, 20, was suspended for two weeks without pay. Both were limited term police officers.

Albrecht was cited by the department for failing to follow procedures.

According to the lawsuit: After having forced Anderson and Schiman to lick the wet ground, Anderson was made to do it again after one of the officers said he didn't see it. "That's not good enough," the officer said. "Do you want a ticket?"

After the two were released from the scene without being cited, they told their story to Albrecht. As Albrecht stood by, Anderson and Schiman asked Thomas and Jacobson for the name of their commanding officer, but were threatened with burglary charges if they filed a complaint. The police officers told the soldiers that nobody would believe them.

After the two soldiers filed complaints that night, Sgt. Perry Mayer, the commander on duty, interviewed the three police officers and looked at the scene of the incident. He later issued a report recommending action against the three officers.

Hugh Jass Forumite Joined: 08/03/2008 Total posts: 13	Honestly, This does not surprise me. Dells Cops, especially the very young ones or LTE cops, are very arrogant and cocky. If this really happened I hope they get everything they deserve. These kids give the 99 percent of cops out there who are legit and honorable, a bad name. Unfortunately, it's these one percenters who have no honor and no respect for others. It sounds like they were relieved of their duty soon afterward but I hope they are no longer in a position to "protect and serve".
forwardourmotto Forumite Joined: 10/18/2006 Total posts: 530	Isn't what the police officers did illegal? Forget a lawsuit, arrest them.
Fact-based Forumite Joined: 05/01/2008 Total posts: 114	Sounds like Abu Ghraib without the snarling dogs and naked human pyramids.
CanDoMike Forumite Joined: 03/30/2005 Total posts: 23	They should fire all three cops and this should be nationally televised and in all media formats. There is a professional jealousy between these officers. They can't cut the mustard by joining the military which is far superior in all facets of professionalism. I applaud the Military for standing their ground, most military will stand their ground. But for them to come back from 2 tours defending these cops freedom being idiots and then being humiliated by public servants is unconciousable. I hope the State Attorney General gets involved. I love most cops and find they do a great job and in middleton where I live there are a lot of Cops that are Veterans and treat everyone more then fair and equal. Remind me never to ever go to the Dells or recommend anyone spend money there. As soon as the Military Branches and the 157 Veteran Organizations find out about this travesty, not only will they get pressured to be fired but I see the Dells missing out on the Military Dollars from tourism. Imagine how many other active duty military and veterans that did not report atrocities commited by these police, Surely it is not the first time and I am positive they have a track record for civilians as well.......They will get the 600K from the officers and the city but I would go after them in Civil Court as well. Then we shall see how funny it really is !!!!
mikemcc Forumite Joined: 07/13/2006 Total posts: 274	If the Dells wants to go on the cheap and hire "junior" cops, maybe they should give them one bullet to put in their shirt pockets just like Barney Fife. Who in their right mind would let immature 19 and 20 year old kids carry guns and have police powers? That Dells government must be something. How about psychological testing? How about minimum educational requirements? How about adequate training? How about hiring cops that have at least shaved. Sue their pants off guys.
Reply Forumite Joined: 08/18/2005 Total posts: 588	Just think of the tourism advertising possibilities: "Come to the Dells for a 'whiz' of a time." "New Wisconsin Dells micro-brew -- Muddy Pee." Yup, bring the whole family -- no place safer or more wholesome than the Dells. Pay no mind to the fact three cops can so badly botch something as routine as an alleged public urination incident.
mollyanne Forumite Joined: 08/11/2007 Total posts: 7	this is disgusting and reprehensible. those BOYS should not have the power that comes with being law enforcement officers. criminal charges ought to be pressed.