And while the police department laments the fate that has befallen one of its upstanding officers in the court, this stands in sharp distinction to the Reynaldo Verde case. Peck, a police officer was charged for old, dusty, job related rounds found in his house while the senior sales tax officer was never charged for an unlicensed Glock 380 pistol found in his house in earlier this month.
Verde’s case is still on the DPP’s desk, while Peck must throw himself on the mercy of the courts. We asked the Commissioner about this contrast in cases:
Allen Whylie - Commissioner of Police
"That matter concerning Mr. Verde, I was assured that the statements have been submitted - or the file has been submitted to the DPP's Office. So, it is not to say that Mr. Verde will not be charged, if the DPP so directs. But, I gathered that there were other circumstances that the officers who were dealing with his matter did not feel comfortable about charging. That is why we have reviews done by the DPP."
Mike Rudon - Channel 5 News
"Sir, but we have spoken to some of the officers involved in that arrest, and they are the ones who have expressed deep discontent, because they've said point-blank, and they've even called names, that their pushing and a charge sheet was already made out, higher officers got involved and basically pushed them to just quash this thing."
Allen Whylie
"Well, as I said, I don't think that the matter is quashed because when I returned to office, I inquired, and I was assured that statements had been recorded. And the file was submitted to the DPP for her review. If the DPP is satisfied that we should charge, I am certain that she will issue those directives. Again, if she is satisfied that the officers acted properly, not to issue charges, then again, she will say so."
Mike Rudon
"Are you aware if this was a matter where it was the rank and file of the police department - maybe the arresting officers - against the top brass of the police department?"
Allen Whylie
"No, I am certain - As I've said, it's a disciplined organization, and every rank has a role and a function to play."
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