Officer Complaint

The following was submitted to Sheriff Dowling today.
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Date: 22 October, 2012


To: Sheriff Ron Dowling

THIS IS AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT AGAINST OFFICER MIKE HUNTER

Officer Mike Hunter violated my property without warning or explanation on 24 September, 2012.

On the morning of Monday, September 24, 2012, I entered the courthouse shortly after 9am. As I moved through the lobby toward the courtroom for Judge Nancy Orr, I was engaged by an unknown officer advising that I remove my hat. The commissionaire, Stan Campbell, later also claimed to have engaged me about my hat, but either how I took the matter up with the officer. I established that this officer was requesting rather than ordering me to remove my head dress. He agreed. I then continued into the courtroom with my hat on my head as is my preference. As I entered the court room Officer Mike Hunter whispered something inaudible to me. He, from behind me, removed my hat from my head and took it out of the courtroom. I followed Officer Hunter out of the courtroom to the lobby. There I spoke with Officer Hunter and the unknown officer. They referred to the requests that had been made of me but neither referenced nor quoted any statutes, policy or the like. My hat was placed at the commissionaire's desk where I later retrieved it.

I, to this day, have not received an explanation about why my property was violated.

I am aware, and was made aware, of local customs regarding head dresses and courtrooms. If these customs are enforceable with violations of property I was not made aware of it. Consequently, I was not given an opportunity to choose to avoid the impending property violation. No such warning was given before, nor explanation given after the above incident.

I wish this complaint to help illustrate a pattern of irresponsible behaviour by Officer Hunter, should such a pattern exist. I would very much appreciate an email confirmation that you received this letter. You may also contact me to help clarify any unclear matters with respect to this indecent.

Thank you for your attention