There was a RPD patrol car, #201 at Schalmont tonight for about an hour or so watching the little kids play baseball. I was wondering if maybe they were there due to a pending problem. Actually someone that was there told me about it. They seemed a bit concerned thinking that there might be a problem to have to keep a cop there to watch the kids for so long. Anyone hear anything?
Rotterdam police say officers did not use excessive force March 25, 2008 By Justin Mason (Contact) Gazette Reporter
ROTTERDAM — Town police investigators determined there was no excessive use of force exerted by two officers and a sergeant following a traffic stop on Greenpoint Avenue last month. Deputy Chief William Manikas said four independent witnesses claimed Kenneth West Jr. was beligerent during the traffic stop, thereby justifying his forceful arrest by officers Jeffrey Amoroso and Vincent Stone. Those witnesses also disputed claims by West's mother, Lisa West, that Sgt. Robert Denny choked her during her son’s arrest, Manikas said Tuesday. “The officers, all three of them, have been exonerated in the claim of excessive use of force,” he said. “The use of force was reasonable and consistent with department guidlines and regulations.” Manikas said one of the three admitted to using profanity during the arrest and will be disciplined internally. He declined to name the officer. Attempts to reach the Wests were unsuccessful this afternoon. The complaint was filed last week by Fred Clark, vice president of Schenectady’s chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Though both West and her son are white, the NAACP became involved because the organization helps victims of police actions to file grievances. Clark wasn’t surprised by the police department’s findings and said the Wests are exploring a lawsuit against the department. He said the Federal Bureau of Investigation was alerted to the complaint and has launched its own probe into the incident. “There’s still another investigation to go,” he said. The complaint stems from a Feb. 14 arrest involving Kenneth West, who was flagged by Amoroso after he rolled through a stop sign in front of his family’s home. After arguing with Amoroso, West claims he was ordered out of his car and then tackled by Stone, who arrived on the scene as backup. At some point during the altercation, Lisa West claimed she was approached by Denny, who had also been called to the scene. She said Denny grabbed her by the throat and pushed her away from the officers trying to arrest her son. Police records show Kenneth West was charged with misdemeanor obstructing justice, as well as disorderly conduct, failing to produce a license and disobeying a stop sign, all violations. He was later charged with misdemeanor resisting arrest.
ROTTERDAM Probe clears police officers Excessive force not used during arrest, official says BY JUSTIN MASON Gazette Reporter
A Rotterdam Police Department investigation has denied a claim of excessive use of force by two officers and a sergeant following a traffic stop on Greenpoint Avenue last month. Deputy Chief William Manikas said Tuesday four independent witnesses claimed Kenneth West Jr. was belligerent during the traffic stop, thereby justifying his forceful arrest by officers Jeffrey Amoroso and Vincent Stone. The witnesses also disputed claims by his mother, Lisa West, alleging that Sgt. Robert Denny choked her during the incident. “The officers, all three of them, have been exonerated in the claim of excessive use of force,” he said. “The use of force was reasonable and consistent with department guidelines and regulations.” Manikas said one of the three admitted to using profanity during the arrest and will be disciplined internally. He declined to name the officer. The complaint was filed last week by Fred Clark, the vice president of Schenectady’s chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Though both West and her son are white, the NAACP became involved because the organization aids individuals claiming police abuse with filing grievances. Clark wasn’t surprised by the police department’s findings and said the Wests are exploring a lawsuit against the department. He said the Federal Bureau of Investigation was alerted to the complaint. “There’s still another investigation to go,” he said. Attempts to reach the Wests were unsuccessful Tuesday. Calls placed to the FBI were not returned late Tuesday afternoon. The complaint stems from a Feb. 14 arrest involving the son, who was flagged by Amoroso after he rolled through a stop sign in front of his family’s home. After arguing with Amoroso, West claims he was ordered out of his car and then tackled by Stone, who arrived as backup. At some point during the altercation, the mother claimed she was approached by Denny. She said Denny grabbed her by her throat and pushed her away from the officers trying to arrest her son. Police records show the son was arrested on the misdemeanor charge of obstructing justice, and violation charges of disorderly conduct, failing to produce a license and disobeying a stop sign. He was later cited with the misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest. Manikas said the whole situation could have been avoided had West complied with Amoroso’s commands to remain in his truck during the stop, and then later to exit the vehicle when he was being taken into custody. He said West’s mother also ignored police orders to stay away from the scene and was physically pushed away by Denny. “The bottom line is that if these people comply with the officers’ instructions, these situations can certainly can be avoided,” he said.
Guess the reporter must have taken FredClark's word for it that the FBI was investigating and someone at the Gazette realiazed that Clark was fabricating that story prior to print this morming......
Justin Mason- Why dont you call Fred Clark and ask him where he dreamed up the idea that the feds were investigating, and while you are at it have Fred Clark tell you that he filed the complaint because he works with Mrs West... Do some investigating be4 u report- then u will be a reporter.........
When I first read this, I was surprised to read that the NAACP got involved in this. They really should let the process go forward before they get involved.
As far as the reporters, there are very few and far between really good 'investigative reporting'. I'd like to see them retrace their tracks and interview Mr. Clark again too.
ROTTERDAM POLICE DEPARTMENT Jeffrey Cascini, 32, of Curry Road, was charged March 4 with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Elmer Woodbeck, 78, of Broadway, Schenectady, was charged March 4 with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Lorena Mendivil, 18, of University Place, Schenectady, was charged March 5 with petty larceny. Mickey DiDonna, 21, of Guilderland Avenue, was charged March 6 with driving with ability impaired by drugs and unlawful possession of marijuana. Haitham Belal, 35, of Cutler Street, Schenectady, was charged March 6 with petty larceny. Michael Flanagan, 30, of Tower Avenue, Schenectady, was charged March 6 with third-degree assault. Lloyd Dixon, 16, of Duanesburg Road, was charged March 7 with third-degree robbery. Daniel Kinowski, 46, of Fowler Street, Hagaman, was charged March 7 with second-degree bail jumping. William Oechsner, 17, of Woodbridge Avenue, Schenectady, was charged March 8 with fourth-degree criminal mischief. Stephen Rossi, 20, of Polsin Drive, was charged March 9 with second-degree harassment. John Mills, 16, of Curry Road, was charged March 10 with unlawful possession of marijuana. Zachary Mitchell, 27, of Deer Path Lane, Altamont, was charged March 10 with fourth-degree criminal mischief, second-degree menacing and second-degree reckless endangerment. Gregory Carlton, 44, of Second Avenue, Albany, was charged March 10 with third-degree bail jumping.
Logged
.....please dont destroy it..... 
