Officer in need of help

My name is Rick Jordan and I am new to this forum.  I wish to make it known that I am a law enforcement officer, hopefully I can get help as a person and not because of my chosen career.  After all, when I take off the uniform I am still a citizen of this great country.  I have been undergoing an ordeal which started in October of 2005.  I had just completed an off duty job and returned home.  I live in a gated community, I chose this place becasue after years of being an apartment courtesy officer and withstanding a divorce I needed some peace.  To enter this community each resident has a code, which allows access.  Still some people can come in just by following a car through.  I was moving my car after I got home and I came upon three, for lack of better words, "maggots" standing in front of my building.  I had seen them arrive, but I figured someone had let them in.  Believe me, they did not belong in this area.  As I was walking back to my apartment I noticed that one subject was urinating in front of my apartment.  I asked him what he was doing and he stated nothing.  As I was talking to him another subject was on the phone, trying to find the apartment that they were going to.  I weight 273 pounds and he outweighed me by at least 100 pounds. He stated to me "fuck you" (sorry for the use of the words), I asked him what he said and he repeated it.  I then identified myself as an officer, to which he walked directly up to me and stated again "fuck you".  At this point I believe that a fight is going to take place, and I was in fear that I was going to assaulted and or seriously injured.  I had no where to go, my path was blocked by two in front and I could not see the last person.  I had no shoes, and I was not going to run.  Mind you, I am a two time military veteran, and hold several instructor certifications in police baton, firearms and pressure point control tactics.  These people were hell bent on injurying me.  At this point I decided to take the initiative and I struck the one closest to me, which I later found broke his ankle.  The other two then ran away, at which time I thought it was over.  I looked at the subject on the ground and observed that his ankle was broken, at which point I entered my apartment and retrieved my weapon and my cell phone.  We are required to report all off-duty incidents, as I was doing and also calling for an ambulance. While speaking to dispatch an SUV came speeding to the scene and another subject came out of the passenger side directly towards me.  I raised my weapon and identified myself and orderd him to stop, to which he replied "fuck you shoot me".  He walked into the light which is what saved him because I saw that he had no weapon.  I advised dispatch that there was another subject here and to rush up the responding units.  I then retrieved my tazer from my duty belt, which was just inside my door.  I ordered the subject back and told him that the subject on the ground was under arrest and ems was on the way.  He then turned on me and began to advance.  I told im to stay back several times, which was witnessed by dispatch, and still he continued.  I then told him that if he came at me again I was going to taze him, to which he replied fuck you, and I did as I warned him.   To try to make this short, I charge them both with assault on a police officer and they were arrested.  I was notified later that the onduty district attorney stated, and I quote "I don't have time to deal with these rebel cops, case declined".  They were then released and I was angry and upset that they would let them go, but the worst was not over.  After I was cleared by my department internal affairs, special integrity unit and the Chief of Police I was indicted by the d.a. office for assault, aggravated assualt and official oppression.  I was arrested in august of last year, which is the worst thing that can be done to an officer.  I am now awaiting my trial which was schedualed for february of this year, then moved to june, then to august.  As I was preparing for trial I was advised that it will be sometime in september.  I have been told on more than one occasion that I am the victim again of politics.  The district attorney was drug through several courts of inquirey by the person who is running against him.  He refuses to drop the case, and he is delaying taking it to trial.  The only thing in my favor is that the entire incident was caught on audio tape, but he has not listend to it, after over a year of investigation.  The assistant d.a. on duty that nights statement was put into the official police report, so she cannot denie that she said it.  I am not asking for special favor, I am not being treated fairly due ignorance, arrogance and pure politics.  My life has been affected as well as that of my 15 year old son, and no one seems to care that it is taking place.  I am just looking for advise and an avenue of recourse.  This is all true, and I have not imbellished or lied at any point.  I just need guidance please.

 

Rick Jordan

Rick: Did they assign you a lawyer? As far as I know, the mayority of the members of Firesociety.com are mostly civilians unless we have someone in the forum that is a lawyer specialized in your area.  God bless you and I hope you can find a solution to this matter.  My prayers are with you.

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Give me a straight answer and I'll give you some advice of where to go for some possible help for what it's worth.  Where did this occur and what in the heck is your defense team doing for you?

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Graciela, yes CLEAT assigned me an attorney as they stated that the second I identified myself I was onduty, and therefor covered.  He has been battling hard for me and the prosecuting attorney, the second one, does not want to go forward with this, but his hands are tied.  I don't like being a pawn, and I have gone through every emotional gambit that a person can.  My mother, friends and co-workers keep my spirits up.  They've even come up with a "I love Ricky J" campaign.  People take pictures holding up a sign stating this and it has gotten as far as Iraq...  You really find out who your friends are in times like this.  Thank you for your prayers.

I'll see what I can do. All us civilians can do really is make your situation become known and build pressure. By the way, what city do you live in?

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We on the forums can imagine your frustration and anxiety with this situation.   It is hard to make assumptions about someone else's predicament, but were the perpetrators of the "illegal" persuasion?  Also, were they not on private property when you confronted them?  Would they not be considered trespassers?  It would seem that the right attorney would be the answer to that question, and I know there is an attorney  group that was mentioned on another thread of the forum, and  that might be who you could contact for advice and possible representation.  A member by the name of Lone Protestor was given that attorney group.  You can also probably email Steve Elliott of grassfire.org and find out the legal organization that is connected to grassfire and firesociety.

As was previously said, it seems that your defense team is limited.  

Keep us posted on what is happening with your case, because we care.  We assume you are on restricted police duty, or on leave with pay while your case is pending.  We home so for you and your family.

 

Bwwhaley, this happend in El Paso, Texas at the Puerta Villa apartment complex.  I had lived here at the time for about a year and a half and it is full of good people who are very courtious of each other.  These animals did not belong here and my department backed my every action on it. My defence has tried to get it dropped several times showing that a tazer is not a deadly weapon and just how in fact I oppressed them? Still the district attorny is set on showing that he is doing his "job" by putting an out of control officer behind bars. It has been known for years that he want's an officer trophy conviction and he has targeted several of the officers in this city, I am just the latest one.   I asked them when I became the criminal and when was it a crime to defend ones self? I admitted that I struck the first blow becuase we do not have a rule book that says hit me first or a duty to retreat. I stated that I was in fear, and that my trainig took over.  Plus I was not going to be chased down like a dog in my own complex.  I made the decision to stand and fight because I was not going to be intimidated by the likes of criminals.  Would rather have gone down swinging... Mind you this has been going on for months now, nobody wants to do anything about it but let it run it's course. 

Kaksdesign you are right on all parts, but the district attorny is banknig that he can portray me as the aggressor.  Remember this is the same city where Ramos and Campeon, the two border patrol officers, were convicted and sent to prison.  Yes I am on limited duty because the Chief stood by and believed in me.  I now prepare all of the new unmarked and patrol units for the five regional command centers.  I also get the wrecked ones ready for auction if they cannot be fixed.  I am a patrol officer, not everyone likes the job but I love it.  My grandfather died in the line of duty in Hobbs New Mexico in 1970, when I was two years old, and I try to honor him every day I put on my uniform.  I am greatful that my department has done what they have.  Chief Wiles stated that I did nothing wrong and that he was not going to put me on paid leave or any kind of leave.  He is even testifying on my behalf in court.  How many Chiefs put it on the line against the district attorny like that?  I am in a grey area because I cannot work any offduty jobs, which really hurts financially, and can take no police action, even though I go to work everyday in full uniform.  I love my job and all I want to do is be allowed to do it.  Many people do not like the police but someone has to do the job and if you do it, then you should enjoy it is my belief.  I really appreciate the positive responses, and I feel that it will be good therepy for me while I am enduring this.  Bless you all.

 

Rick

Rick Jordan said: Bwwhaley, this happend in El Paso, Texas at the Puerta Villa apartment complex.  I had lived here at the time for about a year and a half and it is full of good people who are very courtious of each other.  These animals did not belong here and my department backed my every action on it. My defence has tried to get it dropped several times showing that a tazer is not a deadly weapon and just how in fact I oppressed them? Still the district attorny is set on showing that he is doing his "job" by putting an out of control officer behind bars. It has been known for years that he want's an officer trophy conviction and he has targeted several of the officers in this city, I am just the latest one.   I asked them when I became the criminal and when was it a crime to defend ones self? I admitted that I struck the first blow becuase we do not have a rule book that says hit me first or a duty to retreat. I stated that I was in fear, and that my trainig took over.  Plus I was not going to be chased down like a dog in my own complex.  I made the decision to stand and fight because I was not going to be intimidated by the likes of criminals.  Would rather have gone down swinging... Mind you this has been going on for months now, nobody wants to do anything about it but let it run it's course. 

 

P.M. me.  I'm going to talk to an attorney friend of mine here in Dallas.  I'll pay his fee.  I'm going to ask him or one of his fellow colleagues to contact you by phone and if he/they think your case has real merit and he/they can assist you and your defense team then they'll let me know and I'll see to it getting done.

I'll tell you this up front.  They have over 200 years of combined criminal defense experience and they can cut through BS in a nanosecond, on either side...be it the prosecution or the defense.  You couldn't ask for better.  You used the word embellished and that's good that you know what that means because they won't tolerate any embellishment from a client.  He/they could care less if your innocent or guilty they only work with facts...and they don't like surprises when they confront a DA's office or try a case to a judge or jury.

I sympathize for you and I'm sorry for your problems, I really am.  And I'm certainly not pro cops.  Too many corrupt ones out there who are thugs behind badges.  But I respect the need for peace officers (I don't suffer law enforcement "officers" very well at all) and it's just wrong when one is hung out to dry, especially in an off-duty, self-defense case and that's what yours sounds like.  Besides I like the fact that you have the guts to come some place you think might be a place you can find help.  

I've been reading another thread where someone is trying to sell their story of woe dealing with the law and haven't posted anything because to me the whole story sounds absurd.  That's not what I think about your situation. 

I'll also say a prayer for you and hope things change for the better real soon, Rick Jordan. 

 

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ATTENTION ALL FIRESOCIETY MEMBERS ----------send emails to as many news outlets as possible.....Lou Dobbs, Glenn Beck, Steve Elliot, New York Times, Washington Post, Daily News, New York Post, Wall Street Journal, Congressman Thomas Tancredo, Duncan Hunter, Ron Paul, The White House, goddamnit, post it everywhere! We have 26,000 members!

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                     Be praying for you brother. Keep your spirits up; there are alot of good folks here and I believe we can make something happen. Glad to have you on board.

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My goodness!  So much for justice in Texas, huh?  I've taken the liberty of forwarding your story to my cousin who is a detective in New York.  Obviously the laws are different in NY from Texas, but maybe he'll have some good advice for you, which I'll be happy to pass on to you.  Good luck, and welcome aboard.

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Thank you, bw, for giving Jim Jordan some hope.  We appreciate your help in his situation.

Rick,

As an ex-lawenforcement officer for 11 years and an investigator for 5 of those years, I think I see where your problems began.

1. When you arrived home you found these three thugs in front of your apartment, one of which was urinating, which I believe is illegal everywhere in the country, I did not see that you showed them any kind of identification (badge or city I.D.) to prove that you were in fact a law eforcement officer. People are not just going to take your word for it. They had no idea who you were  or if you were just some guy trying to intimidate them inot leaving.

2. You said you went into your apartment to retrieve your cell phone which is kind of odd. Most people don't leave home without it. I must admit, however, that it is very posible to forget your phone which is probably what you're going to say. So, anything that happened before you retrieved your phone from inside your apartment is mostly your word against theirs. The only recording of the events is that which took place after you went into your apartment and got your phone.

3. Knowing that you did not have your cell phone with you, instead of retreating to a neighbors apartment to call for backup using their phone, you decided to take them on yourself. All you had to do was: 1) get a good description of them, 2) wait for the other officers to get there, 3) take the other officers to that apartment they went to, 4) who could then arrest the subject for peeing in front of your apartment door. No problem.

I'm not rtrying to discredit you, but I see this being a real problem for you. Good luck.

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bwwhaley said:

Rick Jordan said: Bwwhaley, this happend in El Paso, Texas at the Puerta Villa apartment complex.  I had lived here at the time for about a year and a half and it is full of good people who are very courtious of each other.  These animals did not belong here and my department backed my every action on it. My defence has tried to get it dropped several times showing that a tazer is not a deadly weapon and just how in fact I oppressed them? Still the district attorny is set on showing that he is doing his "job" by putting an out of control officer behind bars. It has been known for years that he want's an officer trophy conviction and he has targeted several of the officers in this city, I am just the latest one.   I asked them when I became the criminal and when was it a crime to defend ones self? I admitted that I struck the first blow becuase we do not have a rule book that says hit me first or a duty to retreat. I stated that I was in fear, and that my trainig took over.  Plus I was not going to be chased down like a dog in my own complex.  I made the decision to stand and fight because I was not going to be intimidated by the likes of criminals.  Would rather have gone down swinging... Mind you this has been going on for months now, nobody wants to do anything about it but let it run it's course. 

 

P.M. me.  I'm going to talk to an attorney friend of mine here in Dallas.  I'll pay his fee.  I'm going to ask him or one of his fellow colleagues to contact you by phone and if he/they think your case has real merit and he/they can assist you and your defense team then they'll let me know and I'll see to it getting done.

I'll tell you this up front.  They have over 200 years of combined criminal defense experience and they can cut through BS in a nanosecond, on either side...be it the prosecution or the defense.  You couldn't ask for better.  You used the word embellished and that's good that you know what that means because they won't tolerate any embellishment from a client.  He/they could care less if your innocent or guilty they only work with facts...and they don't like surprises when they confront a DA's office or try a case to a judge or jury.

I sympathize for you and I'm sorry for your problems, I really am.  And I'm certainly not pro cops.  Too many corrupt ones out there who are thugs behind badges.  But I respect the need for peace officers (I don't suffer law enforcement "officers" very well at all) and it's just wrong when one is hung out to dry, especially in an off-duty, self-defense case and that's what yours sounds like.  Besides I like the fact that you have the guts to come some place you think might be a place you can find help.  

I've been reading another thread where someone is trying to sell their story of woe dealing with the law and haven't posted anything because to me the whole story sounds absurd.  That's not what I think about your situation. 

I'll also say a prayer for you and hope things change for the better real soon, Rick Jordan. 

 

 

BWW please HELP HIM! It sounds like he has a "NIFONG" type against him....

Rick, You came to the RIGHT PLACE! This forum is filled with a variety of patriotic souls from every walk of life, religion and political affiliation. But WE ARE YOUR PEOPLE AND WE STAND WITH YOU!

If the D.A. has had his own problems, refuses to review the audio evidence and continues to prosecute you.....He has "Nifong Fever" and needs to be stopped by WE THE PEOPLE! I can't help but feel this all too political, just like Ramos and Compean's situation. Whatever happened to respect for Law Enforcement officers for putting their lives on the line each and every day for OUR benefit?

Please keep us posted......God Bless you and your family Rick....you now have quite a few people besides your "locals" behind you!

Go get 'em BWW! Expose this D.A. and his political agenda to the ENTIRE COUNTRY!

 

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Go get 'em BWW! Expose this D.A. and his political agenda to the ENTIRE COUNTRY!

Thanks, will do.  I think those who know me best also know that I'm not into making empty promises when it comes to attempting to help.

I leave empty promises and threats and rants and ravings to the purely emotionally driven.  This gentleman seemingly has a tiger by the tail and it's going to take some team effort, rational analysis, and good reason to help him let go of the tiger and send it on its way.  I'll get the team together, just please pray for the gentleman and wish the team the best of luck (i.e., what happens when preparation meets opportunity). 

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BWW...is there anything that we can help with? Raising money for his legal defense? Is it a good idea or bad idea to get his story out there in the media? Would it hurt him to  maybe call Glenn Beck and see if he could give the story some "attention"? If this is  a bad idea and would "hurt" Rick's case, please let us know as soon as is humanly possible.

I know you do not make empty promises, and I want to be the first to thank you for stepping up to help this wonderful officer. We OWE him that as his fellow Americans and if there is anything that WE can help with , please ask and we will see if we can make it possible.

As far as I am concerned, this SMELLS political from what Rick described. If "thugs" who did NOT belong in MY gated community had surrounded me the way they did him, cursing at him even after he identified himself to be an officer of the law...THEY threatened him is what I read from his story. He acted in self defense.

Hang in there Rick.....

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I am going to explain myself to Mr Covone.  On that night I went outside to move my car.  Yes it is illegal to urinate in public, I asked the subject who was doing this in front of my apartment simply what he was doing.  After the second subject chimed in I identified myself to him and this was done  to de-escelate the situation, which it did not.  It was at that moment was when the subject walked within a foot of me and stated "fuck you".  As far as retreating, there was no retreat.  My manner of dress was a tank top, shorts, and no shoes.  Two subjects were in front, no exit there.  One subject behind, could not locate him.  The only option was to run into a dark parking lot, and I was not running.  That would trigger a pack chase mentality.  I have devoted my career to protecting people and I was not going to allow myself to become a victim without protecting myself.  The area I live in is inhabited by Border Patrol agents, Texas DPS Troopers, Doctors, we even have a Coroner among many other professions, so I felt safe stepping outside until that night. And unless you are confronted with a situation such as this you have not idea what you will do.  I did not walk outside looking for a fight, it was brought to me.  Three gang banging pieces of garbage thought me an easy target.  They made a mistake. What you said is fine in the perfect scenario, this was not one of them.  All options were taken away from me when they decided to engage an unarmed, lone Officer.  I did what I was trained to do, take control and if necessary take the fight to them, not wait to be assaulted.  Exactly one punch was thrown, after the first went down , I turned to engage the second who ran to the third.  They ran away and it was over.  I didn't sit there and pound on the guy. After I saw the subject was injured I summond a supervisor and help for him. That is when the second incident took place. The only thing that saved him also was training.  Who walks towards a person holding a gun on them? Still I identified that he was not armed and went to a lower level of force, the taser. I was cleared by my department, exceptonally so, and still I am at the mercy of politics.   I apologize to everyone reading this, I am just sick of having to go through this.  It is the exact same thing I have to go through and have been doing since 2005.  I don't mean to offend or make anyone angry with me. 

                            What about the Law Enforcement Alliance of America or the FOP. Can either of these assist?  Be worth a try.

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Rick, I think you did the right thing and so do a lot of other people who read your initial story of the confrontation. YOU WERE THREATENED BY THESE THUGS! Were you supposed to stand there and let them assault YOU?

 

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