Harrasment in Ybor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Originally Posted by CopMagnetLS1
OK, I've had enough - this is headed to the Mayors office!
February 25, 2005
Reference: Harassment and Detention of Patrons by Law Enforcement in Ybor City February 24th, 2005
Mayor Pam Iorio
306 E Jackson St
Tampa, FL 33602
Dear Mayor Iorio,
I am writing you in response to the actions taken by the local law enforcement community on February 24th, 2005 in the Ybor City district of Tampa, FL. These actions include the detention and harassment of more than 30 patrons and visitors to the district with no cause or provocation, and should raise the concern of any government official. The efforts last night by local law enforcement were targeted to a specific group of patrons last night, motorcycle enthusiasts. And at that those actions were limited to only those riders on “sport” motorcycles.
To abbreviate as best as possible, this was my first time in the Ybor city district in quite some time because I had grown weary of the problems and “bad” crowd. I had decided to give it another try. As I rode my motorcycle into the area I noticed over 15 police cars, 2 or possibly 3 helicopters, 2 mounted police, and nearly 30-40 officers from various departments (or more). These resources were all focused on one parking lot that is frequented by motorcyclists. As I arrived in the area, I parked a little further down 7th avenue and walked back in the direction of the police out of concern that there had been an act of violence, or someone had been hurt. I was relieved and yet shocked to find that there we no such reasons for the law enforcement presence. Upon further investigation the officers had swarmed the parking lot en’ masse and blocked in all of the people and riders parked in the area. There was no provocation, no cause, and no violation, which preceded this action.
I witnessed several patrons being commanded to sit next to their motorcycles, in a very demeaning tone, detained against their will for no reason other than being parked and speaking with friends on a Thursday night. The various officers (from several departments) were scattered throughout the area, writing as many tickets as they could for any infractions they might find no matter how minor. I saw several people harassed for taking pictures of the event with picture phones, and the event gathered the attention of nearly every passer-by to the scene (one block east of Centro-Ybor). I was shocked and appalled that all of this was for no reason other than harassment of motorcyclists. I then realized that patrons on “cruiser” motorcyclists were being allowed to leave with little or no questions asked.
I have seen several instances of profiling and prejudice against “sportbike” riders in the area since receiving my endorsement earlier last year, but last night is the most blatant and obvious assault on individuals rights due to profiling and/or prejudice I have ever personally witnessed. Ybor city and Tampa in general have many law enforcement problems that need to be dealt with. Drugs, alcohol, assault, DUI, underage drinking, and illegal weapons are but a few of the vices that plague the area. I fail to see why instead of using the manpower and equipment available to fight these sometimes deadly offenses, the local law enforcement and city government feel that they are better utilized to run motorcycle registrations, write tickets for burn out turn signals, and harass patrons to the area due to their interest in motorcycles.
In the time that it took for this event to transpire – how many DUI offenders left the area unnoticed? How many thefts and drug sales went unanswered? Why were these resources focused on one individual group of motorcyclists sitting parked on a Thursday night? I would appreciate if you could look into this matter and explain why this was justified? Does the city feel that all motorcycle riders are Hell’s Angels or reckless hooligans bent on mayhem and breaking laws? Should the local motorcycle community expect this unprovoked harassment to continue?
In the short time I have been riding, it has become a large part of my life. I am a responsible and cautious rider, and always ride with great concern to the safety of others and myself. I have never been approached by law enforcement, or stopped while on my motorcycle, until last night! Why was I pulled over last night? For not putting the visor on my full-face helmet down as I pulled away from a parking spot along 7th avenue. I had not been on my motorcycle 20 feet before I was stopped – while another group of motorcyclists rode past on their “cruisers” with no helmets at all.
Thank you for your time,
Christopher H. Messer
February 25, 2005
Reference: Harassment and Detention of Patrons by Law Enforcement in Ybor City February 24th, 2005
Mayor Pam Iorio
306 E Jackson St
Tampa, FL 33602
Dear Mayor Iorio,
I am writing you in response to the actions taken by the local law enforcement community on February 24th, 2005 in the Ybor City district of Tampa, FL. These actions include the detention and harassment of more than 30 patrons and visitors to the district with no cause or provocation, and should raise the concern of any government official. The efforts last night by local law enforcement were targeted to a specific group of patrons last night, motorcycle enthusiasts. And at that those actions were limited to only those riders on “sport” motorcycles.
To abbreviate as best as possible, this was my first time in the Ybor city district in quite some time because I had grown weary of the problems and “bad” crowd. I had decided to give it another try. As I rode my motorcycle into the area I noticed over 15 police cars, 2 or possibly 3 helicopters, 2 mounted police, and nearly 30-40 officers from various departments (or more). These resources were all focused on one parking lot that is frequented by motorcyclists. As I arrived in the area, I parked a little further down 7th avenue and walked back in the direction of the police out of concern that there had been an act of violence, or someone had been hurt. I was relieved and yet shocked to find that there we no such reasons for the law enforcement presence. Upon further investigation the officers had swarmed the parking lot en’ masse and blocked in all of the people and riders parked in the area. There was no provocation, no cause, and no violation, which preceded this action.
I witnessed several patrons being commanded to sit next to their motorcycles, in a very demeaning tone, detained against their will for no reason other than being parked and speaking with friends on a Thursday night. The various officers (from several departments) were scattered throughout the area, writing as many tickets as they could for any infractions they might find no matter how minor. I saw several people harassed for taking pictures of the event with picture phones, and the event gathered the attention of nearly every passer-by to the scene (one block east of Centro-Ybor). I was shocked and appalled that all of this was for no reason other than harassment of motorcyclists. I then realized that patrons on “cruiser” motorcyclists were being allowed to leave with little or no questions asked.
I have seen several instances of profiling and prejudice against “sportbike” riders in the area since receiving my endorsement earlier last year, but last night is the most blatant and obvious assault on individuals rights due to profiling and/or prejudice I have ever personally witnessed. Ybor city and Tampa in general have many law enforcement problems that need to be dealt with. Drugs, alcohol, assault, DUI, underage drinking, and illegal weapons are but a few of the vices that plague the area. I fail to see why instead of using the manpower and equipment available to fight these sometimes deadly offenses, the local law enforcement and city government feel that they are better utilized to run motorcycle registrations, write tickets for burn out turn signals, and harass patrons to the area due to their interest in motorcycles.
In the time that it took for this event to transpire – how many DUI offenders left the area unnoticed? How many thefts and drug sales went unanswered? Why were these resources focused on one individual group of motorcyclists sitting parked on a Thursday night? I would appreciate if you could look into this matter and explain why this was justified? Does the city feel that all motorcycle riders are Hell’s Angels or reckless hooligans bent on mayhem and breaking laws? Should the local motorcycle community expect this unprovoked harassment to continue?
In the short time I have been riding, it has become a large part of my life. I am a responsible and cautious rider, and always ride with great concern to the safety of others and myself. I have never been approached by law enforcement, or stopped while on my motorcycle, until last night! Why was I pulled over last night? For not putting the visor on my full-face helmet down as I pulled away from a parking spot along 7th avenue. I had not been on my motorcycle 20 feet before I was stopped – while another group of motorcyclists rode past on their “cruisers” with no helmets at all.
Thank you for your time,
Christopher H. Messer
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Sugar Daddy - Miami Bound
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Originally Posted by StPeteGXRfrek
Very well written!!! When are you sending it. Is there anway you can post it somewhere before you send it to try and get signatures or are you just wanting this to come from you? Let us know the outcome for this ok?
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Humanitarian, Philanthropist, Champion of the arts, supporter of single moms, and role model for misguided youths
Humanitarian, Philanthropist, Champion of the arts, supporter of single moms, and role model for misguided youths
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Sugar Daddy - Miami Bound
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It would probably be best if you all just wrote your own brief description. Her address is right there at the top.
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Humanitarian, Philanthropist, Champion of the arts, supporter of single moms, and role model for misguided youths
Humanitarian, Philanthropist, Champion of the arts, supporter of single moms, and role model for misguided youths
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yeah dont copy it, that would look retarded. Also don't write a letter if you WERE NOT there based off he said/she said unless you have another personal experience with the po-po harassing you.
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message for those with no issues with their bikes:
if you're at that lot anymore and cops show up, simply start to leave. if there's nothing wrong with your bike and your visor's down, they won't be able to stop you. and if they do without probably cause, they could be in BIG trouble.
if you're at that lot anymore and cops show up, simply start to leave. if there's nothing wrong with your bike and your visor's down, they won't be able to stop you. and if they do without probably cause, they could be in BIG trouble.
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and thinks it's really funny when her nose goes bloody
'cause the blow is so yummy and it keeps her tummy empty
and makes her act more friendly
and thinks it's really funny when her nose goes bloody
'cause the blow is so yummy and it keeps her tummy empty
and makes her act more friendly
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Originally Posted by moldyhands
message for those with no issues with their bikes:
if you're at that lot anymore and cops show up, simply start to leave. if there's nothing wrong with your bike and your visor's down, they won't be able to stop you. and if they do without probably cause, they could be in BIG trouble.
if you're at that lot anymore and cops show up, simply start to leave. if there's nothing wrong with your bike and your visor's down, they won't be able to stop you. and if they do without probably cause, they could be in BIG trouble.
Thread Starter
Sugar Daddy - Miami Bound
Joined: Feb 2002
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Originally Posted by Frank
What if I don't have a visor? I'd like to park there just to see what happens when I toss on my glasses and leave.
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Humanitarian, Philanthropist, Champion of the arts, supporter of single moms, and role model for misguided youths
Just telling it how it is
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Originally Posted by Frank
What if I don't have a visor? I'd like to park there just to see what happens when I toss on my glasses and leave.
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Originally Posted by Supralover
Baby that is PERFECTLY fine. If you were on a sportbike cruising around with glasses on you'd be fine. Only thing that is required is "EYE PROTECTION" ...That's the key word that a lot of people miss. The visor could be up all day long but if you are wearing glasses of some sort it's no big deal...at least as far as I know
