“It is poor civic hygiene to install technologies that could someday facilitate a police state.” -Bruce Schneier, American cryptographer, computer security specialist, and writer.
Today, the Union Leader’s Dan O’Brien informs us that, Weare Police face more federal lawsuits. Free-stater Carla Gericke is the most recent filing on the heels of a suit filed by Cynthia Hudson of Webster, and former Weare Police Officer Louis Chattel. All of which, allege wrong-doings by the Weare Police Department.
Without commenting on the merits of the suits filed, there still remains the question of the cost to defend such suits. This is an example of one of those “unfunded liabilities” that tax small town budgets. Town Finance records indicate that Chief Begin was prepared to ask for a 134.9K budget increase in December of 2010. according to the minutes, the cost to maintain 24/7 police service.
Meeting minutes in January, 2011 indicate the police payroll budget is an average of 48% over the budgeted town cost. What do you think these lawsuits will cost if they get past a summary judgment motion?
Sadly, it is might take Money to move the Weare citizenry to the table acknowledging there might be a problem with their Police department. This flurry of lawsuits may just finally make the folks ask whether or not Weare has a problem. Not to poke the good and honorable citizens of Weare with a sharp stick, because they are not unlike other small town cultures where cops can be running amok as long as it doesn’t cost them. But for those who have looked the other way. How many more lawsuits will come folks?
