"No illegal actions by state police have ever been taken against any citizens or groups who have exercised their right to free speech and assembly in a lawful manner," Sheridan's statement reads. "Only when information regarding criminal activity is alleged will police continue to investigate leads to ensure the public safety." Sheridan also said that the state police do "not inappropriately curtail the expression or demonstration of the civil liberties of protesters or organizations acting lawfully."
Elana Russo, a state police spokeswoman, said that Sheridan would have no further comment on this matter. I know Sheridan from the days when he was the chief of the Baltimore County Police Department. I know he takes a dim view of police misconduct and police who abuse the rights of citizens. Such cops do not make Sheridan's day.
Much as I sympathize with Sheridan's plight - having this mess dumped in his lap - I have to say that whether police acted illegally isn't the issue. The issue is a U.S. Constitution specifically worded so as to prevent government from poking its nose into the lives of citizens without just cause.
Sheridan kind of gave an assurance that the kibosh has been put on this kind of thing. But Gov. Martin O'Malley was more direct in a statement he released yesterday.
"While these events happened in 2005 and 2006 under the previous administration, the Maryland State Police, under the O'Malley-Brown Administration, does not and will not use public resources to target or monitor peaceful activities where Maryland citizens are exercising their First Amendment rights. The State Police and other law enforcement agencies have an obligation to take seriously and investigate all potential threats to public safety consistent with state and federal law. ... But where there is no evidence of a potential public threat, illegal activity or criminal wrongdoing, all investigatory or intelligence gathering activities shall cease."
Supporters of former Gov. Robert Ehrlich will accuse O'Malley of playing the "blame Ehrlich" game again.
Blame away, governor. You're right. The person responsible for this government abuse of power is Ehrlich. He should have known, and he should have stopped it.
It's only in the military where the bad stuff settles at the bottom.
This is government, and in government, the bad stuff settles at the top.
gregory.kane@baltsun.com
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