As many of you know, the Hartford Courant obtained through the Freedom of Information, the transcripts of the 911 call of the Cheshire Police Departments response to the Petit Home Invasion.

The accompanying story states that there was at least a “five minute gap” in response time between the call at the Bank of America and the arrival at the Petit Home.

I read this story several times which is listed here below. The Courant says there is a five minute gap, then a seven minute gap. In July, when the story broke, they said there was a 30 minute gap. WHATEVER!! WHAT DO WE KNOW–NOT MUCH!!

I am going to let you read the story and the transcripts and decide for yourselves. I know a lot of you want me to comment on this story but I really don’t know what to think or say. I thought about it all day at work. I read the story and the transcripts. It is true the caller was put on hold a few times from the bank-but when you read the transcripts what she supposedly said is blacked out.

Oh the CPD should have rushed the house-They should have launched a smoke bomb. They should have called the home phone and if there was no answer they should have gone in. Well, I am sure they would have. But the officers on the street, the rank and file were doing what they were told. Plus the public and I am sure the street officers did not know what was said in the note she wrote at the bank!!! That is the key here.

The transcripts indicate that the officers were trying to determine who was in the house. But then the fire broke out and Dr. Petit ran out. That is when you read an officer saying, “Let’s go in.”

What I don’t like, is the officer that was apparently injured that the public did not find out about until the transcripts were released. That is why, we need a police commission. They could have discussed this issue, even if it were in executive session. The public is paying for the comp, we have a right to know. And that would not jeopardize any criminal case

You see, to me that is the key to this whole incident. What was said in the note and what did the caller at the bank tell the dispatcher. It seems they responded to me, as quickly as they could. In fact, an officer was in the area of Higgins Road and went over to the house FIRST, then to the bank. But, here is the key, the officer was told NOT to go near the house. There was also a response by a few detectives in unmarked cars and I am sure our police chief, who must feel like he is being dragged over the coals, went by the scene also.

When we had that problem with our son in Montreal, we had not heard from him for several week, we told the police EXACTLY what the problem was. They must have called his phone and cell and when they could not get in touch with him they went in to his apartment fearing the worst. They told my son they thought he might have been held against his will. They took everything into consideration. What really happened, my son’s ringer on his phone broke and he never got it fixed and then his cell phone that he puts money into, ran out of minutes.

But the MPD’s hands aren’t tied by image mongers. They are laid back but when they have to crack the whip they do it and they don’ t care who says what!! Maybe Cheshire needs to take a lesson from Montreal Police. Nearly 4 million people, 500,000 college students: 30 murders last year!! Because they take ACTION when necessary and don’t care what someone thinks or worry about whether what they are doing will affect their bond rating!!

I mean, I have my differences with the Cheshire Police Department big time, and I am the only one who will stand up and say how I feel, but I don’t believe EVER EVER EVER that the Cheshire Police Department is incompetent. I know many officers on this force and they are quite capable of handling any situation. But when you are told NOT to do something, they have to obey their orders.

The transcripts show the SWAT team being assembled, the CPD calling the Trooper One helicopter, and the CPD setting up a perimeter. I know one of the officers was in the back of the Petit house for nearly 26 minutes observing. This is what he/she was TOLD TO DO.

What do people want? Do you think any of these officers are happy the events turned out this way? I sincerely doubt it. The Hartford Courant makes the Cheshire Police Department look like a bunch of bumbling idiots. The transcripts don’t seem to take on that feel at all. Maybe you will feel different after you read it–I didn’t.

You know what the problem is in this town that I have said time and time again: somebody is worried about how the town will look if they do something. Well, Town Government, and I don’t mean the Police Chief, how do we look now???

I know our police chief must have driven by the house because he strikes me as a hands on chief. He is a manly man. He would have gone right in there, but someone else is calling the shots

I know Walberg would have. Somebody down the Main Street better stop worrying about an image, and start letting this police department do its job. Stop making these men give out pansy tickets and let them start doing manly police work!!!

How can they do anything when their hands are tied. And lets face it people, Cheshire is a SMALL town, they are not used to this type of situation. Most towns aren’t. But it gets worse when the powers that be have to waste time analyzing how we will look in the public eye if we do something.

Was there a tip? Was there a letter found written by one of the alleged perpetrators? The Courant is alluding to this. I don’t know. I have heard many things but because I am not a member of the Press I can’t reveal anything because I am not protected by the First Amendment.

“uhh will be on the news–oh my god–be careful–ohh what will people think?? OH GROW UP AND ACT LIKE A MAN!!

I feel sorry for most of the officers on the CPD because I know they tried their best. I said most because there are a FEW that need an attitude change, but that is how it is.

The bottom line: next time there is a problem, and I hope there never is, call Cindy. She will go right out there and I don’t have to listen to the Town Government!!

Here is the Courant Story:

http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-petit0122.artjan22,0,1836193.story

Here is the 911 Transcript:

http://www.courant.com/media/acrobat/2008-01/34861435.pdf