Robert Embry suggests Commissioner Kevin Davis was correct in implementing a secret aerial surveillance program as a means to address crime ("Chief Davis should be commended for trying ideas like the aerial surveillance program," Sept. 6). Yet, within the same letter to the editor, he attributes, rightly, the low homicide clearance rate to incompetent detectives, the public's distrust of officers and the refusal of witnesses to come forth.
Mr. Embry must not understand discovery laws. All evidence connected to a case must be turned over to the defense prior to any trial. If not, it is deemed "fruit from the poisonous tree" and, in most instances, judges will deem the material inadmissible. By Commissioner Davis' own admission, over a hundred cases were "secretly" solved in part by using "evidence" collected via this aerial surveillance. How can any of that evidence hold up, unless police officers lie in court about where it came from?
The "end justifies the means" attitude displayed by Commissioner Davis and others is the same attitude exposed during the Freddie Grey trial. Should he ever wonder why the public will never trust the police, he has only to look in the mirror at the man making the decisions by which this department is operating!
No, Mr. Embry, Commissioner Davis was not correct in implementing this program in the manner he chose. To spin this matter as inconsequential is a disservice to the public! Getting rid of incompetent detectives and treating the public with the respect they are due will do more to solve the existing crime issues.
Lloyd G. Caster