Danziger Update

[Dwayne Scheuermann]

As most of you now know, the last five of our officers were freed from jail today on a reduced bond. While this is great news and I was overjoyed to see them reunited with their families, the fight has just begun.

There are some important things to remember and I was jolted back to reality during the hearing when the judge asked the D.A.’s Office if they would seek the death penalty. There have been several motions filed by the defense and the judge has set dates in the coming months for them to be heard. I must admit that today’s developments left me more optimistic then when I went to bed last night

The PANO board has made the decision to open the general membership meeting up to all law enforcement officers (federal, state, and local). A police commission (picture ID) must be presented in order to be allowed in. We have invited the accused officer’s family members to appear at the meeting and are asking that you come show your support. Please come to the meeting and see and hear what we are fighting for.

Once again, there is still a huge need for moral and financial support. The PANO and FOP boards will be addressing these matters in the very near future and we will be reporting back to you.

Keep the faith, hope for the best, but be prepared for a battle.


Lt. Dwayne A. Scheuermann
Executive Trustee-PANO

[Billy]

Just a reminder !

PANO MEETING
January 9th 2007 @ 7 PM

Ernst Café (http://ernstcafe.net/)
600 South Peters St.
New Orleans, LA 70130

Please let others know.

[Mike Glasser]

Friday, January 5, 2007

The Police Association of New Orleans (PANO) is pleased and proud to announce that all of the officers indicted relative to the Danziger incident have been released on bond this afternoon. In a hearing before Judge Raymond Bigelow in Criminal District Court, Section I, bonds on all officers were reduced with respect to the charges involving attempts, and bonds were set for the remainder. There were no objections from the District Attorney, Mr. Jordan. The officers were released and reunited with their families. There are some restrictions and court imposed requisites relative to the bond, which will not interfere with the officers’ ability to return to work in administrative capacities, pending final resolution of the matter.

In addition, Judge Bigelow volunteered the facts that several people who work in his court have relationships and associations with either defense attorneys or police representatives. Judge Bigelow asked both the defense attorneys and the District Attorney if anyone felt that those associations might impact the proceedings and if recusal should be considered. All agreed that there would be no problem, and therefore, Judge Bigelow will remain the trial court judge in this matter. There are subsequent hearing dates which will be announced.

The officers wish to thank everyone for their support and I would like to remind everyone that the fight is just beginning and continued support will be crucial. To this end, I would request that all area commissioned officers, members and non-members alike, attend our next PANO meeting, Tuesday, January 9, 2007, 7:00 pm, at Ernst Café, 600 South Peters Street, New Orleans. We will discuss these events and other relevant issues. Please be there.

Mike Glasser
PANO President
504-416-0366
GlasserMD@aol.com