Case Dismissed: Police who don’t show up in court

No-show cops in Louisville, Ky courts resulted in the release of  more than 600 suspected felons in 2007. Cases that involved drug dealing, robbery, burglary and assault were thrown out the window because officers almost never face discipline when they miss court, according to The Courier-Journal.

The Courier-journal interviewed Jefferson District Court Judge Anne Haynie, who said:
“Officers missing court is a ‘huge problem’ because it can result in suspects being arrested, jailed and then set free without a hearing on the evidence.”

She also said that some officers had a ‘cavalier’ attitude when it comes to attending court. Although police are notified for court appearances, the issue has been ongoing for several years.

Last week, Fox 5 WJLA TV in Atlanta interviewed Judge Richard Hicks of Fulton County Superior Court who has witnessed what he calls a “serious problem.” Hicks said that over the last three months, he had to dismiss around 100 cases per month because officers failed to show up.