ex-City Councilman arrested!

[HubCityMan1912]

NEWS FLASH! Former Ward 4 City Councilman R. Scott Farris [falsely] arrested late Monday night on charges of "disorderly conduct"! [Against an HPD "officer"--this included (completely sober) Farris being pepper-sprayed and handcuffed!]

Folks, wait to you hear the details on this one...It will disturbingly confirm many of your worst fears concerning HPD!

(Although it may be "a blessing in disguise", since it could help lead to some desperately needed changes at HPD!...[In light of the massive lawsuit sure to come!])

More details later loyal citizens. (In the meantime: PRAY for HPD, the City of Hattiesburg, and the People of Hattiesburg...If it can happen to Scott Farris--it can--and will--happen to any of YOU!)

[jmb]

I've been gone from Hattiesburg for almost 25 years, but if Scott Farris is anything like he used to be, HPD better look out now.

[wilebill]

Wow! That's unbelievable!

I know Scott pretty well, and I could never imagine him getting arrested for anything. Well, I guess I could imagine him getting arrested for "disorderly conduct" if he didn't do something that an officer told him to do, but Scott would only disobey an officer if he believed he was right in disobeying him, and depending on who the officer was.

But I could never imagine Scott doing anything to deserve to be pepper sprayed.

There will be a lot of little old ladies upset about this.:smt103

[aaron]

You will need the tape from the police car to prove he didn't. Hopefully, the HA or WDAM won't just run this story based on the police report. Maybe they will dig deeper.

[Omerto]

I am out of town. Has the Hattiesburg American done a story on this? How about WDAM?

Maybe it happened prior to the Independent going to press??????

[lamarrebel]

I looked for this in today's Hattiesburg American and found nothing. Since we know the good folks at the INdpendent read our humble site, maybe today they will look into this.

[lamarrebel]

I just spoke with one of the Indy's reporters on an unrelated matter and this arrest came up. I suspect we may see something in Thursday's edition.

[itzme]

I know Scott also . . . . all I can say is . .. LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
If there is no substance to his arrest . . . then It won't matter which floor of city hall you work on . . you best get your life rafts on . . . . because the flood is a comin'

[Omerto]

I just spoke with one of the Indy's reporters on an unrelated matter and this arrest came up. I suspect we may see something in Thursday's edition.

thanks, hubbarrister. i knew we could count on you!!!!!!!!!

[El Nino]

NEWS FLASH! Former Ward 4 City Councilman R. Scott Farris [falsely] arrested late Monday night on charges of "disorderly conduct"! [Against an HPD "officer"--this included (completely sober) Farris being pepper-sprayed and handcuffed!]

Folks, wait to you hear the details on this one...It will disturbingly confirm many of your worst fears concerning HPD!

(Although it may be "a blessing in disguise", since it could help lead to some desperately needed changes at HPD!...[In light of the massive lawsuit sure to come!])

More details later loyal citizens. (In the meantime: PRAY for HPD, the City of Hattiesburg, and the People of Hattiesburg...If it can happen to Scott Farris--it can--and will--happen to any of YOU!)

Are you Scott Farris? You seem to have a lot of information about this, considering that this happened so recently. I just called Hattiesburg PD, and they have no record of any complaints. If this happened as you say, why wouldn't you (or Farris, or whoever) file a complaint immediately?

[Sir Mickey Mouse]

Of couse HPD doesn't have a record for Scott Farris... check the original posting... it's "R. Scott Farris." Scott is not his given legal name.

[El Nino]

But these things are filed by last names. If you want to call and ask for yourself, you can.

[Sir Mickey Mouse]

Actually, I called earlier and they had the information immediately.

[El Nino]

And what did they say?

[Sir Mickey Mouse]

The charges, arresting officer, bond, release time

[El Nino]

OK, we're talking about two different things. You're talking about the arrest information; I'm talking about a theoretically inevitable complaint filed by Farris.

Off the top of your head, do you have any of that info? Just curious.

[noway]

If you call the police department they are not going to tell who filed a compalint against a police officer. You know the famous quote "its a personel matter"

[Sir Mickey Mouse]

Sorry, my mistake. Guess I misread.

[HubCityMan1912]

There will be an open meeting sometime Monday afternoon at H'burg City Hall concerning the general mess at the H'burg Police Dept, apparently chaired by Ward 4 Councilman Red Bailey...This will be before the regular City Council session at 4PM, and this event was already scheduled before the Farris incident occurred. Spread the good word and come!

[Sir Mickey Mouse]

On another thread, someone said their next meeting was Tuesday. Do you have it as Monday or is it Tuesday, or are these something totlaly different?

[Tully Mars]

The City Council meetings typically take place on a Monday and Tuesday evening. The Monday meeting is usually longer and more in-depth. Each agenda item is discussed and acted upon. The Tuesday meeting includes a public forum and essentially a ratification of the actions that took place during the Monday meeting. This is an oversimplification of the process but that's it in a nutshell.

[HubCityMan1912]

This Monday meeting--prior to the regularly scheduled Council 1st & 3rd Monday meetings (which is to discuss the agenda for the actual Council Session each 1st & 3rd Tuesday)--is planned to specifically discuss HPD.

[HubCityMan1912]

Further Details re the Scott Farris HPD "arrest"...(Transcribed directly from a preliminary written account by Scott Farris personally.)...

Farris is in the process of helping sell his mother/grandmother's longtime home near downtown H'burg...He had been in town all afternoon Monday (11 July 2005) placing a "for sale" ad in the H'burg American, putting up for sale signs on the property, and generally inspecting/cleaning up the place...About dusk that evening (aprox. 8:30 PM) there being no power at the now vacant house, he contacted a longtime [african-american] friend and part-time business associate who's family has a carpet cleaning/floor repair business, re repairs and cleaning of the floors of the house in preparation for its sale...At Farris' suggestion (in order to take a needed break/relaxation and discuss some business) the two men attended the 9:30 showing of the movie "War of the Worlds" at Turtle Creek Mall, via Farris' small 1991 Ford Ranger pickup truck (his "work truck"/"farm truck")...Around the end of the movie the carpet cleaning man's wife called re the condition of their ill 8 year-old daughter, and the father asked Farris to take him to check on his daughter staying with his mother/father-in-law in the Richburg community...They left the Mall headed for Richburg around 11:30 PM, driving in Farris' small 4-cylinder work truck (his secondary vehicle [full-sized Chevy Van is his primary vehicle])...They headed east on Hwy 98 and turned right (south) on Weathersby Rd in front of the Lowes store...They passed an HPD car to their right (west) which was parked to the side rear of the Lowes parking lot and near the east wall of the Lowes bld, the HPD car facing east...The HPD car almost immediately pulled in behind the Farris truck with lights flashing and spotlight blaring...Farris immediately pulled over to the right edge of Weathersby at the stop sign interesection opposite the Northeast Lamar Volunteer Fire Station...Two officers approached on each side of the truck...The one on Farris' side (driver side) explained that it was [a routine traffic stop] because of a non-functioning right front headlight and turn-signal. (This was due to a recent collision with an adult doe deer on Hwy 11 N near Moselle in Jones County [a primary route to Farris' mother's home in Ellisville], which Farris explained the circumstances thereof to the officer--and the plausible extinuating circumstances leading to the light being still un-repaired.)...The officer then asked for Farris' drivers license--presumably to issue a citation for improper equipment violation, and both officers retreated back to the HPD car to the rear of the Farris truck...After a long 10 minutes, one came back to the passenger side and asked the passenger to step out of the vehicle , which he [passenger] did without complaint and was escorted to the rear of the truck (front of the cop car)...Farris remained seated, quiet, and facing front...After another long wait, Farris turned to look thru the open rear window of the truck to see his friend [U]handcuffed! Still, he said nothing for a long moment, but finally, in a respectful, conversational-toned voice asked: "What's going on officers?", "What's the problem?", to which one of the officers mumbled something in a discourteous tone which Farris did not understand...This officer--JOHN BRISTER ["white" male, very young]--then walked back to the passenger-side window of the truck, leaned over, made eye contact with Farrris thru the open window, when Farris repeated the same two questions--again in a respectful and normal tone of voice--to which Brister rudely replied "He's wanted on a bench warrant" [turned out later to be an upaid check], to which Farris replied "What does that mean?", to which Brister replied [again very discourteously] "A judge has a bench warrant on him!" (Farris, who has FIVE lawyers in his family knew that much, he wanted to know WHO/WHICH jurisdiction, etc.) So Farris then asked [still nicely] "WHICH judge?", to which Brister SHOUTED BACK WITH EXTREME DISRESPECT: "That's none of your business!", to which Farris responded with justified perturbedness-but still respectful--"Well, excuse me officer, but I believe that it IS some of my business--he's a friend of mine and you have [removed him from my vehicle and] HANDCUFFED him!" [for a civil--not criminal--offense] and Farris then said: "I'm a taxpaying citizen of this City and..." With that, Brister races around the rear of the truck shouting for Farris to get out, and as Farris does so, Brister--never breaking stride--rushes around the corner of the truck shouting to Farris "You dont [B]threaten a police officer!", to which Farris tried to respond "I'm not threatening a--" but in the same instant, Brister pepper-sprayed Farris in both his eyes and face...Shocked and stunned [immediate complete blindness for at least 30 minutes accompanied by excruciating pain], Farris immediately turned to his left and placed both hands on the roof of the truck for balance and to keep his knees from buckling...He made no effort at physically restisting or even verbally protesting to Brister...Yet--incredibly--Brister then jumped on Farris' back while calling for his partner [Gavin? or Garvin?--also "white" male, very young] to assist him in "a take down" of Farris to the hard pavement, which they did without any physical or even verbal restistance from Farris, while at the same time Brister completed HANDCUFFING Farris...

After this painful and completely unneccesary/unjustified manhandling of Farris, he was kept in this extremely uncomfortable position for at least 15 minutes, then ordered to arise--without any assistance (Farris, 48, has a pre-existing damaged back, the condition of which was of course seriously aggravated by this ordeal)--and escorted by two cops to the rear cage of another police car...It was at this time that completely-blinded Farris stated very calmly and simply to the officers: "You men have made a serious mistake.", to which both officers mockingly replied : "Oh, have we now?"...Farris was then placed in the back seat cage of a HPD car with all doors shut--and left alone to suffer for at least 30 minutes or more...But Farris is also seriously clautrophobic and 6'4'', so that this close and long confinement only added to his misery ["cruel & unusual punishment"?]...Also at some point during this period, the other officer originally present (on site of the 2 hour incident)--Gavin or Garvin--sat down in the front driver's side seat and asked Farris: "What you been stealing?!", to which Farris replied: "Nothing", to which Gavin responded "We've got you on record as a convicted burglar!", to which Farris responded "No, not me, never!", to which Gavin replied "That's what our records show.", to which Farris responded: "Your records are wrong!", to which Gavin said nothing, and vacated the car (for the time being)...

About 15 minutes later, this same officer Gavin/Garvin returned and again sat down in the front driver's side seat and quietly said to Farris: "You know I didn't have anything to do with this?", to which Farris made no verbal reply--due to fear/intimidation as to what additional misconduct these incompetent officers might comment (although he [Farris] siliently thought :"But you made no attempt to intervene verbally or physically to prevent or end this attrocity!")

Finally shift commander Lt. Tucker arrived and opened the rear door (a small relief for claustrophobic Farris) to get Farris' "statement", and he was relatively respectful, decent, competent (for which Farris thanked him)--BUT--1) He first insinuated that he was "surprised" that a man in Farris' position would want to make a full statement (which, on the contrary, Farris was most eager to do so--even with Brister standing over him and even when he was still in some physical and mental shock from the harsh effects of the pepper-spray, etc.)...2) At the conclusion of Tucker's interview with Farris, Farris explained his problem with claustrophbia and the fact that he had already been in this close confinement at least some 45 minutes, and requested that Tucker at least leave the rear door open...To this modest request Tucker replied: "They're fixing to take you downtown right now.", and with that he slammed the door back shut! Well, Farris was not taken downtown "right now", but was forced to endure his agonizing circumstances for at least another 20 minutes or more--while at least 6 to 8 officers of both HPD AND Lamar County Sheriff's Office milled around laughing and talking, alternatingly ignoring or--in the case of the HPD officers--"gloating over" trapped Farris! (Brister in particular, clearly "enjoyed" his power/authority.)...At least THREE HPD cars and THREE LCS cars--for a total of at least SIX patrol cars were present for the last 30 to 45 minutes of this outrageous "incident"! (As if some "major" drug bust, violent shootout, or at the very least a big bad drunken fist-fight had occurred!)

Finally, Gavin and Brister returned to the HPD car with Farris still handcuffed in the back seat cage, and proceeded at a fast speed directly to the Forrest County Regional Jail in Downtown Hattiesburg...Enroute, not a word was spoken by Farris or either HPD officer...ETA at the jail was aprox. 2AM, meaning Farris was on site of the "incident" a full 2 hours or more...

Upon entering the jail, the two [again--young "white" male] Forrest County Sheriff's jailers immediately proceeded to verbally abuse, degrade, disrespect, and physcially threaten Farris (e.g., alluding to use of a 50,000 watt "stun gun" on Farris--said the one jailer with ominous glee: "Yeah, that's what we use instead of pepper-spray!"), even though Farris--still handcuffed and near blindness from the pepper-spray--was completely compliant and cooperative physically and verbally the entire time...

Farris and his passenger/friend/business associate were re-united for the first time since Farris was pepper-sprayed, and were duly "processed", and then thrown into a narrow "holding cell" where already 7 or 8 other adult men were sleeping, so little or no room to sit or lie down except on the narrow hall floor. (i.e. hence, more claustrophobia problems for Farris)...The necessary collect phone calls were made from this place and Farris was subsequently bonded out at aprox. 3:30 AM, after spending a total of about 90 cruel minutes in jail...However, due to the deliberate non-cooperation of the worst-offending jailer [neither had name badges or would give their names], Farris' bailbondsman was still at HPD headquarters some TWO MILES away when Farris was suddenly released and dumped out on Forrest Street in downtown Hattiesburg [aprox.3:30AM]--WITH NOTHING BUT THE CLOTHES ON HIS BACK! None of his personal effects were returned (i.e. wallet, cell phone, money/change, keys, watch, ring, etc.)...As Farris walked through the front door of the jail, he again asked the jailer his name, to which the young "bully" replied very sarcasticly: "Why do you need to know my name?", to which Farris calmly replied: "For when I take legal action against all y'all!", to which this arrogant jailer replied "Yeah, right.", to which Farris responded: "I tell you this: You remember the name SCOTT FARRIS! You'll remember it!" [As he and the others surely NOW already do!], to which the jailer responded with disdain: "Yeah, whatever.", and locked the front door...

At this point Farris wandered up to East Pine St, then realizing his continuing predicament, walked back to the front of the jail, and--via the outside intercom--inquired as to where his personal effects were, to which a surprisingly and suddenly [relatively] courteous voice replied: "You were arrested by HPD, all your stuff is at their headquarters." [2 miles south down S. Main and Bay St.!], to which Farris replied "Thank you", and walked back out to the curb of Forrest Street in front of the Regional Jail...

Farris was still contemplating his situation and what to do next, when--within less than 10 minutes--a young "black" lady drove past and stopped in front of the newspaper stands (located across from the jail near the southeast corner of the Downtown Hattiesburg Post Office)...She was a carrier for the Clarion-Ledger newspaper and was placing that morning's edition [Tuesday 12 July] in the newsrack...Farris called acrossed the street to her: "Excuse me ma'am, but could I possibly borrow your cell phone to make an emergency call?", to which she responded by looking--but said nothing (she was understandably cautious/defensive)...Farris slowly walked across the street, while continuing to speak to her (telling her his name, background, etc.)...When Farris arrived near her front car door, she indicated that she had no cell phone, but she graciously offered and Farris gratefully accepted 75 cents, so that he could use the P.O. payphone to make another collect call, which he did...

At aprox. 4AM, one of Farris' paternal cousins (an attorney), picked him up on Forrest Street and drove him to the home of his mother in Ellisville...Thus, the first phase of his maddening ordeal was over but: 1) Due to physical and mental trauma, Farris did not sleep for some 48 hours, 2) Neither his eyes nor his back has fully recovered--and may not ever, 3) To this day, neither Farris' wallet nor his passenger's wallet has been returned to them by HPD. (In Farris' case, this included about $30 in cash, various credentials, and priceless, irreplaceable family photos.)...

Farris will of course plead "NOT GUILTY" to the charge of "Disorderly Conduct against a Sworn Officer", will then be awarded a trial (at which time he will seek to have all charges dropped and his record expunged [i.e. be completely exonerated]...He has also filed a formal written complaint with HPD ("Affadavit of Complaint"), and will also likely take further legal action for damages against at least HPD officer John Brister and HPD...

A post-account Commentary by Scott Farris will be posted here and available elsewhere very soon. (And will hopefully eventually be published--AS A PUBLIC SERVICE--by our primary local print media--Bob Pittman's Independent News [weekly] and the Hattiesburg American [daily].)

[drewfer]

I hope all of the Farris "Mess" falls on Wynn and does not damage any of the GOOD officers that are left.

[drewfer]

I heard that this incident happened on Brewster's last night of HPD work. I also heard that he is a pretty decent officer. I wonder if there are two sides to this story. There might have been a lot of attitude that was shown, that was not part of the story.

If the male friend of Scott's had a warrant against him the officer would not of done his job if he did not arrest him.
Scott was probably angry at the fact of his worker was now goin to jail and he had to start looking again!

[HubCityMan1912]

drewfer, I dont know what your personal "agenda" might or might not be, but there are NO plausible explanations nor reasonable excuses for the odious behavior and incompetent actions John Brister perpertrated against Scott Farris that night!

[reverand]

Believe me I feel for Scott Farris, I know what he’s going through

The Reverands been cuffed and pepper sprayed, for me that is nothing new.



The doughnut shops must have been closed, and they were bored with nothing to do,

When suddenly they were waked up, when Scott Farris truck came passing through.



The officer’s approached the truck carefully; gun’s and pepper spray close at hand,

This could be a major stop, cause in his passenger seat was a black man.



Forget the drug dealers and rapist. The burglars and auto break-ins.

This driver has a busted headlight, he deserves to go to the State Pen.



He calls for additional officers, they all celebrate with laughter and cheer.

This may be what gets HPD, the title of Officers of the year.


GLORY GLORY

[OLDLADY]

this may be way OFF track and maybe i watch too much t.v. BUT...has anyone thought...maybe when these officers found out who they had (scott farris) that maybe they figured if they mistreated or whatever...HE would be the ONE to make sure the HPD was fully investigated and taken down??? just a thought...

[aaron]

Does the HPD have car video? Did Farris get a doctor to check him out for evidence?

[MC69TA]

I am not in Law enforcement and I sympathize with Mr. Farris.

I wonder?

Why were you driving known unsafe vehicle it should not have been driven until repaired.

“This officer--JOHN BRISTER ["white" male, very young]—“

seeing this does his duty and pulls you over .

Now “This officer--JOHN BRISTER ["white" male, very young]—“ it is late at night white and black males in illegal vehicle headed into known drug area .



“This officer--JOHN BRISTER ["white" male, very young]—“

Wanting to become “JOHN BRISTER ["white" male, very OLD]—“

was understandably cautious/defensive.



“This officer--JOHN BRISTER ["white" male, very young]--then walked back to the passenger-side window of the truck, leaned over, made eye contact with Farrris thru the open window, when Farris repeated the same two questions--again in a respectful and normal tone of voice--to which Brister rudely replied "He's wanted on a bench warrant" [turned out later to be an upaid check], to which Farris replied "What does that mean?", to which Brister replied [again very discourteously] "A judge has a bench warrant on him!" (Farris, who has FIVE lawyers in his family knew that much, he wanted to know WHO/WHICH jurisdiction, etc.)”



I wonder?



Mr. Farris are you a lawyer? Were you the lawyer of “longtime [african-american] friend and part-time business associate who's family has a carpet cleaning/floor repair business,”

“ (Farris, who has FIVE lawyers in his family knew”

or is it Hereditary?



To which “This officer--JOHN BRISTER ["white" male, very young]—“" responded with justified That's none of your business!",



“(e.g., alluding to use of a 50,000 watt "stun gun" on Farris--said the one jailer with ominous glee:”

Mr. Farris I would want to know the consequence of my disobedience while in there world.

I sympathize with you do the formal complaint and Get over it !

OH but I forgot “ (Farris, who has FIVE lawyers in his family knew”

(He pulls them like A switchblade)



TO “This officer--JOHN BRISTER ["white" male, very young]—“

D if you do D if you don’t

That’s all folks

[jmb]

I have to disagree with MC69TA. I don't care what part of town the two were driving in. Sure, the headlight was busted, but since when do you get pepper-sprayed, handcuffed and arrested for that? Once the officers pulled them over and saw that it was Scott and the other guy, (the other guy I don't know but Scott I do, and can't imagine Scott looking like a drug dealer), that should have been the end of it. Sure, write him a ticket for the headlight, but the actions taken by the officers were not warranted, if it went down the way Scott described.

Scott...more power to you!!! Go get 'em!!!

[jmack]

MC69TA "get over it?"

This officer has a 9mm weapon, batton and a backup officer and he feels threatened by a guy unarmed in a little pickup truck. Damn. Who needs a Police video, I think I'm gonna turn on channel 55 and watch the Andy Griffith show.

[aaron]

well, I see what MC69TA is saying, and I agree with his points, but I also think pepper spray is a little excessive. Speculating about this arrest after only hearing one side of the story though isn't something I'm going to do though.

[lamarrebel]

If we're talking about Weathersby south of Lowe's, I have to take exception to the police targeting someone simply b/c they drove through the area. It's a heavily travelled road that connects Highway 98 and Oak Grove Road...I often cut through there to get to Lincoln Road and the Cloverleaf area, b/c I can get there much faster than taking Hardy and 49 and being stopped by all 200 redlights.

Seeing someone, black or white travel down that road is not any basis to make a stop. The headlight, yes, but profiling, no.

[ynotme297]

very few of the hpd officers have more than 2 years service. they come out of the training thinking the 12 feet tall and bullet proof. it takes time for them to learn to treat folks like people and not like everyone is trying to kill them. most seasoned officers are polite and helpful. again i say (most). factor in the fact that they are undermanned and the fact that most rookies have been put on the street early b/c of shortened field training time, this might account for the way some of them act. this is just my thoughts. hpd has a lot of good officers, young and old.

[wilebill]

very few of the hpd officers have more than 2 years service. they come out of the training thinking the 12 feet tall and bullet proof. it takes time for them to learn to treat folks like people and not like everyone is trying to kill them. most seasoned officers are polite and helpful. again i say (most). factor in the fact that they are undermanned and the fact that most rookies have been put on the street early b/c of shortened field training time, this might account for the way some of them act. this is just my thoughts. hpd has a lot of good officers, young and old.

I agree with that. It takes time to learn to deal with all kinds of people and the rookies just haven't gotten that far yet. It's part of the growing process. I hope that this is what this is all about.

[bartspoon]

I believe one way a city is judged is by the politeness and professionalism of its police officers. If you are passing through a town and you get pulled over, and you get treated with the respect that any citizen is entitled to, it reflects well on the city. There is no reason a officer of the law should be ugly or down right mean. And the actions of a bully are unexceptable. They should always act like the professonals they are suppose to be. It only takes one bad apple to put a black mark on the entire force and the community as a whole. Im not saying a cop is not suppose to be careful and that in situations that demand it, that he is not suppose to be forceful. Im saying even when he is being forceful he should remain professional. Even more so then. He is a servant of the people and his training and actions in the field should reflect that training. He can not afford to lose his or her temper. A WARNING should always precede a shot of pepperspray to someones eyes unless the officer does not have time. Im sure, knowing scot, if the officer had just warned him that he was going to get sprayed scot would have obeyed. But when you have officers one year out of the academy training officers in the field, problems are going to arise. I occasionally do a hollywood stop at a stop sign.. heck lets be honest, if no one is coming i always do a hollywood stop. You know where you just slow down , look and go. So over the years i have gotten stopped and i never argue, im always cheerful and i always say the same thing. "you got me" . and if he gives me a ticket i thank him and pay it and try to do better. And it last for a while. But i do get to see how officers handle there routine stops. When the officer is friendly and does his job with a smile i go away proud of my city. And a warning in a freindly way does more to correct my problem then anything. When he is harsh and not friendly at all i go away feeling abused and not proud at all of our city. And i have to say in hattiesburg more times then not, the police or not friendly. I realize they dont have to be but i just wish they all were. When you are treated with respect no matter what your station in life you feel proud and truly sorry for taking up the officers valuble time. And you have a strong desire to do better. I know if I was mayor or chief i would demand it. There is a large responsibility that goes with that badge and that gun and that pepper spray and that fast car. Im not supprised or shocked about what happened. With as much as you hear about the police chief. When the head of an organization is a bully then some of that type behavior has got to run down into the body of department. If you have a bully for a chief, it just makes sense you will have bullies for officers. I know Scot and know that it would be hard for anyone to be intimidated by him or feel threatened, scot is a gentle person. And does not look threatening. And i know he must have felt very insulted and humiliated by what happened. I know that if it had been me instead of him i too would have reacted the same way, maybe worse and would have gone to jail. I find it hard to tolerate abuse of power. It just ticks me the wrong way. I was in high school in the late 60's and know all about profiling, and abuse of power. So they may have had to shoot me. There is the feeling of righteous indignation, that comes over some of us when we are being bullied. That is why cops need to be so professional, i know they have a hard job and i am not going to make it harder on them. I was taught to be polite to them and i am. But they should not treat you like a criminal that is the job of a judge and jury to determine. No matter what happened in this situation it could have been handled a lot better by a trained officer. So with a shortage of police, and not any veteran officers left to show the young men how to behave, Im sure things will get worse. And now scot knows how powerless you can feel when in the hands of an officer with a chip on his shoulder. And if it can happen to a former city official what chance do regular hard working citizens have, who dont have five lawyers in the family,and find themseleves in the shadow of those intimidating flashing lights with a poorly trained officer onboard. There is a hole in the dike and no one has their thumb in it.

[HubCityMan1912]

The official complaint submitted to HPD by Scott Farris expressly requested copies of the police car video be "provided" to him and his lawyers "forthwith" (although it may take a court supena for him and his attorneys to gain possession of the tape)...Farris has been under the care of neck and back specialists with Southern Bone & Joint Clinic since 2001 and is scheduled for special follow-up appointments with Dr. Antiannes late next week. (In the meantime, he is [so far] dealing/functioning with the police "take down"-caused agravated pain and discomfort to his neck and back with OTC medicines.)

[reverand]

I can see you white people are all agitated and uptight.

You’re mad as hell, that Scott was pulled over for a busted headlight.



It's no surprise to the Reverand, that the Police would attack

We are often pulled over and charged with D.W.B. (that’s driving while black).



You all can wear pagers, cell phones and drive a new Benz.

But when a brother does the same, the drug dog is called in.



Glory Glory

[HubCityMan1912]

"Brother" Scott Farris is [finally] in the Big Leagues for sure now! He's got the good Reverand "composin" over him! He has truly "made the cut" now!

Way to go Rev--keep up your good work...You are just as talented/gifted in your way, as bartspoon is in the "funny-yet-effective" Slogan Dept...

[HubCityMan1912]

You are too good Bro Rev! I KNOW ole Scott Farris appreciates you sharing your rare talent inspired by him and his present plight! Keep it flowing my good man--"we feel ya brother"!

[MC69TA]

Could this be a leaked memo?


This officer-- ["white" male, very young]--performance during the reporting period has been noteworthy and established his reputation as an accomplished Police Officer. His actions during the fighting on Weathersby Rd highlighted a solid understanding of tactics and an ability to anticipate the enemy. Leads from the front always and balances his aggressive style with true concern for the welfare of his Citizen’s. Exceptional communication skills "You dont threaten a police officer!" .
This officer (white male, very young) is Organized, aggressive, focused and driven. Ready for increased responsibility. Retain, promote and assign to challenging assignments."


NO !

[lamarrebel]

The sad thing is Francois Mitterand, the Socialist President of France during the Reagan/Bush I years behaved much better towards America than Chirac ever has. I remember being excited when Chirac's supposedly right leaning party returned to power, kicking the socialists out -- but Chirac has been a total disappointment.

[noway]

In the HA today HPD reported that the findings of the investigation in reference to Scott Farris was Not Sustained-insufficent evidence to prove or disprove allegation. The word used by HPD was unsubstantual the article is not online. Scott Farris referred all questions to his attonery Ray Price.

[4thstgrocery]

What became of HubCityMan? Did they put him jail?

[noway]

What became of HubCityMan? Did they put him jail?

court date was put off not for sure when.. He is still out on bail.. :smt070

[4thstgrocery]

thank you for the info. wonder how much time he'll get if convicted?

[lamarrebel]

For simply smarting off to a cop, I suspect even if convicted he'll get a fine and suspended jail time. This is a misdemeanor we're talking about.

[4thstgrocery]

Thank you HB. How much time in jail could he get? What about the accomplice, did he go to jail? Wonder why his lawyer isn't named Farris? Didn't he say that he had alot of lawyers in his family?

I see on here talk about putting the mayor in jail. Do you think they could all serve time in the same jail?

[lamarrebel]

I'd have to look at the affidavit to see specifically what he was charged with (if memory recalls, it was for disturbing the peace or soemthing along those lines). With all misdemeanor acts, I believe the longest a person can be sentenced to jail is one year. Most times, however, unless the defendant does something to really antagonize the judge, they get little or no jail time.

[4thstgrocery]

Yes not good to try cases here. Good to try to get info, huh? Dat ok?

Don't it say on here that the mayor is gonna be indicted? Somewhere, I think it says that. Maybe that not true, but I think it say it anyway. Maybe wrong. Who knows, eh.

HB, thank you for more info.

[HubCityMan1912]

Oh contraire Fourth Street! HubCityMan was simply blown off-line until recently by that killer wench Katrina and has so far failed to regain his pre-storm MyHattiesburg daily routine...

As for the whereabouts of Scott Farris, he remains noticeably at large, as "They" have not put the old Fourth Ward Councilman in the jailhouse just yet..."They" haven't even held his "trial" yet. (A "trial" which Farris himself demanded.)...The big event has been postponed from October to January so the policeman-in-question could attend to the birth of his child (and the hurricane backlog didn't help)...Cheer up though, because this may work out for some badly-needed mid-winter entertainment! Everyone feel better now?

[4thstgrocery]

Yes. Feel better now. Like circus too.

[4thstgrocery]

Not make fun to Cody. Old 4th street. No beer there. Peanuts like circus. Circus like trial. Fun to watch, huh?

[4thstgrocery]

Yes. Old school Davis. Know Walker. Walk by store. Smell Hurc too. Drink beer. Eat steak sandwich under oak trees. Good. Cody good detective.

[HubCityMan1912]

Ah boys...Y'all be takin' ol' HubCityMan back to the good old days of the childhood stompin grounds! (Pre-dating even "That 70's Show".) Sho is good to see homefolks round here!

[4thstgrocery]

Why fast Mississippians need to stand? Don't understand. Stand is slow? Yes. Maybe so they don't run away, eh?

[HubCityMan1912]

"Stand Fast Mississippians!" is the official Motto of the Mississippi National Guard (formerly "The State Militia")...Those famous words were shouted by Colonel Jefferson Davis to his men of The Mississippi Rifles at a pivitol point in the Battle of Buena Vista in 1848 during the Mexican War...It means: "hold the line", "get up and charge" [the enemy], "don't give in"/"don't give up", "stand up and be counted", "be strong and proud", etc.

[4thstgrocery]

you stand up to be counted when holding the line and fighting Mexicans, you get shot. how that work out? you are strong and proud to do that hub. but have bullet holes and be dead, huh? easy to be counted though.you right about dat. huh? hope you do better in the trial, eh.

[noway]

Ahhhh, make fun way Hawk talk, huh? Muss be barstool yellow hair, eh?
Dat ok. Maaybe drink used beer and squat on spurs. Who know?

4thstgrocery Mike good barkeep. Hawk spend many hour pow-wow at 4th lodge in olden day. 4thstLMAman young brave or old silver hair cousin long in tooth? Hawk tink older to remember old lodge name of NEZ

LMAO!!!!!!

Classic post

[jmb]

OHHHHH, you is from de old school, talking 'bout de Original 4th St Grocery near the Hurcules cutoff, huh? Do you remember the Oaks on Hardy St?

I must be getting old...I remember The Oaks! :smt118

[lamarrebel]

welcome back JMB, and congrats on Number 2000!

[jmb]

Thanks hubba! I hadn't even noticed I'd hit 2000! Guess I'll have to race you and Hawk to 2500 and celebrate then. :-D

[HubCityMan1912]

BTW, all you loyal MH gang, for what it's worth: The trial demanded by former Councilman Farris-v-HPD is finally set to be heard in less than two weeks: Wednesday 19 July. (That's only A YEAR AND A WEEK after the "arrest" occurred [11 July 2005]...Let's see, what's all that in American jurisprudence about "a fair and speedy" trial?)

Now the word is that there is a tape...Come one, come all--ought to be quite the show!

[Wayward]

Time and place, HubCityMan? I'm not too familiar with courts and trials and such stuff. :smt102

But I do believe it could be quite a show. :)

[jmb]

BTW, all you loyal MH gang, for what it's worth: The trial demanded by former Councilman Farris-v-HPD is finally set to be heard in less than two weeks: Wednesday 19 July. (That's only A YEAR AND A WEEK after the "arrest" occurred [11 July 2005]...Let's see, what's all that in American jurisprudence about "a fair and speedy" trial?)

Now the word is that there is a tape...Come one, come all--ought to be quite the show!

I trust you'll keep us posted. :)

[HubCityMan1912]

Time/Place: 8:30 AM Wednesday 19 July, Municipal Courtroom (west side of HPD Headquarters, James St. @ South Bay St.).