The officer had 25 internal affairs investigations during his 17 years on the force, according to media reports. It may sound like the officer is Derek Chauvin, who was convicted of killing George Floyd, but it is not. Chauvin had 22 internal affairs investigations during his 19 years on the force of the Minneapolis Police Department, according to The Marshall Project. The officer with 25 internal affairs investigations in 17 years is one of Tucson’s own, Officer Robert Szelewski.

How does the number of Szelewski’s internal affairs investigations compare with other  TPD officers? We are working to find out, and when we do, we will post the results here.

Back to the question, Who’s policing the police? It is not the police because they are incapable of policing themselves for two main reasons.

First, the police do not trust civilians. The police are constantly being lied to by civilians.  Second, the police cannot believe that a fellow officer would do what they are being accused of doing.

Why would Chauvin apply pressure to Floyd’s neck for longer than needed? He wouldn’t according to Minneapolis police. If Chauvin’s knee was on Floyd, there must have been a need.

Likewise, if Szelewski took a lady to the ground, there must have been a good reason to do so, say’s TPD. If taking the lady to the ground was not necessary, then he would not have done it.

So, Who is policing the police? Maybe it is the media.

The takedown by Szelewski occurred on Nov. 14, 2021. Tim Steller’s report that broke the story can be found here (or here if the link is broken). Valerie Cavazos’s report, which contains the most detail, is here (or here if the link is broken). The women’s point of view is presented well in an article by Craig Smith and Maria Arey (here if the link is broken). There are several other articles that can be found on the web, in addition to several news broadcasts. The media is doing their job.

But what about us? Are we policing the police by letting our voices be heard? Media reports do nothing unless the community gets involved. Let your voice be heard. Take a few minutes to put your feelings in writing. Send an email, then print the email, put it in an envelope and send it to someone who can make a difference. Suggested recipients are listed below.

Chief of Police Chad Kasmar
270 S Stone Ave
Tucson, AZ 85701
Email: chad.kasmar@tucsonaz.gov

Mayor Regina Romero
255 W Alameda St
Tucson, AZ 85701
Email: Mayor.Romero@tucsonaz.gov

Pima County Attorney Laura Conover
32 N Stone Ave
Tucson, AZ 85701
Email: info@pcao.pima.gov

More to come….