Austin Police Want Identities of Online Critics

An anonymous reader writes "The police chief in Austin, TX is not happy that people are voicing their disapproval of him via anonymous blog posts and comments. He claims that 'such posts erode public trust in the department.' The chief wants to find out who these people are and investigate and prosecute such posters for statements he deems defamatory and libelous. Interestingly, the article notes, 'the Associated Press has reported that most of the cases fail because statements of opinion are protected under the First Amendment.' One wonders if this is a legitimate problem that warrants public money to investigate, or whether it's that the people who deserve the most public scrutiny don't like it when others take issue with their job performance."

He's A Jerk

[GrahamCox]

That police chief in Austin, Texas? - He's a Jerk. So sue me!

Re:He's A Jerk

[Art Acevedo]

Yes, I'll do that GrahamCox

Re:He's A Jerk

[buchner.johannes]

*facepalm* you're supposed to post anonymously

Too little, too late.

[TheVelvetFlamebait]

He claims that 'such posts erode public trust in the department.'

Yeah, I'm pretty sure the ship has sailed on that one.

Re:He's A Jerk

[TapeCutter]

Great word!

define:phlebotomist [google.com.au]
#1 - (Princeton): "Someone who practices phlebotomy".

Re:He's A Jerk

[Jah-Wren Ryel]

I believe drugs, pimping, child abuse and general law breaking are in fact against the law in Austin and Acevedo is ready to get your ass for it.

You fucker. You ruined a perfectly non-sensical rant. Why do you hate America?

Re:He's A Jerk

[Sulphur]

Our politicians bullshit like their jobs depend on it.

--

I must have been a camel in a previous life; I don't mind what I am doing, but I don't want to change it.

It sounds like

[okmijnuhb]

He doesn't need any help eroding the trust of his office. He's doing fine on his own.