Much like the forced resignation of Robert Bartolotta, there is more to this than meets the eye. To me, this was just a political move by the new powers-that-be to get her out of her job. She seems to have recognized that and decided not to fight it. I've lived here since 1972. She's been the best police chief we have had in the city. Crime down 40%, violent crime by 16.5%, homelessness by something like 60% - and she has contributed to all of that. I've read that she had lost the support of her officers because of some of the things she has done to reach out to the Black community. I think she did an amazing job keeping the BLM protests last year non-violent. Violent protests have happened here in the past. The dialogue created between the SPD and the leaders of the Black community kept that from happening again. Let's just hope we don't go back the the "good ole boy" days. Sarasota deserves better than that.
It was a humorous remark for crying out loud. That's how I took it anyway. How many of us have said something "in the moment" that we felt was funny at the time but upon second thought was not appropriate and we regretted it? Give her a break!!! My goodness!!! America has lost it's sense of humor!! This should not even be news!
Check out the "apology" of the Chief at the Independent Police Advisory Panel. She sounded sincere, but she also said she was "insulted," which did not seem appropriate. She made a mistake and she admitted it to the City Manager, but still tried to deflect the criticism.
I agree, Carrie. Her comment certainly did not reflect any genuine desire to use excessive force on a homeless person. Instead, it attempted - with arguably misplaced humor -to reflect the distress of the police officers for having their event disrupted by continued and extreme heckling. What says more is that she was so tolerant that she let that conduct continue even though clearly it exceeds the bounds of freedom of speech. In my view, it would have been well to remove the man from the situation - without a taser - and just generally try to get him the help that he needs. Barfield’s invoking of the cancel culture does not deserve support.
This question gets at the center ring of reaction versus response "syndrome." The cellphone, entertainment or gaming flinch to a word a photo or a trigger phrase smears everything in view with the same solution. We watch opinions, sharing the same platform with seasoned experience. Opinions shared on screen, ignite quick inflammation which new screen time quickly ignores. Demanding retribution against a police captain is not the same as losing it at the fast food worker or store clerk and surprisingly it's exactly the same. We are so quick to demand a higher level of civility from those we interact with to ensure our experience is to our liking, while putting very few limits on our own behaviors. Until we can see and understand the sameness in each other we will continue to demand the world behave as we would have it, ensuring our own satisfaction. We are all competing to be the rule maker. No one wins and we all risk losing.
I agree. Who among us hasn’t made an inconsiderate or hurtful remark? I know I have my share - I still cringe years later over some comments that I made. We are so quick to pounce on others. She made a bad remark. She is sorry. Move on.
Your compassion and understanding are greatly missed. Everyone has at one time or another said something too quickly or in jest that could not be recalled. Beautiful, Carrie. Thank you!
"He who is without sin cast the first stone"....Thank you, Carrie. We are so quick to judge and want swift justice instead of thinking carefully about what happened and why. You are so right...the comment needs to be condemned and the chief needs to apologize but that's it. Unless someone can establish a pattern of behavior that is contrary to the values we are trying to live by, let's move on.
I have witnessed Chief DiPino’s past actions and have found her to be engaging, honest, and supportive of the community at large. You are correct, Carrie, that we are quick to condemn offensive actions, and we sometimes throw the baby out with the bath water. Condemnation is appropriate, when there is evidence of recurring prejudices and cruelty. That is not the case with Chief DiPino. I hope the community’s citizens and the city administration give her some slack and appreciate her many responsible actions on behalf of the city.
I agree with every word you wrote, Carrie. I am guilty of ill considered remarks, my on going battle! Overreaction isn’t good in any direction. Here is her opportunity to think about why she made that remark, perhaps she mistakenly believed it was a good way to create a bond with her officers, showing that she was one of them. However she shouldn’t tolerate those remarks, and she shouldn’t model those remarks. And she should model appropriate humility to apologize in a meaningful way.
Another terrific article and so very true. If we were judged on every single word or action that we took part in, "in the moment", it would be a slim % of people left.
Much like the forced resignation of Robert Bartolotta, there is more to this than meets the eye. To me, this was just a political move by the new powers-that-be to get her out of her job. She seems to have recognized that and decided not to fight it. I've lived here since 1972. She's been the best police chief we have had in the city. Crime down 40%, violent crime by 16.5%, homelessness by something like 60% - and she has contributed to all of that. I've read that she had lost the support of her officers because of some of the things she has done to reach out to the Black community. I think she did an amazing job keeping the BLM protests last year non-violent. Violent protests have happened here in the past. The dialogue created between the SPD and the leaders of the Black community kept that from happening again. Let's just hope we don't go back the the "good ole boy" days. Sarasota deserves better than that.
It was a humorous remark for crying out loud. That's how I took it anyway. How many of us have said something "in the moment" that we felt was funny at the time but upon second thought was not appropriate and we regretted it? Give her a break!!! My goodness!!! America has lost it's sense of humor!! This should not even be news!
Check out the "apology" of the Chief at the Independent Police Advisory Panel. She sounded sincere, but she also said she was "insulted," which did not seem appropriate. She made a mistake and she admitted it to the City Manager, but still tried to deflect the criticism.
Amen. And amen.
I agree, Carrie. Her comment certainly did not reflect any genuine desire to use excessive force on a homeless person. Instead, it attempted - with arguably misplaced humor -to reflect the distress of the police officers for having their event disrupted by continued and extreme heckling. What says more is that she was so tolerant that she let that conduct continue even though clearly it exceeds the bounds of freedom of speech. In my view, it would have been well to remove the man from the situation - without a taser - and just generally try to get him the help that he needs. Barfield’s invoking of the cancel culture does not deserve support.
Perfectly stated!
This question gets at the center ring of reaction versus response "syndrome." The cellphone, entertainment or gaming flinch to a word a photo or a trigger phrase smears everything in view with the same solution. We watch opinions, sharing the same platform with seasoned experience. Opinions shared on screen, ignite quick inflammation which new screen time quickly ignores. Demanding retribution against a police captain is not the same as losing it at the fast food worker or store clerk and surprisingly it's exactly the same. We are so quick to demand a higher level of civility from those we interact with to ensure our experience is to our liking, while putting very few limits on our own behaviors. Until we can see and understand the sameness in each other we will continue to demand the world behave as we would have it, ensuring our own satisfaction. We are all competing to be the rule maker. No one wins and we all risk losing.
I agree. Who among us hasn’t made an inconsiderate or hurtful remark? I know I have my share - I still cringe years later over some comments that I made. We are so quick to pounce on others. She made a bad remark. She is sorry. Move on.
Your compassion and understanding are greatly missed. Everyone has at one time or another said something too quickly or in jest that could not be recalled. Beautiful, Carrie. Thank you!
Louise Mitchell
"He who is without sin cast the first stone"....Thank you, Carrie. We are so quick to judge and want swift justice instead of thinking carefully about what happened and why. You are so right...the comment needs to be condemned and the chief needs to apologize but that's it. Unless someone can establish a pattern of behavior that is contrary to the values we are trying to live by, let's move on.
Beautifully stated Carrie. Thank you for your perspective.
Excellent article Carrie, I agree wholeheartedly with every word
A brave (and thoughtful, mature) take.
I have witnessed Chief DiPino’s past actions and have found her to be engaging, honest, and supportive of the community at large. You are correct, Carrie, that we are quick to condemn offensive actions, and we sometimes throw the baby out with the bath water. Condemnation is appropriate, when there is evidence of recurring prejudices and cruelty. That is not the case with Chief DiPino. I hope the community’s citizens and the city administration give her some slack and appreciate her many responsible actions on behalf of the city.
I agree with every word you wrote, Carrie. I am guilty of ill considered remarks, my on going battle! Overreaction isn’t good in any direction. Here is her opportunity to think about why she made that remark, perhaps she mistakenly believed it was a good way to create a bond with her officers, showing that she was one of them. However she shouldn’t tolerate those remarks, and she shouldn’t model those remarks. And she should model appropriate humility to apologize in a meaningful way.
Another terrific article and so very true. If we were judged on every single word or action that we took part in, "in the moment", it would be a slim % of people left.