Dangerous Procedural Breakdown in Omni Law Enforcement Raises Eyebrows
Mister Farfin Zix
IRRK Executive Farfin Zix begins his investigation into a recent and critical break-down in the machinery of Omni law-and-order and finds an unlikely suspect, Omni-Com, innocent.
Many of us have been following the recent arrest of popular Clan DJ Kirk 'Otrori' Barchus with interest.
With a recent change in leadership in one of Omni-Pol's largest sub-departments I have to wonder what caused this broken circuit in the normally finely tuned machinery of Omni law. While there is always limited chaos in the wake of a major transition, such as a sub-department Director, it should never extend to this level.
Disgusted by what I'd read on the matter, I decided to investigate things myself. I went to see the arresting officer, Corporal 'Lomad' Hawk who I found at the Reet's Retreat.
After a long verbal barrage of questions, I managed to glean the following information from the officer.
First, he personally had no part in the issuing of the warrant, he simply was required to enforce it.
Second, evidently Omni-Pol allows other Departments to issue arrest warrants for them. This disturbs me somewhat. Another Department should be able to present evidence and request an arrest; but should Omni-Com have the legal authority to issue an arrest warrant?
Third, Officer Hawke made it clear that Otori was released due to lack of evidence. He was adamant about pointing out that there was no evidence to either confirm of deny the charges that were brought against Mr. Barchus. Under nearly universal law, Mr. Barchus has the right to take legal action against Omni-Pol and Omni-Com. Arresting a citizen without evidence of criminal activity is criminal in and of itself. Legally, no law enforcement agency may detain an individual without probable cause, they may not jail an individual without evidence or witness confirmation. I would say Omni-Pol has some explaining to do.
Finally, if a warrant is issued by another Department, Omni-Pol, as keepers of the peace and enforcers of order, has an immutable obligation to validate or at least ensure that there is evidence or probable cause before carrying out the warrant. Corporal Hawke pointed out to me that there was no evidence attached to the warrant or filed in conjunction with it. Again, complete failure on the part of the supposed "professionals", Omni-Pol.
Is Omni-Com to blame? Perhaps they did issue a warrant. But validating the claims of a warrant, checking the validity of the accusations, those tasks lie with the enforcers, the lawmen. Whether or not the warrant was issued by Omni-Com, I'd say the fault is not with them. I find Omni-Com innocent of charges of gross incompetence in the Court of Common Sense.
I will be continuing my investigation into this matter over the following week.