A group name Concerned Citizens of Mount Vernon is tired of
being ignored and appeared before the Mobile County Personnel Board on Tuesday
for answers.
The Concerned Citizens of Mount Vernon has filed a complaint
with the Mobile County Personnel Board alleging Officer Mario Mendiola of targeting
and harassing African American males and females in the Mount Vernon community
and jurisdiction. In April, Tamara Davis
who is heading this group has also filed complaints with the Town of Mount
Vernon, its mayor James Adams, Council Members and Police Chief.
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| Tamara Davis - Mount Vernon Resident |
“We are just tired of the harassment by this officer” said
Davis. Davis alleges that Officer Mendiola is targeting African Americans for
no reason at all and finding no criminal actions. Davis and others in the
community of Mount Vernon alleges that Officer Mediola a Hispanic K-9 officer
of cursing them out on their own property and being very disrespectful. Mendiola,
who took the stand at the Personnel Board hearing on Tuesday and disputed all
the claims.
What struck me in this case was when Davis addressed Mayor James
Adams and Chief Steve Reed, who took the
witness stand during the proceeding and stated they investigated the claims against
Mendiola and believed he had not broken any rules or laws that would require
discipline. Really Mayor Adams, the night before the hearing you appeared
on the local news and stated to the reporter that when you receive all the
facts you will investigate and make a decision. So my question is how have you
already done an investigation if you don’t have all the facts?
Davis then asked Chief Reed if using profanity an acceptable
practice by Mount Vernon officers, to which he said, “It’s unacceptable by any
officer, and they know it is.” At the end, Davis asked the personnel board to
consider the notarized statements and testimony of her friends, family and fellow
citizens of Mount Vernon which stats the actions of Officer Mendiola.
