"I'M AN ASS MAN," SAYS ARRESTING OFFICER IN POLICE REPORT

"I'M AN ASS MAN," SAYS ARRESTING OFFICER IN POLICE REPORT

According to the police report, undercover officer Mark Turpin
announced:
“I’m an ass man.” Then, grasping his suspect’s buttocks with both
hands, he
demanded “Can I fuck you in the ass?” Moments later, at least eight
additional Oakland police officers crowded into the apartment,
surrounding
Shannon Williams, the former Berkeley High School teacher charged with
prostitution. Ms. Williams, a 5’1” woman, was held at gunpoint while
police officers laughed and joked. The officers initially refused to
allow
her to get dressed, saying that she must remain in her negligee as they
transported her to the police station. She was forced to plead and
cry,
before they would permit her to put on clothing.

Williams’ attorney, Katya Komisaruk of the Just Cause Law Collective,
comments: “It’s extremely disturbing that the officers let their
physical
desires affect their ability to follow procedure. The public expects
police
officers to conduct themselves professionally during an arrest,
regardless
of whether a prisoner is male or female, plain or attractive.”

On learning of the case, community members are voicing their
dissatisfaction that police resources have been squandered on
prostitution,
when Oakland’s rates of murder, rape and robbery are twice the national
average (http://oaklandca.areaconnect.com/crime1.htm). “This is a
truly
indefensible priority in a city so in need of effective policing.
It’s
obviously about the officers having a good time on the company dime,”
remarked 62-year-old Oakland resident Jane Timberlake (510) 654-0322.

What: Outdoor rally in support of prostitution; court appearance of
Shannon
Williams.

When: 8/27/03 -- Rally begins at 8:30 a.m.; court appearance between
10:00
and 11:00 a.m.

Where: Dept. 102, Wiley Manuel Courthouse, 661 Washington St., Oakland,
CA