Even if Mary wasn’t arrested for assault in 1995, she wasn’t qualified to be made Chief. The criteria used in the appointment of individuals to these leadership positions is a long term problem that is only becoming worse.
In my opinion (as a 23-year LEO), most of the people (not all) who covet these positions are doing so for the wrong reasons. Above the rank of lieutenant, it's pure politics. Period. Lower the rank, the less politics is important. Higher the rank, the more it is. And as we know from so many of our elected officials, it tends to attract people who only care about themselves and their own status. There are exceptions, but they are incredibly rare.
My guess is the husband, the driver of the golf cart, had been drinking and that’s what Mary was afraid the officer would discover, hence the display of her badge as soon as they were stopped. If it was merely not wanting a citation for unregistered vehicle, she could’ve waited to see if it sounded like the officer was going to and then she could’ve asked for a warning, which he might very well have obliged since it was a golf cart, no traffic and them being so close to home, with the promise it wouldn’t happen again.
@gabe 25: " the driver of the golf cart, had been drinking and that’s what Mary was afraid the officer would discover, hence the display of her badge" Afraid?? She was so giddy with excitement she could hardly sit still. She was going to make that officer squirm and she was loving it. I'll bet Mary and hubby played "Police Chief Belittles Lowly Underling" that night, and maybe a few others. eww.
Locally it was reported that the police chief is required to live within Tampa city limits. Mary violated this job requirement. You seemed to establish her history of lack of respect for the law. So, it would seem that her demise included her abuse of a public office and the fact that he intentionally lived outside of city limits.
Just a reminder I'm not diagnosing any moving violations in this video; only speculating about what could be happening when tickets are avoided like this.
01:20 “She was reinstated, her arrest record was expunged.” Well, that must be nice! And they wonder why we don’t immediately trust police departments. SMDH
It never ceases to amaze me what people do when placed in what most consider routine situations. As a former police supervisor I was really taken back that she had a history of assault against a police officer etc. etc. The amazing part, the absolutely amazing part is a reinstatement as a police officer and eventual achievement of police chief - unbelievable!
I'm actually just surprised this was even uncovered. After assaulting a cop she should've been immediately removed as LE & never even given the opportunity to be chief of police. If I was a Tampa cop I'd be pissed
Good morning, Dr. Grande! I believe that you are correct in assuming that Mary delighted to use her presumed authority to cow the deputy into letting her go. She was probably slightly drunk when doing so. And you are also correct in assuming that instances of corruption and poor judgement are frequent in many law enforcement agencies. Many records tend to get expunged (not as completely or as frequently as one might presume, given the fact that you were able to get a hold of Mary's 1995 incident report) to make claims of a clean record possible in the future. Mary probably resigned this time because she knew that her old incident could and would be dredged up by the news media, which would make this resignation seem less than noble. And I'm sure that the mayor of Tampa knew about the previous incident. Thanks again for yet another witty analysis!
I know it's a "touchy" subject but have you thought about doing a video on the whole balenciaga thing? I happened to run across a girl that goes buy "purseonfleek" who made a really informative video about it. I would really love to hear your analysis on the situation...
I agree with you. Even though some would think this subject is ‘too dark’, it must be discussed because soon, it will become the reason for enormous, sweeping changes in everything from world to local government, education, business, and even religion. People can choose to either be drip informed or Dr. Grande can ease the pain with his gentle demeanor. Either way, it will be shocking.
He avoids topics that show the more important things happening in society because he's afraid of being cancelled, so he'd rather zoom in on stuff like this to push a leftist narrative
I'm glad police wear body cams now as yes helps cut down on bad situations from both cops & criminals claiming brutality or discrimination. Thanks Dr G😊💚💚
Yeah, I always have to sift through two or three news sources to see who the idiot/thug was in each situation. One minute I'm cheering on as some obnoxious "First Amendment auditor" is being cuffed and frog-walked out of a library, and the next I'm seeing another Einhatzgruppen has nicked or shot a black Law student.
@Jeff C Yeah there are incidences like that on cams, as are the as&hole criminals who try to murder cops then families whine brutality. Goes both ways. Brutal enough for YA too? Ever been on ride alongs dude? You'd understand what they go thru if so. Every profession has bad people, not all have body cams to prove things.
@Anne Brueks That is actually incorrect. There are circumstances where the education can be blocked due the surroundings such as war armors... threads, queens and kings farry tales and many more. If you can not comment without thinking with the whole brain, better go and play somewhere else instead to comment on a psychology video. You are not having police education -why you hurry up with conclusions ?
To be fair, mary oconnor apparently self reported the incident and at the end of the day put herself in the jam. She could have said nothing and likely gotten away with it. So really she wasnt nearly as dirty as she is going to be played up
Good morning Dr Grande. Yet another example of past behaviours, predicts future behavior. If I had been Mary her husband was driving the cart it might have been better for her career if she let him do the talking. Thank you Dr Grande . Excellent analysis and informative topic.
Dr. Grande, is there any chance you could take a look at the Central Park Five/Exonerated Five case--or perhaps take a look at the DA in that case and whatever pathology has led her to not only fail to apologize for railroading the children but double down and continue to slander them despite their complete exoneration? I'd love to hear your insights on that case and the kind of collective hysteria that fueled the hasty wrongful convictions. Thanks!
I don't see any big deal here. Based on what very little I know, it seems someone caught wind and used it as political leverage to make her look bad. Stuff like this happens all the time in toxic work environments.
I went to school with two people that became LEOs. One said "we're criminals on the right side of the law" and the other says he goes to court to "test-a-lie". This lady went on "administrative leave" first (AKA "Paid Vacation"). Now she resigned (likely retired with full benefits).
well this was a big nothing burger. I think this was a bit overblown if you ask me. She didnt demand him to let them go, she asked. If anyone was in the wrong it was the deputy that should of still given them a ticket.
Yeah, when she asks if the body-cam is on, she's clearly trying to stay on-the-record; lacks mens raea/guilty conscience. Maybe by IDing as a LEO of ANY rank she was preempting any issue with her firearm. It doesn't seem like she was trying to hide anything. Now, if she was in the bathroom of a gay club hagging it up and snorting the Bolivian Booger Sugar with club bois...we'd have a problem...but looking for a goddamn TGI Fridays with your hubby on a golf cart isn't exactly scandal-and-intrigue, BWAHAHAHAHA!
I'm not sure how much trouble she thought she was bribing her way out of. It's not like she's holding the smoking gun; she and hubby are going all "Bonnie and Clyde" in a golf cart, looking for an Applebee's. She bought more scandal trying to grease the wheels than to face the music of the atrocities and near-war-crimes of golf-carting. In fairness, there are a ton of 55+ "planned communities" in FLA where you'd be shocked or amused at where golf-carts can be driven from home. Walmarts, strip malls, rec centers...You can, however, be cited for using a 9-Iron in a 6-Wood-zone.
@@somethingelse4424 Florida is already like that for sure. Most communities have golf-cart access to strip malls, a Publix and a Walmart. It's also the "Retirement Borough" of New York City; transplanted Roman Catholics and Ashkenazi Jews playing golf, tennis and Canasta (cards) until the golf-cart-accessible Early Bird Buffet opens. Those buffets are like a blast from the 70s with all the Archie Bunkers and Morty Finklesteins bitching about "Those Rascals in Washington" and long hair on boys! I hear Jeopardy! was a real barn-burner last night!
Have you ever watched Skip Smith on the RU-vid channel TVN, The Villages News? Every segment he does you'd be surprised of all the DUIs those seniors get on their golf carts. And not to mention all the ex-offenders in that 55+ community. Some of them are pathetic.
In a way , she did the deputy a favor by getting out her badge right away, before he could ask the famous " how much have you had to drink tonight sir " question. He really would have been in a tight spot then.
Golf carts, motorcycles, and even those motorized carts in the grocery store always frighten me. I’ll go out of my way to avoid them. Guess you can tell I live on the edge, huh? Love the soft lighting Doc!
Down there in FL, it's a living hell of golf carts in 55+ planned communities. They have golf-cart-tailored speed limits and you drive-sorry, "travel"-a cart from the links or tennis court to Walmart, Publix and strip-malls as far as the eye can gander. A LIVING HELL, I say!
This is kinda starting to get pathetic, how many people are obsessed with "bringing everyone to justice" people seriously don't have anything better to do than auditing people and getting off watching people do despicable things. I chalk this up to "eh that's kinda lame she did that" but people are pursuing this to a pathetic level where they're blowing the shit out of it with all their might, "making sure they pay" bullshit. Dr Grande should do a analysis on people obsessed with Schadenfreude. "AW what a despicable human being, TRYNA show her badge wah wah wah wah"
This is ridiculous , Everybody’s employment should get them preferential treatment amongst their teammates,depending on the severity of the situation. Mary was a passenger in an unregistered golf cart and wanted the officer to be aware that she was the chief of police in Tampa. Life isn’t meant to be black and white, it is actually full of shades of gray as well. Cheers 🍻
It is important for police to identify themselves because they are almost always armed. If the police find that you are armed without knowing you are legally allowed to do so it can become dangerous.
I've often thought about this situation. It's one of those things that is more complicated than it appears. This happens all the time. It happened to me the other day. When you know police officers (sometimes I'm with or I drive and officer's car). Once they realize who you are or who you know they usually end the conversation, apologize and be on their way (unless it's something serious). And for the person driving, It is almost IMPOSSIBLE to NOT let them know who you are/who you know in the police dept. Usually as you are getting your I.D. out you say something like: "I work for _____ Police dept.", "I work out of E District" etc. then you leave it at that. You NEVER asked to be let off but if they can let you go with a warning, you hope that they will. It's VERY hard to sit there and not say something. Honestly it's actually more awkward if you don't say anything and they find out later when they run your license or they ask you where you work or where you're going and you say: "I'm a detective blah blah...." Then things get really awkward for the officer - sometimes they look like a deer in headlights. Although it seems cut and dry, in the real world the dynamics are more complicated and awkward for both parties.
Thanks for some lighter stories like this and the recent Harry and Meghan!!! It’s crossed my mind that so many topics lately have been so dark. Dr G , I still appreciate the humor, insight and what I learn from more everyday, lighter topics. I am not sure how others feel. As for the darker stories about really horrible crimes, I think, or hope, most people in the world are trying to live with some morality. …That there is more in the world that is good . We can learn from the ex chief Mary taking advantage of her position or Harry and Meghan’s missteps. On the other hand, stories about horrible dark crimes, …I get people are curious and want to wonder why, but it can be sad and upsetting. With this recent level of horror from so many dark stories, I wonder about maintaining a healthy, balanced worldview. Everyone is different and deals with things differently. For me , I really love your humor, insights, intelligence , but I can only take so much of the really horrible crimes. I skim the topics and look for these. And I hope and wonder Dr. G how do you therapists deal with the disturbing stuff that you study and deal with and how do you protect your psyche?
Excellent and spot on as always yes we are very glad to see pur former POS COP be on her merry way. Little doubt she’ll be making the rounds in the Oldsmar bars. I really disliked the smirk she had as you mentioned and also when her husband said “we hardly ever come this way… And she immediately said we never we never do”
She is invoking her position - that she "understands the child inside the man": "Woman, I know you understand The little child inside the man Please remember my life is in your hands" [Song by John Lennon].
Way overblown. All of us would ask to be let off. The mayor and general public should have let something so minor go. Im sorry. Your service as first responder has been appreciated. So minor. Ridiculous.
I mean, lets be honest, far worst goes on. This is pretty light stuff. Ive had cops let me go after I am polite etc for traffic infractions etc So its hard for me to just hate on them. Sure she was trying to pull rank in a way...but look, she did know she was on camera. This happens...My Uncle many years ago got pulled over for I believe speeding etc. When the cop found out he volunteered for 30 some years at the fire department he pretty much told him to have a good day. Again, far worse happens to worry about that.
Stopping a golf cart for investigation is absurd and ridiculous. I dislike moral busybodies like these quite a lot and in a strange twist of fate the woman who abused her power and authority was taken out by another who enjoyed abusing his power and authority, karmic justice prevailed in the end.
Also one reason she would state her authority that you forgot. And I would say the most important. They were both drunk. And driving. They both knew they were breaking the law and committing a felony. That’s why she relied on the thin blue line gang
I don’t really find this one to be a big deal. I live in Jersey and have a card from a relative who’s a cop that I use whenever I get pulled over. Have gotten one ticket since I got that card it was cause officer downgraded it from going 48 in a 25 to a seatbelt ticket
Omg 😳 ….people need to get REAL ! It’s the “ perks “ of being “ on the job “ . You know way back when police officers 👮♀️ were respected and greatly and universally respected. A courtesy coffee , a fellow officer extending a “ courtesy “ etc etc . This poor chief ! And what a silly innocuous situation . All of these courtesies are derived from police officers , risking their lives every day . I grew up in times when a young man said he was “ on the job “….it was awe inspiring . One of my friends is a major case homicide NYC detective 🕵️. EVERY single time he was pulled over for speeding , once officer had my friends ID …a warning ⚠️ not a ticket 🎫, was issued . I saw this time and time again. Its a courtesy! Not a criminal conspiracy . Not homicide . Not even a terrible ethics violation . It’s normal actually….
Video has become the only objective reality left to citizens. While all cops and politicians say there is no preferential treatment given to them, it is always their very first response to being stopped. There is a reason why even the lowest rank cop goes straight to flashing their badge to other cops.What it really highlights is the damage even small offenses can do to your life that cops and politicians try desperately to avoid facing these consequences themselves. They know US laws are draconian, they after all either create the laws or get paid to enforce them. They are well aware that the justice system is broken and getting entangled in it is the worst outcome possible. When the people that make or enforce the law want absolutely nothing to do with it themselves- that is a powerful indictment of the entire system.
unfortunately we often see gov. workers or officials that think they are above the law and showing a badge or telling their name would make them kinda untouchable. same goes for cops sometimes. im happy and proud that these officers dont let them slip and force the law on everyone equally (hopefully in most of the cases). my personal experience: when i worked at a gas station, i sometimes had to tell customers, they had to secure their load in a lawful way and that they could get a fine if getting into a traffic stop with unsecured loads. every time a customer told me : "yeah i know, im a cop myself" i felt the strong urge to save the camera recordings of said vehicle and customer and report them to the actual police department (i never did). but if the police doesnt even care about traffic laws, why should the average joe do it? imo these are entitled people that dont belong into the force or any other position that gives them any amount of power over others, when they feel the law wouldnt count for them as it does for everyone else.
The level of support claimed by a sheriff defending an accused officer in this debacle was”110%.” Your astute response was deadpan classic! “That’s a lot of support, 10% more than mathematically possible.” Thanks for your wry humor Dr. Grande.
@@mrwassef it’s possible it’s departmental policy to report any “professional courtesies” extended by Law Enforcement. However, since it was actually her husband that was pulled over, she could have easily articulated an excuse if confronted about not reporting it.
Dr. Grande, you had me laughing so many times throughout this entire video! So well done and hilarious! ♡ Loved the "That's a lot of support. Ten percent more than mathematically possible." 😂 (also loved the little sarcastic look that went along with it!)
Toleration of these misbehaving public officials must end. Whomever, however these unethical and corrupt people get into and retain official status absolutely has to be reviewed and then rewired for better outcomes.
She was charged with DUI and assault. She should have never been allowed to be chief. Had this been a citizen in Florida without a tag or insurance on a vehicle, the vehicle would have been towed. Her badge prevented the officer from doing so.
Very controversial when mayor (the former Tampa police chief, a Democrat) appointed her against City Council. Appearances of political correctness. IMO.
I would love you to cast a glance at the tragic case of Sir Allan Green, the Director of Public Prosecutions, who was caught kerb crawling in one of London’s street walking areas. He resigned. His wife subsequently committed suicide, having initially stated she would stand by him. I would appreciate to hear your opinion on what personality traits might have come into play in that situation.
@03:41 - "On November 30, Mary called the mayor of Tampa..." So she ratted out herself? From what I could see in the video, Mary wasn't the driver. Journalists tried to get the video, but one of the police departments didn't have it...Because the police departments don't talk to each other, or what's going on there? By the way, people drive golf carts on public roads all the time in Florida. It's legal to register them. She had to have known that, because it was a big deal when the law was passed only a few years ago.
I've lived in 11 major metros throughout the US and a 4 major metros in other countries over the past 21 years, 2 of these metros were in Florida and one was Tampa. The Florida police - city, town, state, or any force under the category of "Florida Police" - are by far the most incompetent, shambolic, and unprofessional bunch of law enforcement officers I've ever dealt with. I don't know what it is about the state of Florida, but I would never, ever in my life trust the Florida police to do anything for me. It's like they take all of the monkeys who washed out of the police force elsewhere in the country and gave them jobs in Florida.
A reminder that there are still some trustworthy, competent police officers and Chief’s in the country. Our forces have been ravaged by destructive city council policies which include tolerating violent riots and being assaulted., as well as vaccine mandates. I have experienced my share of unpleasant police interactions when I needed to call them, but I have also had good experiences. “Never talk to the police” under scrutiny… We desperately need police reform along with mayors and city council that desire a safe and sane city. There are still some good police, they need action to make their jobs doable ASAP.
Three things stand out to me from the body cam footage that Dr. Grande decided not to mention. First, Mary did not 'pressure' the officer who pulled over the golf cart. When asked for ID, she complied and politely divulged her status on the police force- there was no threat, or potential hint of repercussion if a citation was issued. Second, Mary politely asked the officer to consider letting her go- something that anyone can do when pulled over for a minor infraction and last, Mary herself went to the authorities and came clean about her actions. Don't get me wrong, this is a clear case of White Privilege in play here, but I got no sense that the officer was being coerced or threatened. I got a "Good Ol' Boy, help a fellow officer out with a favor- vibe," not a "I am going to use my position of power to threaten you into giving me special treatment. The woman screwed up, realized it and resigned. It seems that in the end that she did the right thing but not in the way a highly sensitive individual could want.
Hot take: If you rise to level of Chief of Police and can't use your juice to get out of a traffic ticket without losing your job, then I don't wanna live in America anymore. It's not like she was trying get out of a murder wrap.
This kind of stuff happens all the time. Not sure why you're covering this exactly, but I imagine this happens at least a thousand times per day. No sources that I can reference however
Dr Grande can you analyze the case of Richard and Susan Hamlin. Both attorneys. He was accused and sentence for torturing his wife and children. Thank you
I know a police officer that’s been pulled over drunk many times and given a ride home every time without any consequence. Since there’s no write-up, there’s no warnings are records of it either. Enforcing the law against someone you work with, have done raids with, train with, etc. is very difficult for most people, is there a country that has figured out a solution?
I’m not for the cops these days but I don’t think she did anything wrong. When a police officers pulled over regardless of whether he’s a passenger or not, he’s supposed to identify himself.
@@JohnSSSSS No problem, I was glad to help. I made a similar mistake in regards to Christine Chubbock, the newscaster who killed herself during a live broadcast. His video on her (and I've always had a soft spot for her) is well worth watching.
She asked if the body cam was running, which does seem to imply that she was identifying herself as a cop on the record. THAT'S not grift...doing so OFF the record would be grift...because just how MUCH of a scandal was she AVOIDING, versus CREATING, by whipping out the badge like an ace in the sleeve? It's not like she was hagging in the bathroom of a gay club doing coke with club bois... ...just how much trouble was she going to be in looking for a damned Applepbee's on a golf cart with her spouse? Ooh, you crazy kids!...the undue influence was more of a no-no than a white married couple on a golf cart looking for a sit-down-dinner joint! You'd be surprised how many 55+ planned communities in Fla have golf-cart-access to Walmarts, groceries TGI Fridays, etc....
That's hilarious that they come down on her like that golf art thing so hard when they do much worse oft times and suffer nor a raised eyebrow. It was only becuz it was so a alibis in a public forum that it blew up. I'd wonder if the cop who issued the pass to her that nite has suffered any advancement problems since.
I really don't know what that chief thought she was bribing/influencing her way out of. It's not like the deputy caught her hagging with some coke-snorting flamboyant club boys in a bathroom. How much of a scandal IS tooling around with your spouse on a golf-cart looking for a damned Applebee's?!? The undue influence was more of a naughty-naughty than the atrocities of golf-carting.
@@GreyRock100 Most cops aren't down for a ton of paperwork. Long before the STATE of COLORADO officially legalized recreational M/J, the CITY of DENVER PD were turning a blind eye/nose to weed. They said part of the problem was that the drug courts had prioritized meth and opioids so you had to be behind the wheel stoned to the bone to get arrested. Myself and band-members were in an ally behind the venue we were playing typical stoner rocker punks and a cop said, "Finish that in 5 minutes before I get back" (spoiler alert: he was NOT coming back.).
@@GreyRock100 Oh, tell me. I support its legalization in my state, while naturally not giving two shits that it currently isn't. I'm focused on abortion legislation right now because while as a dude, "Alien" has convinced me never to get pregnant, I'm pretty sure women can't call "the abort dude" as easily as I can "dial a dime" from a dude I've known since highschool.
Hi Dr G. Have you ever heard about the case of Anita Cobby from Australia? This is a particularly infamous case, the perpetrators were all kinds of messed up 😳 You might find this case interesting
Dr. G and I have this same deal in common: We both hate it when people exaggerate their support for an issue by stating their support for something that's well over the 100% that is possible!
I know it didn't happen but I kept picturing a high speed chase of a golf cart and several police cars through the city to the sound of action movie music.😁😄😆😂🤣
Some of us would like to live in a world where a person can enjoy an evening joyride in a golf cart with their spouse, close enough to their own neighborhood, with a cup of uncle Joe's cool-aide in hand, and 'not' get arrested or lose a job because of it. Justice for Mary!
big mistake that cost her job, especially when as the passenger, she wouldn't have been cited. I saw the sheriff's press release and believe that this stop likely would not have resulted in more than a warning.
Still… my gut tells me political rivals, not a respect for justice, were behind this. Anyone who knows a police officer knows they routinely let themselves off of minor traffic stops. There are major crimes with huge political/legal implications where dash cam footage is not released… but this is??? Someone in the department did not like Mary 😝
No question any citation the police chief would have received would be dismissed. Just goes to show that trying to make any move with the officer on the side of the road will bite you in the butt. The Smartest thing to do is be polite, compliant and if you felt like you were wrongfully detained or cited then take it to the judge. Judges are often softies and dismiss a surprising amount of infractions.
"Established Entitlement": Now you can legally register as "Lord & Lady Superior of County Karen" and send those pesky old public servants away to look for darker-complexioned persons!
