MI- ACLU threatens suit if Flint keeps officers quiet (On Saggy Pants Issue)

7-25-2008 Michigan:

FLINT, Mich. - The American Civil Liberties Union on Thursday threatened to sue the city if it doesn't halt a policy that prevents police officers from speaking with the media.

The ACLU's Michigan chapter sent a letter to interim Flint Police Chief David Dicks on behalf of two officers who were disciplined. They publicly criticized the appointments of Dicks as chief, his father, Richard, as super chief overseeing police and fire departments, and Deputy Police Chief David Forystek, the Detroit Free Press reported Thursday.

The organization is representing Sgt. Rick Hetherington, who was suspended for two days for talking to The Flint Journal, and Lt. David Winch, who was verbally warned after speaking to the newspaper, the Journal reported Thursday.

"Police officers do not lose their freedom of speech once they join the force," Michael J. Steinberg, ACLU of Michigan's legal director wrote. "Flint police officers have a right to speak out on matters of public concern and Flint residents have a right to know what's going on in their community."

A message was left by The Associated Press Thursday afternoon for Dicks.

The ACLU has demanded that the city rescind the ban, remove all discipline and provide the officers "adequate compensation." The organization said it would pursue the case in federal court if it was not resolved by Aug. 4.

The ACLU also recently sent a letter to the city expressing its concerns about the chief's crackdown on sagging pants. Under the order, anyone with exposed buttocks could be arrested on a misdemeanor charge of being a disorderly person, punishable by up to a $500 fine and three months in jail.

The organization says the city's pants ordinance is unconstitutional and has also threatened a lawsuit in that matter. ..News Source.. by Chicago Tribune