Cops Punished For Pregnant Woman Arrest

Kansas City Officers Denied Request To Go To Hospital, She Had Miscarriage Following Day

(AP)  Two police officers were suspended indefinitely with pay Thursday as an investigation continued into their arrest of a pregnant woman who had a miscarriage a day after she was thrown in jail.

The suspensions came two days after police released a videotape showing Sofia Salva telling officers during her arrest last year that she was three months pregnant, bleeding and needed to go to a hospital. The tape shows officers ignoring her pleas.

After the ninth request, the tape shows, a female officer asked: "How is that my problem?"

The officers' behavior is "inconsistent with the values and policies of this department and inconsistent with the training they received in the police academy," Chief James Corwin said at a news conference Thursday.

Salva, 32, has sued officers Melody Spencer and Kevin Schnell and the police department for wrongful death and personal injuries.

She was arrested Feb. 5 and held overnight on traffic violations and outstanding city warrants. After being released the next morning, she delivered a premature baby boy who died immediately after birth, according to the lawsuit filed Friday in Jackson County Circuit Court.

Salva's attorney, Andrew Protzman, could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Corwin said he felt the incident was serious enough to suspend the officers even though an internal investigation is not complete.

"I ask for patience from the community as we investigate this incident," Corwin said. "I regret that this incident has reflected negatively on the members of this department, the vast majority of whom do their job in an exemplary fashion every day."

Corwin read from a written statement and declined further comment, citing the lawsuit.

Spencer has been with the police department for four years and Schnell less than two years. No telephone numbers are listed for either. Police spokesman Capt. Rich Lockhart said both officers declined comment.

[antoniof123]

How is this my problem, you need a baseball bat to the head to figure that one out. They wonder why they get no respect from people. Now this should be able to help them get it. These officers need to be removed from the force before they kill someone else. The officers that try to do a good job have this to work around with. This should never have happened and yet it does. What a shame for the police but it happens more then they would like us to believe.

[bildooreilly]

Where's the anti abortionists calling for the cops heads? Oh I know it's ok with them if cops cause abortions... anything the police do is ok with those fools.

[djberson]

Quote:

"I regret that this incident has reflected negatively on the members of this department, the vast majority of whom do their job in an exemplary fashion every day."


With the prevailing attitude of MOST cops, this is probably the only thing about the incident they regret.

[ladyephesus1]

Why not just take the woman in handcuffs to the hospital to be evaluated instead of assuming shes trying to create excuses not to go to jail?
This is a crying shame. child may have lived, had they taken precautions. I hope that woman gets paid well for her sons life. Although, no money can replace his life, she deserves to be comfortable for the rest of her life while she grieves for her son.

[bildooreilly]

Fact is americans are treated like subhumans by the police who "protect and serve the masonic secret societies" that they're almost all a part of that runs our entire "justice" system... meanwhile if you're a part of their occult groups or rich enough to buy your way out, it's a totally different story...

Fact is a courthouse is nothing more than a masonic lodge, the judge is the worshipful master, with his masonic gavel, he extracts energy (money) from the masses. The money you pay in fines goes to the judges association to build more courthouses to extract more energy from the masses. Then after you've paid up and they're satisfied with the amount of energy they've stolen from you they'll say... "You've paid your debt to the secret society."

Now go look up worshipful master on yahoos image search and tell me how many are holding gavels... then go look up a picture of a nice big masonic lodge and a nice big state or federal courthouse. Same freakin thing... you fools better educate yourselves because they sure aren't going to do it in the bogus education they make sure you get.

[Rontimcoe]

If these cops have any children, the youngest child should be taken away and given to this woman.
Maybe then these power crazed little people would learn a lesson.
This is getting like Nazi Germany and Russia combined.

[bildooreilly]

Masonic poem...

The twelfth point is of great royalty,
There as the assembly held shall be,
There shall be masters and fellows also,
And other great lords many more;
There shall be the sheriff of that country,
And also the mayor of that city,
Knights and squires there shall be,
And also aldermen, as you shall see;
Such ordinance as thy make there,
They shall maintain it all together
Against that man, whatsoever he be,
That belongeth to the craft both fair and free.
If he any strife against them make,
Into their custody he shall be taken.

[bildooreilly]

Rontimcoe, who do you think ran nazi germany and communist russia? It was the freemasons, same people running charade.

[bildooreilly]

They always get suspended with pay and never get in any trouble. FACT

[billzor]

What an ignorant, offensive and deplorable example of policework. "How is that my problem?" Well, it's your problem, now, isn't it? The police are hired to, "protect and to serve." How was this woman threatening them? What were they protecting the people in their jurisdiction from? The woman made numerous pleas for help that could only be acquired at a hospital. It was a medical emergency. They ignored her completely-left her in jail overnight-still needing medical attention. She could have died. There is no justification for their actions, or for the actions of the police who kept her in jail. Everyone involved should be held accountable, and prosecuted.

[bildooreilly]

Cops don't have to be responsible for their actions, that's why they act the way they do... You fools better wake up and see that a cult runs this country.

[lkarelee]

How is 'suspended with pay' punishment - sounds like a vacation to me

[random_radar]

bildooreilly,

I agree with most of what you are saying about the quid pro quo activities of the Masons and other groups. Perhaps your and my mistake is having too much of a conscience. I have been invited to join groups of people that "helped" each other in shadowy ways, but I feel that is subversive. I have missed out on a lot of money and opportunity as a result. But somehow I feel better about avoiding getting caught up in that kind of stuff.

[oleander8]

The story headline says "Cops Punished For Pregnant Woman Arrest", but the story says "Paid Vacation".

[bildooreilly]

Random, I've also been offered "sponsorship" into the cults several times, and I want no part of them. If I were going to be a part of a cult, I would start my own lol.

[passerby2]

I hate to bring this up, but I think those cops are racist, when I saw the video they were acting very dimissive towards the woman from the get go. I can't believe the situation went down that way and on top of that the lasy police officer saying "How is that my problem?". it's just enraging.

[gangesdak]

What happens to those cops after departmental investigation will not be in the news. The investigation is just a show procedure.

[oleander8]

To passerby2

Then DON'T bring it up!

Manslaughter!

[bigdarkie]

The Jackbooted Thugs are at it again. No care whatsoever about human life or dignity. Let us hope these two pieces of human waste are severely & punatively punished.

[mamakkkk]

Gee, I'd kinda like to be put on indefinite paid leave, otherwise known as unlimited PAID VACATION; I don't know how agencies can state this as if it's actually a punishment. Put them on UNPAID leave during the investigation, then pay them retroactively if they are exonerated.

I will say that as a midwife, there was probably little anyone could do to stop the loss of this pregnancy at 12 to 16 weeks, but as a mother who has also miscarried a much-wanted baby, I can also feel the absolute agony this mother must have gone through when begging for help for her baby and being ignored and MOCKED ("It's called a menstrual period!" - how shocking and crude!.) Once a person is legally taken into custody, any medical bills incurred for emergency care fall to the arresting agency, but they could easily have taken her to the hospital and THEN served the warrant.

[lanaedawn]

Too bad the fetus isn't considered a person and no judge will let them be charged of 'wrongful death'. I do hope they are charged and convicted of something though. Some police officers are such jerks for no reason at all.

[mamakkkk]

Gee, I'd kinda like to be put on indefinite paid leave, otherwise known as unlimited PAID VACATION; I don't know how agencies can state this as if it's actually a punishment. Put them on UNPAID leave during the investigation, then pay them retroactively if they are exonerated.

I will say that as a midwife, there was probably little anyone could do to stop the loss of this pregnancy at 12 to 16 weeks, but as a mother who has also miscarried a much-wanted baby, I can also feel the absolute agony this mother must have gone through when begging for help for her baby and being ignored and MOCKED ("It's called a menstrual period!" - how shocking and crude!.) Once a person is legally taken into custody, any medical bills incurred for emergency care fall to the arresting agency, but they could easily have taken her to the hospital and THEN served the warrant.

[sharncedar]

How is it their problem - the arresting cops are not the woman's mommy, they aren't dictators or something. The proper place was when she was processed at the jail, that is where she should be able to request medical attention. Accusing the cops does two bad things:

1) Sets the precedent that cops get powers to arbitrarily make decisions such as taking people to the doctor, or acting as their own judges

2) It distracts attention from a system that is broken, which is the system that processes inmates, not the cops.

It is always easier to punish individuals than to fix the system.

[tuckerndfw]

Most police officers are decent human beings who conduct themselves professionally & responsibility.

Based on the limited available facts, it appears these clowns use "COPS" as their training manual.

What those clowns (the cops) on "COPS" do is usually grounds for prosecution. Same goes for the thugs ("cops") on "DATELINE"'s various programs including those "catch a predator" episodes.

Cops have a hard job and we should be grateful someone is willing to do it. The thugs wearing uniforms and pretending to be police officers are thugs wearing uniforms. And should not be confused with real police officers.

(Disclaimer: I used to be a cop long ago and far away)

[caddillackid]

Wow, suspended with pay. Sweet! Remind me to abuse a pregnant lady on my watch at the force.

[gunnerv1]

She's going to get BIG BUCKS for these jerks, but that's OK because the Taxpayer is footing the bill.

[bildooreilly]

Cops are never held responsible for their actions because they're all members of the masonic order that they protect and serve. Same thing with the scummy politicians and CEO dirtballs.... these people are running the biggest scam ever... you fools better go educate yourselves about the freemasons. The judges themselves are none other than a worshipful master in a masonic lodge (courthouse.)

[interested4]

Having once spent a night in the lockup in downtown KC, I can tell you that the cops there were the most insensitive b!tch#s I have ever had to deal with (no, I'm not in jail often, this was like hers, and unpaid traffic violation). While there they had a person mopping the floor, and while I know it has to be done, there was so much bleach in the mix that everyone there was getting sick from the fumes, which any poison control will tell you can be very harmful. When I tried to get them to stop, or at least dilute the mixture, they ignored me. Another girl there was very distraught over something, and they mocked her. It was reprehensible.

I agree that they are no one's "mommy", but they couldn't care less about the well-being of the people in their charge. First hand knowledge of the actions of the Kansas City Police Department, Womens Lockup, Downtown @ 10th & McGee, several years ago.

[interested4]

Oh, and bildooreilly, get off the Masons already. My father is a Mason, as was his father before him. They weren't, and aren't, rich, influential, in law enforcement or anything else.

And they would NEVER tell an outsider ANYTHING about themselves, so unless you are a Mason, how would you actually know? And if you are, I hope your lodge finds out what kind of traitor you are and sees you to the door...A Masons daughter, who knows no more than that her Father is one.

[bildooreilly]

vbnvbn, they treat white people like subhumans most of the time as well unless you're a part of their masonic gang.

[dragonmouse-2009]

At only 3 months I don't think there would have been much to stop the miscarriage regardless of whether or not she was "jailed".

I wouldn't doubt they've heard every excuse in the book for a person to get out of jail and go to the hospital. The woman's arrest was justified. Unfortunately the "jailer" made a "mistake" in judgement by not at least requesting a pregnancy test. But I guess they had some reason to "doubt" her so I can't make any reasons on either side.

Maybe a pregnancy test wouldn't be a bad deal for any woman arrested or at least a question posed to each woman then a test administered if the answer is positive.

I think cops are human and they make a few mistakes in judgement like we all do but I think the majority of them are heros. Normally if you're not breaking the law or doing anything suspicious or "hanging" somewhere you don't need to be...you normally don't have a problem.

[bildooreilly]

All the politicians in both parties are masons, as are almost all police officers and firefighters, as well as your local judge the worshipful master...

Your secrets aren't so secret anymore, I know all your gang signs (degrees) I can tell these democrat politicians are freemasons just like the republicans. You're not fooling everyone...

[jasperlily]

sharncedar -

Do you actually believe that medical emergencies only occur when convenient, such as while being processed at a jail as opposed to sudden onset without an appointment? I'll bet you believe that accidents only happen at a "convenient" time, too. Your utter ignorance only expounds upon the belief that it's too bad some people reproduce and vote.

tuckerndfw -

You are absolutely correct ! We are always so grateful to see an officer when we need one, and most are decent. Unfortunate that there truly are a few thugs in uniforms, filled with their own ego and power trip. Sounds like you were one of the fair ones, and I do thank you for that.

[interested4]

bildooreilly, you are full of it. No "secret Masonic cabal" came to my rescue when I was in the clink, my Masonic Father had to put up bail for me just like everyone else. And I still had to go before a judge and pay my delinquent fine, just like everyone else.

[ghggg]

This is just another in a long history of incidents in which people of color are disrespected and treated unprofessionally by police, who are never punished for their mis-deeds. If that was a white woman being pulled over and she was bleeding, they would have called an ambulance on the spot. It has reached a boiling point in the black communities and I wouldn't be surprised if before long, the guns that my young, misguided and disenfranchised black brothers use on themselves start pointing at those in blue as a matter of self defense.

[love2live1]

Wow I too am amazed the officers are on PAID leave. The lawsuit should be against these two officers. They should be fired! The camera clearly shows this woman asked to be taken to the hospital. The police didn't do their job and need to be terminated and lose their pensions. Enough is enough. I listened to their comments and they clearly didn't listen.Wow I too am amazed the officers are on PAID leave. The lawsuit should be against these two officers. They should be fired! The camera clearly shows this woman asked to be taken to the hospital. The police didn't do their job and need to be terminated and lose their pensions. Enough is enough. I listened to their comments and they clearly didn't listen.

[thgdriver]

SharnCedar you are wrong. If the woman stopped the cops on the road and requested help, would they still have asked "hows that my problem"?

A warrant for arrest lessens the need for prompt emergency care according to you.

Because the cop did not see a problem makes no difference, the cop can't take that chance, they should have taken her to a hospital to see she was treated. If no problem was found at the hospital she could be charged with false information to an officer or a form of resisting arrest.

The cops should have to pay not the tax payers Put on payed suspension, is cops looking after cops!!

[meswin]

I think Bildooreilly sounds like one of those psycho nutjobs who thinks that putting aluminum foil over his head will keep the government from listening to his thoughts. My grandfather, father, and brother are also Masons, and they are a bunch of the most honest, hardworking men I've ever met. They are not in politics, they are not in law-enforcement, and they are not dishonest jerks who do things for monetary gain. I also work in a law-enforcement agency and while I think it's inhumane to refuse another medical treatment, even if you think they are "jsut trying to get out of jail", it has been my experience that most officers are heroes, and most criminals are, in fact, "just trying to get out of jail". Don't blame all the good officers out there by what a couple of foolish, insensitive pricks do.

[ghggg]

dragonmouse, you remind me of one of those brain-washed idiots who think that all cops are the salt of the earth and should NEVER be questioned. Why is it that whites are never held in jail cells while bleeding profusely? Why is it that whites are never shot 50 times under ANY circumstances? I've seen with my own eyes how cops TALK to rowdy white teens while the teens are throwing bottles in their direction! If those same teens where black or hispanic, the riot squad would be called. We are FED UP and the only way to resolve these issues of policy brutality and dis-respect is for us to FIGHT BACK! We don't NEED your understanding to defend ourselves.

[ihatebush1]

I call it like I see it...

If a W-H-I-T-E woman told the cops that she was pregnant and needed to go to the hospital because she was bleeding....

The cops would have taken her to the H-O-S-P-I-T-A-L first instead of jail for 8 hours.

The baby was born alive but then died a minute later!!!!!!!

Where's all you right-wing right-to-lifers ???????

I'm so mad I could just spit.

[ihatebush1]

Even if this lady is evil and just robbed a bank...

The un-born BABY is a person and is INNOCENT !!!


I'm so mad I could just spit.

[bildooreilly]

Oh yeah, if you're such "honorable men" then why do you connive against society in secret? Why do you have to keep it such a big secret ay???? What's the old saying.. if you have nothing to hide, then what are you hiding?

Oh yeah but ole bildos just a loon for talking about it... ain't that just fair and square... I've travelled all around this world bozo, and you jerks aren't fooling me.

---------------------------------------
I think Bildooreilly sounds like one of those psycho nutjobs who thinks that putting aluminum foil over his head will keep the government from listening to his thoughts. My grandfather, father, and brother are also Masons, and they are a bunch of the most honest, hardworking men I've ever met. They are not in politics, they are not in law-enforcement, and they are not dishonest jerks who do things for monetary gain. I also work in a law-enforcement agency and while I think it's inhumane to refuse another medical treatment, even if you think they are "jsut trying to get out of jail", it has been my experience that most officers are heroes, and most criminals are, in fact, "just trying to get out of jail". Don't blame all the good officers out there by what a couple of foolish, insensitive pricks do.
Posted by meswin at 01:12 PM : Feb 02, 2007
+ report this comment

[luvny-2009]

These cops should be fired period! ..and for the person that said all cops are Dems is grossly misinformed. Of the 4 Cops that I know of all are Reps and 1 of them is sitting his a$$ in jail as we speak.

[jdeltoro1]

wow, I just saw that video. it was disgusting to see those police totally disregard that woman. I hope this is justly resolved, yet nothing will bring back that lady's child.

[bildooreilly]

actually luvNY this is mild compared to what a lot of these scumballs get away with daily, most of them are nothing more than criminals themselves with a badge and a gun..

[thgdriver]

Fact is, this sort of thing happens plenty of times and there is no video to back it up.

The police officers have to pay up, first with their badges, then out of wallet.

[blondmadison]

I too am for the police being fired but I think it should go further than that.

I think their names and faces and addressses should be posted everywhere and they should be denied not just medical treatment permanently but go further--auto repair, dental work, any work to be done in their homes-- everywhere. It is not an impossible feat to accomplish. Single them out as a huge public example to police everywhere.

I don't understand why the inhumane treatment and behavior. How could one woman to another refuse to acknowledge a medical emergency regarding a pregnancy? Where does that cop get off? GET RID OF HER AND MAKE HER A HOUSEHOLD NAME CALLED: AND WHY IS THAT MY PROBLEM w/her sidekick SICK -SSHOLE.

[meswin]

My family does not, as you accuse, "connive against society in secret". Yes you are a loon and I think your tirade against the Masons is ridiculous, and sounds like a broken record. You obviously have nothing better to do with your time then spend all day online making up ignorant comments. These officers should be in jail for the murder of that woman's unborn child, yes, but do I think this is the work of some "secret society" that plots and plans against society? I think that's absurd. It's the work of a couple of power-hungry idiots who think putting on a uniform makes them Gods. Thank heavens they are in the minority.

[ihatebush1]

I want to know what's going to be listed as the cause of death...?????

In case you weren't paying attention. This baby was born ALIVE !!!!!!

Therefore NOT a FETUS....!!!!!

But a PERSON who was KILLED either criminally on purpose, or recless neglect !!!!!

Someone will pay for this death.

If she was a WHITE WOMAN, they would have called the ambulance. Also after getting to the hospital, labor would have been induced so that the baby could survive outside of the mother.

But since she wasn't WHITE, she had to wait 8 hours to get help for her baby!!!

No I don't spit when I yell.