While there was a Gang Conference in Baltimore last week, several local Police Agencies sent part of their troops to Baltimore to become educated. The most important one was the Salisbury Police Department, as we ALL know how bad the Gang scene is in Salisbury.
Nevertheless, Officer Troy Underwood and another Salisbury Police Officer left the Station in a MARKED Salisbury Police vehicle and proceeded West on Business Rt. 50. When they pulled into the Super Soda about 1/2 mile from the Station, perhaps they forgot to gas up? NOPE! Maybe they wanted a fountain soda for the long trip ahead? NOPE! You might want to wonder why this MARKED vehicle pulled behind the Super Soda?
That's because they went inside and purchased a Cooler, Ice and BEER to load into that cooler and get iced down for the trip. That's right, they piled the cooler full of beer, iced it down and even though they were BEHIND the building, the entire thing was caught on surveillance tape and the Officers were suspended from the Force for doing so.
Gee, I wonder why you haven't seen this on their Press Releases or in the Daily Times? Because this is exactly the kind of sh!t Webster and Tilghman are experts at hiding. Should you know? Absolutely!
In my personal opinion, IF these Officers were just young and stupid, that's cool, they made a mistake. However, the fact that they pulled BEHIND the Super Soda tells me they knew what they were doing was wrong and getting suspended was exactly what should have happened. Now I wonder just how low their force is in numbers now?
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
70 comments:
who's the other officer?
Harry Truman once noted that people who dealt with government funds had very little respect for that money.
And our local governments seem to have less respect than most others.
You said,
"IF these Officers were just young and stupid, that's cool, they made a mistake."
Given the recent notoriety of misuse and theft of government money and supplies, treating a conference as party time is stupid among other things.
Maybe I'm just jealous. At my former workplaces I didn't get chances to party; I got stuck with working.
bpinto
Thanks for letting us know about this, Joe--no more is it "Business As Usual" in Barrie's world. She must RESIGN. All this crap is happening on her watch. She is incapable of managing anything (except possibly her husband). Kick her out of office and let her manage Matt 24/7.
You know Troy has a wife and kids...he's definetly not young and stupid or at least you wouldn't think so anyway...glad to know that our tax dollars paying their paychecks is being put to good use...
But one thing is for sure you can't change STUPID!!! If they get away with it once there gonna do it again....if he didn't know it was wrong at the time why did he pull around the back of the building????? Just a prime example of abuse of their positions!! For as hard as it was for him to get on the force, hope this act of ignorance was worth the suspension and the possibility of losing his job....the same for his partner in crime...
The real story is that this episode reveals the low IQ of some the troops at the SPD. Do you really think they could qualify for the MD State Police?
Is this Underwood guy related to the ex-Wi-Hi teacher Dave Underwood (infamous for his own transgressions)?
The both had the minimum requirements for the SPD. A GED and a bad haircut.
I'm sure they did not use city funds, but thats not the point. The SPD general orders clearly state, that no alcoholic beverages will be consumed, transported, or purchased while on spd time, while in a spd vehicle or on spd property. and yes anon 9:44 a majority of the spd force could not get hired by msp especially Troy Underwood. Everyone knows he has an integrity problem, with fellow officers and in the courts. The only additional problem I see with this incident is that it is not serious enough for them to get fired!
Where do I remember the name "Troy Underwood" from?
Joe
Have your facts straight before you post them. Neither officer was suspended.
Was the broblem the "marked car" Joe? They were simply taking with them drinks for the "off hours" at a conferance, no differant than most everyone else in law enforcement. Ask your bud Lewis if he are some of his best people drink while out of town.
9:44 I KNOW severial State Troopers that went, and did the exact same thing !
Troy is a stand up guy so don't bash him on here. OK, he should not have bought beer in a police car but what CRIME did he commit? Yes, he should get reprimanded for making a bad decision but lose his job? Come on now.
You can't tell me that other business goes on while city or county employees use take home vehicles.
I will tell you this, I was with a sheriff's deputy once that was off duty, went into Giant to buy groceries and put them in his trunk. This is no different!
The beer was just like groceries. Don't even speculate that just because they bought the beer, that they were drinking it on the way. You have no proof of this I am sure.
I say, reprimand them, put them off a week or so w/o pay but let them keep their job.
Troy is a damn good cop!
integrity problem in the courts? maybe he is MSP material.
I would just LOVE to know where all of you Eastern Shore morons get your information from?!?!?! You try to sound so insiteful and knowledgeable, however you just show your ingorance! Nobody was suspended and they were not on "the clock", they were on their personal time. And in responce to the posting about qualifying for MSP, MANY officers at SPD INCLUDING Underwood have been offered a position with them but have declined b/c they have a loyalty to the city in which they live. No wonder the rest of MD laughs about and makes fun of the Eastern Shore and the people here. Take a good hard look at yourselves, you are pathetic excuses for human beings!
Joe, sorry you have bad info, not a single thing in this post is true, they are not suspended or even under investigation. Don't believe eveything you hear.
10:16 you must not know Underwood, he never has or wanted to apply with MSP. As far as integrity goes, there is not many people better than him. I want to know what your problem is with him?
I can't wait to hear how this whole thing turns out.
And, if anyone posting signs their name.
Joe:
It looks like Chiefy Suckered you into posting bogus information.
Maybe he is trying to discredit you and this website before going to court.
Everyone "in the know" knows he will do anything to get out of the mess he made by suing you.
Bad haircut,GED....
You forgot something....bad attitude and unable to grow facial hair......
Joe, I have to say you are way off on this one. As someone who once shunned your blog as inflammatory and biased, I have recently become a convert. I've been checking in everyday to get the "real scoop" about the issues that aren't covered by other local media, many of which are very important topics. You've cleaned up the trash talk and I was starting to see your site as a patriotic venture in exercising free speech as the ultimate check on government misconduct. I've been singing the praises of being informed about the things that "they" don't want you to know. Having said that, the facts in this post are so completely wrong and misconstrued that I am left once again questioning your journalistic integrity. It seems to me that you were obviously misinformed and in a hasty rush to smear the City of Salisbury. You published bad info. Do yourself and your readers a great service by cooborating stories like this before you print them. You've been doing so well, don't backslide now. Slow down and get it right.
Joe,
I am extremely disappointed in this post. As a police officer I don't always agree with how you put things but 9 out of 10 times the things you post are true. But this time your facts are wrong. I realize that you hate Tilghman and Webster. But don't let this hatred and utter disapproval be the downfall of all of SPD. These guys were not drinking and driving. I am not saying what they did was right. But they did not break any laws and they were not "stealing city tax dollars". There is nothing wrong with going back to your hotel after hours and having a few cold beers. Please! Their human.
As for those of you who constantly compare MSP, Wicomico Sheriff's Office, and the Salisbury Police Department...CUT THE B.S. There are good and bad police officers in every department. I am one of those who was offered a position with MSP and I turned it down because I have loyalty to the department I serve and the excellent men and women I serve with. Officers and civilians alike constantly use this blog as a way to bash each other, especially when the targeted department is in dark times. Times like Sparspaglione for SPD and Chance for the Sheriff's office. These are times that instead of criticizing each other we need to come together and figure out how to make things better. We all have the game goal and that is to make our community in Wicomico County safe for everyone.
I will close and just ask that you get your facts straight before you post them. All it does is bread contempt and make things more difficult for us who try to abide by all of the rules.
The paper also posted a picture today of a women cooking in a Greek place in OC, I sent them an e-mail informing them that they posted a picture of her in violation of Health Department Code, she is not wearing a hair net. I'd be pissed. Seems they can't walk and chew gum at the same time!
some of you fail to acknowledge that even though they were not on the clock they were in a taxpayers vehicle and should not have been driving that vehicle if they were intending to stop for beer. end of story
Anonymous said...
The both had the minimum requirements for the SPD. A GED and a bad haircut.
10:14 AM
ROTFLMAO
OK Steve Ewing.... what do you say about your departments professionalism now!!
Anonymous said...
And in responce to the posting about qualifying for MSP, MANY officers at SPD INCLUDING Underwood have been offered a position with them but have declined b/c they have a loyalty to the city in which they live.
10:57 AM
No one is "offered" a job with the MSP, you have to apply before you are even considered. Please don't try to sugarcoat the talent or lack of these guys wish they had.
Facts not fiction or speculation is the key here. Off duty, off the clock, own money, civilian clothes, beer in trunk, no consumption till arrival at destination facts not fiction/speculation. The main thing is when asked admissions were freely made no lying about or "hit n running it"
This is just another case of ppor judgment. This may not have been wrong but when you are a cop you are a role model and you are held to a higher standard than your average person.
As for Troy Underwood, I knkow him and he has always seemed to be a nice guy, but one who changed when he became SPD. After a short stinit with SPD he had several charges of brutality and they had to install a camera in his cruiser. It is sad but it seems that some of the power that comes with being a policeman did affect him and not in a good way.
As for this, if they wanted beer, but it in Baltimore and take it to the hotel room. It is that easy and simple. Yes, maybe others have done it but that in itself does not make it right. It is time that all police officers from every agancy start acting like it and uphold that higher standard and be worthy of the position they hold.
Joe, i would leave my name but seeing how things are in Salisbury and the fact that I know several people involved in this, I believe discretion is the better part of valor. Keep up the excellent work.
here's something to ponder. U.S. soldier returns from serving his country overseas in the war zones of iraq or afghanistan and was home for 1 week. He is given a government vehicle driving from his place of arrival back into the united states to the place where he is to get some training to assist him back in the war zone. He stops and grabs some beer for he and his fellow soldiers and the same factors in this case are true. parked discreatly, out of uniform, off the clock, paid with own money, and did not consume any alcohol in the vehicle, instead placed it in trunk are you willing to suspended or kick that soldier out of the military for that? Are you willing to verbally and using type degrade that soldier?
Here's the thing that many people that sleep soundly and safely in their bed at night dont realize. Good men and women stand vigilant and brave throughout the day and night hours protecting the rights of the innocent and the good order and dealings here locally and accross the nation, much like our soldiers do in foreign lands everywhere. Here in the U.S. we have the war crime/drugs overseas we have the war on terror and the war against dictatorship. Police and troops are soldiers in their own ways in differently named wars.
Police officers and troops fall unto this quote by Father D.E. O'Brien
"It is the soldier, not the poet who gives us the freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the reporter who gives us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer who gives us the freedom to protest. It is the soldier who serves beneath the flag, who salutes the flag and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who gives the demonstrator the right to burn the flag."
Maybe you should think about that when you publish false/inaccurate information, these are the men and women that in the worset of times, when all your friends are running out to hide for cover, these men and women are the ones that will be running in
Anon 12:38
I don't have to say anything. It seems a majority of the responders see this "story" for what it is.
Sheech! Big deal. These guys were simply following the example of their leaders-- Chief Jack and Coke and Davis Rurak. Give them a friggin' break!
what you all are not paying attention is these officers are guilty of violating policy. True, no crime was committed. it's more of an integrity violation. why not wait til baltimore to buy beer? if it was their personal vehicle, they can do what they want. i'm not aware of any police agency that allows individuals to carry alcohol in their patrol vehicles for personal use. even alcohol seized at the scene of a crime is normally poured out, not transported. They are guilty for not following simple rules of their agency, thats all. But it was a dumb ass move fellas!
2:13, good point............ I thought they got a raw deal, but I drive a city vehicle, and your right, for that perk I agree "not to have any alcohol in or about my person or vehicle when I drive" Very good point again, they broke the rules, they pay the price otherwise next thing is a more serious incedent.
What is Daddy Underwood doing now? Or should I say who is Daddy Underwood doing now? No wonder the kid needs a drink, he is probably still having flash backs of seeing his father and many students on his desk in the gym.
Whoa....I remember Mr. Underwood..!! eeewwww, that's creepy! Please tell me you're just stirring the pot with that one!?
2:28 -You named it. They broke the rules. If their wasn't a problem, there wouldn't be a rule. As I have always said - "go ask the person who had to make the rule. I'll bet they would certainly give you the answer"
They did not receive any advanced funds for the trip. The money was out of personal pocket. So get it right. How wrong was it? The fact that THEY WERE IN A POLICE VEHICLE. That's all. The only violation. How many of these smug business men and lawyers and council people drink alcohol at a conference - For that matter lets include the U.S Senate. Everyone assumes they were going to drink and drive. T- MAN retired salisbur PD
Don't get me started with the so called elite Maryland State Police. The Salisbury City Police Officers work twice as hard. Definition of a state trooper: 21-801.1. Wow a monkey can do that job
All I can say is these guys were just incredibly stupid! There is nothing wrong with buying beer and icing it down for consumption later, the problem here is that they knew they were doing the wrong thing or they wouldn't have driven to the back of the building. DUH!!!!!
Darkprince 0139: It must have been eating you alive all these years because you were unable to become a member of the Maryland State Police.
Respectfully: Mark Stephenson
Maryland state Police Retired
ps: man up and put your name to what you have to say.
they violated policy and were honest about it. So lets see deep fry em or little learning lesson? Lets see some of these go for the throat guys/gals when they have their day in court. They will be requesting probabtion before judgement so fast not beggin "please your honor give me the max"
Joe i am disappointed in you for not having your facts in order or accurate before publishing information about people. That stuff doesn't just effect your life or website it effects many more people. If all of the facts were acurate then by all means free speach, when things aren't accurate and you lambaste a name on the world wide web, that's down right unjust
states pretty but that's about it, look at some of the recent circuit court cases by state troopers...motions accepted..drugs dismissed...
Anon 1:07
We have freedom of speech because we have vocal chords.
We are born with the ability to speak, therefore we speak.
Freedoms really are free. You are confusing Facism with its opposite.
Freedom is Free!
Fascist governments take away freedoms.
Then, hopefully, men with arms raise up to overthrow the fascist government.
End of story.
Thank you for publishing.
anon 4:52
nice try to sound like you know what your talking about, but the men/women that keep you from being bullied by other outside countries and keep the freedoms that our forefathers set forth for us in the constitution are the troops on the front line and the police officers keeping chaos at bay....instead of buring the green stuff put down your bong start serving your country. using educated terms doesn't make you educated that's for sure.
Joe, Once I read this I called Underwood to get the facts. I got then and learned that all of the things in the original post were a lie. CHECK YOUR SOURCE!!! I also learned that he called you and told you the truth. Why did you not post what he told you? Are you out to post the truth or just what makes good news? You should out this liar of a source and let him be in the hot seat for his lies. If nothing else call post the truth!! You want this to be known as a reliable source of info, then make it that and post the truth.
Joe, Joe, Joe, you're getting bashed if you don't tell us about the officers and you get bashed if you do. What do people want you to do? You have to tell them exactly what you hear or they will not come to your blog as often.
The only problem I see with you're reporting the story without getting ALL the facts is that if you ever need a cop's help in Salisbury and they know it's you.....well, you figure it out.
I don't even live in MD anymore although I did grow up there. I know Salsibury very well. I am sure this sight has some value of reporting accurate news info...in whatever small quantity it may be. Can anyone tell me if Officer Underwood has ever been recignized as Police officer of the year??? That answer is yes....Maybe the owner of site should try to find out how many arrests Officer Underwood has made since starting at SPD. I can almost guarantee he is at the top of the list. So he and another officer bought beer on the way to Baltimore..off duty..so what. Not like they were drinking and driving. And for those who would comment of Officer Underwood's family on here are absolute poor excuses for human life. Anyone even remotely close to the Underwood family knows that Mr. Underwood was on of the best coach's and teachers ever in Wicomico County, and that his whole ordeal was contrived from the Board of Education itself. Mr Underwood always did and to this day still maintains his innocence, an innocence that never faultered even when faced with the prospect of 30 years in jail. Back to the issue at hand, as for the owner of this sight, and poster of the first comment, I know for a fact that Officer Underwood contacted you directly himself and told you the mis-information that you posted. Since then you still have not posted a retraction of the wrong information. It seems to me you are a sensationalist and are not truely interested in the facts. Knowingly posting false information that harms someones reputation is also known as slander. If I was Underwood I would hire an attorney. The police officers of SPD put their lifes on the line everyday to keep the community safe. I know the gang problems in Salisbury have grown and who is it that keeps that activity at bay?? That's right the men and women of the SPD. Just remember...their job is to save your ass....not kiss it!
What I don't understand is all the people who feel bad for the criminals. One poster states about brutality charges against Underwood. I am sure we all know that drug dealers and gang members don't just lay down on the ground when the cops show up and let them arrest them. Of course what would a drug dealer say after getting his butt kicked by 5 cops....they scream excessive force etc....they get what they deserve....If you run from the police or put up a fight...then oh well...be prepared to get your butt kicked.
So basically the big deal everyone is crying about is that they were in a patrol car...off duty, using their own money, on the way to a conference and they weren't drinking in the car? I am sorry what was the big deal again? I bet most of the negative posters have driven with open containers more then a few times. Grow up.
Anyone know where Officer Underwood is tonight? He is working tonight trying to curb the breaking and entering problems that have been on the rise...so the Police Chief is out of town? I am sure if the Mayor and Police department felt that this was a major infraction of the rules they could find someone in the chain of command at the police department to suspend the two officers. Guess it just isn't that big of a deal huh? Hope the owner of this site never needs SPD.
Joe Albero is a no count reporter. The Sheriffs Department is a joke but anything he knows about them he sweeps under his mouse pad....UNLESS he knows WBOC or the Daily Times will post it. He often thrives on phony information and has no back-up what so ever. When you offer him back up that he doesnt want to post he doesn't have time to look at it. HE IS WHAT HE IS!
Retired Officer Tilghman 0139,
You have a lot of nerve to point your finger at fellow officers. I seem to recall your 8 hours of patrol were filled with trying to pick up women and we won't even go into anything else. People who live in glass house should not throw stones. Some of us still remember the "good old days".
Hey Darkprince 0139....what was it? Come on tell us!!! Was it the pull ups or sit ups that you failed on the PT test when you applied to THE Maryland State Police? Give us your real name so we can research how many times you applied and were DENIED.
OK 12:43... I know numerous city officers who could run circles around MSP troopers any day...and vice versa...You can bash SPD all day but what will it accomplish? Different colored uniforms, same damn job. The integrity is in the officer and not the color of your uniform or the shape of your badge. GET OVER YOURSELF 12:43.
for all of you who dont know but the super sodas dont sell alcoholic beverages. under new management.
After reading some comments from SPD officers, it appears that they may have dropped the GED requirement.
T-man, nice to see your still out there. The SPD ranks use to be filled with a majority of outstanding officers. Since you and I have left there has been (in my opinion) a drop in the quality of officers and dedication to the force. It starts from the Chief on down to the Dispatchers. The days of Captain Ulm and Mrs. Peggy are gone. Officers show up do their tour and leave. Remember the days of the after shift gatherings in the employee parking lot. Those were the days. Yes I didn't stay and retire like you did, because I couldn't stand to see what was happening to the agency. I did leave for another agency, but that was my choice. A choice that I made for better advancement chances, pay and retirement. I was willing to stay but after Webster took over the agency was going in a direction that I did not want to be a part of. Good luck in your futher endevors and it was a pleasure to work with you a real cops cop.
Functional Fitness Assessment
You will be evaluated based on a standardized set of criteria. The standards are as follows:
Push-Ups: eighteen (18) in one minute
Sit-Ups: twenty-seven (27) in one minute
Flexibility: approximately 1.5 inches beyond toes (while seated)
1.5 Mile Run: maximum time of 15 minutes and 20 seconds (15:20)
Handgun Trigger Pull: must pull trigger ten (10) times with each hand
top of this page.
Courtesy of MDSP.ORG
This is all crap. Why is it the few great officers we have in this crime ridden county are bashed and battered on a stinking blog. First McMenamy, now Underwood. Two of the finest most proactive cops this county has ever seen. And this is how the community, even sadder other law enforcement officers, thank them. Keep it up and SPD is going to lose them both. Not because of pay, but the lack of backing.
Keep up the good work Troy, Tom, and others. These cops are naturals at their job, and are previous Officers of the Year(Well deserved). This belittling is getting tiring.
6:33 not at the top. The top dog is dragged down on here too. Go get em Wood and New York!
Hey Folks:
You should have seen what these officers got into in Baltimore! That is the real crime and remember this when you sit on a jury here in Wicomico County!
Joe the fact you would approve a comment about the Officer's father that has absolutely nothing to do with this incident shows what type of site this truely is. Do you want to report the real news or push the sensationalism that the general public feeds on? You as the one approving all comments should stand up and be a man and not allow comments like that. Do the right thing here and remove the comments about the Officer's father from your site. If you don't I would like to hear the reason why.
Jeremy Wilson
High Point, NC
TMac is the king of pro activity on the Eastern Shore. We will sorely miss him.
You are 100% WRONG...My wife was a victim along with 40+ girls throughout his career. He didn’t get nearly what he deserved.
And I think his father’s behavior and subsequent conviction are ABSOLUTELY RELEVANT. The apple does not fall far from the tree when it comes to COMPLETE lack of family values. All things should be taken into consideration.
So, please do not attempt to speak as an expert on something you really know nothing about. My wife and I have spent years dealing with the aftermath of David Underwood Sr. It is shameful that you would defend such a monster.
There are generations of girls who dodged a bullet when he was put in jail. Be grateful to my wife and all of the others instead of attempting to minimalize what they have dealt with their entire lives. Show some respect.
This is an incredibly a reverent comment… However disgustingly true. And it was the field house not his desk.
I say STIR AWAY. That “Man” is a disgrace to his family, other teachers, humankind. Such a low life and he got off easy.
Poor kid...raised by a criminal.
Disagree....We emulate our parents and learn our morals and values from them. This happens whether we like it or not.
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