Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Putting the genie back in the bottle

Sometimes there is strength in numbers.

Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland drafted a memo back in July that forbade officers to speak with defense attorneys without a prosecutor present. The Harris County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association then appeared en masse before the Houston City Council in opposition to the policy.

Now Chief McClelland has backtracked and retracted the original memo.
"In order to dispel any appearance of impropriety, I am clarifying my directive to advise officers that permission from the prosecutor is NOT required before speaking to a criminal defense attorney about a pending case." -- HPD Chief Charles McClelland
Kudos to HCCLA President Nicole DeBorde and head rabble rouser Robb Fickman for their yeoman effort in getting the Department's policy reversed.

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