Statement by Chief Fred Walser during Feb. 11, 2004 Council Meeting Re Criswell Assault Incident Jan. 16, 2004:

In no way did the PD foul up an investigation. In no way did my officers do one thing wrong. They did everything they've been trained to do. They went well above and beyond what they should do, and I resent the implication of anything different. And this issue has caused a serious moral problem with your police officers, and MUST STOP. They are dedicated men and women who put their life on the life for you, not themselves. And they need better treatment than that. We need better equipment. We need better facilities. We don't have that. It's nothing personal. But I am fed up with being ambushed by people who do not have the common courtesy to come to me first. And I will answer any question. I have absolutely nothing to hide and this council needs to know that. If there is a problem here, I will deal with it. I guarantee you I will deal with it. Enough said. Thank you, Mayor, for giving me the opportunity to vent. [applause]