A group of African-American law enforcement leaders within the City of Columbia, S.C. police department (CPD) has reportedly drawn the attention of S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigators.
In fact the activities of this group – known informally as the “Soul Patrol” – could be part of SLED’s ongoing investigation into the CPD, news of which broke exclusively on FITS earlier this month.
Columbia, S.C. mayor Steve Benjamin spoke out in support of the SLED investigation this week – which is curious considering he is alleged to be among the prime beneficiaries of the “Soul Patrol’s” selective brand of law enforcement.
“I have no tolerance for corruption of any kind and if there is any wrongdoing found as a result of SLED’s investigation, I will push for any wrongdoers to be immediately fired and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Benjamin said in a statement.
Wow … that’s pretty ironic when you consider Benjamin owes his job to corruption within city government.
According to our sources, the primary responsibility of the “Soul Patrol” is to look the other way when it comes to the various gambling and prostitution rackets operating within the city – both of which allegedly have ties to Benjamin. Others say the group is tasked with carrying out the CPD’s rumored “hit list” – which was allegedly created to frame prominent non-black citizens with the goal of preserving “black control” of Columbia’s key institutions.
Needless to say we’re digging with our sources to see what else we can uncover …
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58 comments
When SLED is jut as crooked and infested with the good Ole Boys what can we really expect them to find? Where does SLED replenish the ranks but from the very local police depts they investigate. Give me a fucking break with that SLED is investigating shit. Cops don’t bust other cops, it’s been that way throughout history and will always be that way.
http://www.sled.state.sc.us/sled/default.asp?Category=main&Service=ListNews
BS read this list of news. SLED has arrested many of cop for stuff
SLED has busted some sheriffs this past year.
But, basically, I agree with what you say.
I grew up in a small rural county and everyone knew the SLED agent was corrupt, along with the local politicians, some of whom he was related to.
It almost cannot not be corrupt when an agent is assigned to a county for life, a county they grew up in. What an incestuous idea. What a managerially stupid idea.
It tends be a go along to get along mentality with the corrupt local cops…and, politicians.
SLED has a real perception problem that it seems oblivious to. It will not get any better until they decide that they are not there to play favorites.
“Do you believe that SLED is influenced by politics to ignore possible crimes?” would be a good question for a poll.
Sometimes cops bust cops.
Not before they tried to cut your ass hot shot
A wise old cop once said, “Eventually, you become what you chase.”
What, poor? Yeah, that describes the vast majority of cops… poor. That’s why they have to work three or four jobs.
When SLED is jut as crooked and infested with the good Ole Boys what can we really expect them to find? Where does SLED replenish the ranks but from the very local police depts they investigate. Give me a fucking break with that SLED is investigating shit. Cops don’t bust other cops, it’s been that way throughout history and will always be that way.
http://www.sled.state.sc.us/sled/default.asp?Category=main&Service=ListNews
BS read this list of news. SLED has arrested many of cop for stuff
SLED has busted some sheriffs this past year.
But, basically, I agree with what you say.
I grew up in a small rural county and everyone knew the SLED agent was corrupt, along with the local politicians, some of whom he was related to.
It almost cannot not be corrupt when an agent is assigned to a county for life, a county they grew up in. What an incestuous idea. What a managerially stupid idea.
It tends be a go along to get along mentality with the corrupt local cops…and, politicians.
SLED has a real perception problem that it seems oblivious to. It will not get any better until they decide that they are not there to play favorites.
“Do you believe that SLED is influenced by politics to ignore possible crimes?” would be a good question for a poll.
Sometimes cops bust cops.
Not before they tried to cut your ass hot shot
A wise old cop once said, “Eventually, you become what you chase.”
What, poor? Yeah, that describes the vast majority of cops… poor. That’s why they have to work three or four jobs.
Maybe Lil’Stevie thinks that if he gets in front of this he can survive it. Maybe this is his “wide stance” or finger shaking, “…I did not have sex with that woman, Monika Lewinsky…” moment
Maybe Lil’Stevie thinks that if he gets in front of this he can survive it. Maybe this is his “wide stance” or finger shaking, “…I did not have sex with that woman, Monika Lewinsky…” moment
I am curious about this one. I have heard of a “Soul Patrol” at that agency but that was quite a few years back. The guys did stuff to set themselves apart such as the way they wore the microphones for their walkie-talkies, but I never knew of them doing anything criminal. The members of that group that I met were cordial, friendly, people.
Of course, they were/are cordial, friendly people. Most corrupt politicians are. Remember Cromatie? He was delightful to be around. I was told earlier in the week that the CPD is out to get as many “white DUI’s as possible between now and the end of the month to make the arrest numbers better and to defuse the “myth” that crime is only a black thang in Columbia.
I saw that comment somewhere else on here recently, about the “white DUI’s”. To be honest, that could have come from a white cop who was trying to balance out his ticket books (warning and real) so it didn’t look like he was intentionally “profiling” Black motorists, since that has become such a BFD.
I predicted years ago that this so-called “racial profiling” issue was the “get out of jail free” card the criminal element had been praying for. It seems to be just that, too.
I am curious about this one. I have heard of a “Soul Patrol” at that agency but that was quite a few years back. The guys did stuff to set themselves apart such as the way they wore the microphones for their walkie-talkies, but I never knew of them doing anything criminal. The members of that group that I met were cordial, friendly, people.
Of course, they were/are cordial, friendly people. Most corrupt politicians are. Remember Cromatie? He was delightful to be around. I was told earlier in the week that the CPD is out to get as many “white DUI’s as possible between now and the end of the month to make the arrest numbers better and to defuse the “myth” that crime is only a black thang in Columbia.
I saw that comment somewhere else on here recently, about the “white DUI’s”. To be honest, that could have come from a white cop who was trying to balance out his ticket books (warning and real) so it didn’t look like he was intentionally “profiling” Black motorists, since that has become such a BFD.
I predicted years ago that this so-called “racial profiling” issue was the “get out of jail free” card the criminal element had been praying for. It seems to be just that, too.
This is all starting to make sense now…. DJ Randy Scott is one of South Carolina’s most versatile and sought after professional DJ’s. Through his genuine enthusiasm for music and fun, Randy has mastered the ability to entertain even the most diverse crowds. As a partner of Party Time DJ’s Randy has some of the top quality sound equipment available. Specializing in all music types: RnB, Top 40, Beach, Rock, Country, Funk, and Oldies. Randy is an expert at customizing services and he is dedicated to making every occasion one to be remembered. Meet with Randy Scott to customize your next celebration. Customer satisfaction is his #1 goal.
Randy Scott must be the “Soul Patrol’s” very own miniature version of Don Cornelius.
This is all starting to make sense now…. DJ Randy Scott is one of South Carolina’s most versatile and sought after professional DJ’s. Through his genuine enthusiasm for music and fun, Randy has mastered the ability to entertain even the most diverse crowds. As a partner of Party Time DJ’s Randy has some of the top quality sound equipment available. Specializing in all music types: RnB, Top 40, Beach, Rock, Country, Funk, and Oldies. Randy is an expert at customizing services and he is dedicated to making every occasion one to be remembered. Meet with Randy Scott to customize your next celebration. Customer satisfaction is his #1 goal.
Randy Scott must be the “Soul Patrol’s” very own miniature version of Don Cornelius.
Where been on this Fits? The money to buy the Palmetto Compress site was taken directly out of the healthcare reserves for City of Columbia employees ( the one group who can’t really stand up and protest because they are afraid of retaliation from Benjamin and his watch dog Teresa Wilson). Benjamin tried using hospitality funds but was threatened with a lawsuit by members of the hospitality committee. Why was Benjamin so insistant on buying the Palmetto Compress after stating on record that he had toured the building and determined that it couldn’t
practically be preserved? Because
he was trying to buy the
allegiance of Robin Waites and
the Historic preservation crowd so they would back him on the Bull Street vote. It didn’t work as they fought him on it anyway. Benjamin also wanted to appease John Lumpkin and the McNair law firm crowd so they will keep helping him stay mayor. Benjamin is at best a lying, self serving finger in the wind politician and at worst a corrupt one. Keep on this guy Sic…where there is this much smoke…there is bound to be fire.
Where been on this Fits? The money to buy the Palmetto Compress site was taken directly out of the healthcare reserves for City of Columbia employees ( the one group who can’t really stand up and protest because they are afraid of retaliation from Benjamin and his watch dog Teresa Wilson). Benjamin tried using hospitality funds but was threatened with a lawsuit by members of the hospitality committee. Why was Benjamin so insistant on buying the Palmetto Compress after stating on record that he had toured the building and determined that it couldn’t
practically be preserved? Because
he was trying to buy the
allegiance of Robin Waites and
the Historic preservation crowd so they would back him on the Bull Street vote. It didn’t work as they fought him on it anyway. Benjamin also wanted to appease John Lumpkin and the McNair law firm crowd so they will keep helping him stay mayor. Benjamin is at best a lying, self serving finger in the wind politician and at worst a corrupt one. Keep on this guy Sic…where there is this much smoke…there is bound to be fire.
No doubt property baron Stevie was buying old line law firm for more of the Heathwood, Shandon and Forest Hill votes. He is still shitting in his shorts over the Heathwood break in. Were else could he gather so much reelection money?
Heathwood break in??? What am I missing with this.
No doubt property baron Stevie was buying old line law firm for more of the Heathwood, Shandon and Forest Hill votes. He is still shitting in his shorts over the Heathwood break in. Were else could he gather so much reelection money?
Heathwood break in??? What am I missing with this.
“pending indictments of the Lexington Ring” is now but an echo from the bottom of a very deep barrel filled with other FITS headlines. You see, I like FITS, but I really get excited about seeing some justice play out. So stop calling shit until it’s true. Some of your “sources” are running you like a damn string puppet. Keep that shit up and you will lose what’s left of your credibility.
Maybe, but I doubt it, the Lex ring investigation and the Pinson / SC State scheme are now tied to the CPD problems but lets face reality. If it is that big, the governing bodies of both Rich and Lex counties and the majority of the General Assembly would have to fall.
Ain’t gonna happen. One thing is certain: WISTV and Fits deserve credit for shining a big light on the corruption in the region from the poker machines – Brett Parker / Leon giving sit-downs at ballfields – CPD Randy Scott hooker parties, etc.
What comes of it all – 10-1 says nada.
Sum it up: Atlanta in the 90’s a candidate for sheriff is mowed down in his front yard by hit men hired by the incumbent sheriff. Sure, a handful of black cops went to prison but does anyone want to make a case that Atlanta is any better off today?
“pending indictments of the Lexington Ring” is now but an echo from the bottom of a very deep barrel filled with other FITS headlines. You see, I like FITS, but I really get excited about seeing some justice play out. So stop calling shit until it’s true. Some of your “sources” are running you like a damn string puppet. Keep that shit up and you will lose what’s left of your credibility.
Maybe, but I doubt it, the Lex ring investigation and the Pinson / SC State scheme are now tied to the CPD problems but lets face reality. If it is that big, the governing bodies of both Rich and Lex counties and the majority of the General Assembly would have to fall.
Ain’t gonna happen. One thing is certain: WISTV and Fits deserve credit for shining a big light on the corruption in the region from the poker machines – Brett Parker / Leon giving sit-downs at ballfields – CPD Randy Scott hooker parties, etc.
What comes of it all – 10-1 says nada.
Sum it up: Atlanta in the 90’s a candidate for sheriff is mowed down in his front yard by hit men hired by the incumbent sheriff. Sure, a handful of black cops went to prison but does anyone want to make a case that Atlanta is any better off today?
Reverse discrimination has been in play since the 90’s in law enforcement. White cops have been passed over for promotion because a person of color was up for the same promotion but it would look better to have a person in color in the position. That is and has been a problem in the ranks, but the problem didnt really start there. The place it started is where the person of color in a position to appoint individuals to positions that they should never be. This is where the breakdown really began. The color of the person not the best qualified for the postion is chosen.
I know, I know- blacks contend that the white cops have done this for years. You know what, you are exactly right- they have. This does not fix the problem that has exisisted for years nor will it fix the future. The Mayor needs to wake up and place the best qualified person in the position. Have the department come together and have a professional department to be proud of and put the thugs in jail. The thugs are laughing at the cops throughout this whole mess. Thugs have been in charge of the police department after coming out fromunder their rock from the RCSD. It seems like everyone Lott raise through the ranks are scum. Suggestion Mayor, don’t ever hire anymore from RCSD or even have Lott placed anywhere in charge of the department. A wolf in sheep’s clothing.
I was once a believer in the system, but through the years I have lost ALL confidence in our law enforcement and judicial system. I wear the same blinders that all law enforcement wear both blackand white. There was a recent case where a small town cops made a drug charge and used an informant. The informant didnt want to testify after the case due to seath threats. The police put him in jail and kept him there until the court date for no reason, except they wanted to win the case that bad. This kid set in jail for almost 6 months for doing nothing. Guess what color he is. Thats right, he was black. He sat in jail in a small country town because he was black and the cops had the authority. How wrong was that. This wasn’t in Alabama or deep deep south. This was right here in the midlands. I’m an older white male and even this pisses me off. The cops wanted to win a case which was a small case so bad they took this guy and put him in jail for 6 months for no reason but to have him testify.
The racial crap has to stop on both sides. Blacks need to acknowledge this as well as whites. It is my opinion that blacks tend to be more racist in todays time because they will say we owe to them. We owe nothing to no one. Wake and walk forward into the future and stay out of the past because you will not change it.
The reverse racism is in just about every department at the city. I overheard my department’s superintendent state that there would not be any more white supervisors as long as he had a say (and you guessed it–black guy.) I say that I directly heard it come from his mouth, but it wasn’t really even a secret…kinda like certain supervisors hooking their favorite lackeys up with several extra hours of overtime every time overtime was there to be had…more than enough money involved to warrant felony charges.
Will, if you’re interested in taking a look at the notebooks, I kept at it for almost four years documenting this stuff, we’re talking names, dates, job locations, how much extra (unearned, as in everybody was already back home) overtime was approved let me know…I don’t usually like the thought of ruining someone’s life, but these people robbed city tax payers and utility customers blind…not to mention they forced me out. Nobody gets forced out at the City of Columbia faster than a non-African American guy that works hard and won’t kiss ass. Anyway, lemme know if you wanna light this fire.
Reverse discrimination has been in play since the 90’s in law enforcement. White cops have been passed over for promotion because a person of color was up for the same promotion but it would look better to have a person in color in the position. That is and has been a problem in the ranks, but the problem didnt really start there. The place it started is where the person of color in a position to appoint individuals to positions that they should never be. This is where the breakdown really began. The color of the person not the best qualified for the postion is chosen.
I know, I know- blacks contend that the white cops have done this for years. You know what, you are exactly right- they have. This does not fix the problem that has exisisted for years nor will it fix the future. The Mayor needs to wake up and place the best qualified person in the position. Have the department come together and have a professional department to be proud of and put the thugs in jail. The thugs are laughing at the cops throughout this whole mess. Thugs have been in charge of the police department after coming out fromunder their rock from the RCSD. It seems like everyone Lott raise through the ranks are scum. Suggestion Mayor, don’t ever hire anymore from RCSD or even have Lott placed anywhere in charge of the department. A wolf in sheep’s clothing.
I was once a believer in the system, but through the years I have lost ALL confidence in our law enforcement and judicial system. I wear the same blinders that all law enforcement wear both blackand white. There was a recent case where a small town cops made a drug charge and used an informant. The informant didnt want to testify after the case due to seath threats. The police put him in jail and kept him there until the court date for no reason, except they wanted to win the case that bad. This kid set in jail for almost 6 months for doing nothing. Guess what color he is. Thats right, he was black. He sat in jail in a small country town because he was black and the cops had the authority. How wrong was that. This wasn’t in Alabama or deep deep south. This was right here in the midlands. I’m an older white male and even this pisses me off. The cops wanted to win a case which was a small case so bad they took this guy and put him in jail for 6 months for no reason but to have him testify.
The racial crap has to stop on both sides. Blacks need to acknowledge this as well as whites. It is my opinion that blacks tend to be more racist in todays time because they will say we owe to them. We owe nothing to no one. Wake and walk forward into the future and stay out of the past because you will not change it.
The reverse racism is in just about every department at the city. I overheard my department’s superintendent state that there would not be any more white supervisors as long as he had a say (and you guessed it–black guy.) I say that I directly heard it come from his mouth, but it wasn’t really even a secret…kinda like certain supervisors hooking their favorite lackeys up with several extra hours of overtime every time overtime was there to be had…more than enough money involved to warrant felony charges.
Will, if you’re interested in taking a look at the notebooks, I kept at it for almost four years documenting this stuff, we’re talking names, dates, job locations, how much extra (unearned, as in everybody was already back home) overtime was approved let me know…I don’t usually like the thought of ruining someone’s life, but these people robbed city tax payers and utility customers blind…not to mention they forced me out. Nobody gets forced out at the City of Columbia faster than a non-African American guy that works hard and won’t kiss ass. Anyway, lemme know if you wanna light this fire.
Is the Soul Patrol run by Vic Mackey? Because it sounds like it.
I was the leader of the Soul Patrol back in the 90’s pls don’t get my guys confused with these thugs that came from RCSO to CPD. back then we enforced the law and caught many criminals most of were black because that’s the area we worked, we were family with a unbreakable bond, our response time for any in progress call in our area and sometimes throughout the city was the best there ever has been, our arrest and prosecution record was second to none with a 99.9% conviction rate… This new Soul Patrol sound like thugs to me. Damn, they stole our name and dragging it through the dirt…Take notice that all the controversy and cop on cop career killers started when the county deputies invaded the city, I’m ashamed to say I was a member of this P. D.
Is the Soul Patrol run by Vic Mackey? Because it sounds like it.
I was the leader of the Soul Patrol back in the 90’s pls don’t get my guys confused with these thugs that came from RCSO to CPD. back then we enforced the law and caught many criminals most of were black because that’s the area we worked, we were family with a unbreakable bond, our response time for any in progress call in our area and sometimes throughout the city was the best there ever has been, our arrest and prosecution record was second to none with a 99.9% conviction rate… This new Soul Patrol sound like thugs to me. Damn, they stole our name and dragging it through the dirt…Take notice that all the controversy and cop on cop career killers started when the county deputies invaded the city, I’m ashamed to say I was a member of this P. D.
We would get a better and more honest investigation by the State Grand Jury.
SLED is just as corrupt as the rest of this state.
State Grand Jury matters are investigated by SLED.
We would get a better and more honest investigation by the State Grand Jury.
SLED is just as corrupt as the rest of this state.
State Grand Jury matters are investigated by SLED.
While they are at it, perhaps the “Soul Patrol” at other agencies should be looked into as well. First and foremost the Richland County office of State Probation and Parole. It’s appauling at best and you woul’d need only walk the halls for an hour to see it
While they are at it, perhaps the “Soul Patrol” at other agencies should be looked into as well. First and foremost the Richland County office of State Probation and Parole. It’s appauling at best and you woul’d need only walk the halls for an hour to see it
Randy Scott gave his hookers the soul pole and taxpayers the soul patrol. Now that I think about it he gave the taxpayers his soul pole too.
Nice.
Randy Scott gave his hookers the soul pole and taxpayers the soul patrol. Now that I think about it he gave the taxpayers his soul pole too.
Nice.
This will be more and more common as American becomes Africa.
Hey AJ! Never thought I’d see you here.
You never know where I might pop up
Amusing to read these white whiners and doomsdayers (“It’s no longer rigged for ME! No Fair! ‘sniff’), especially when you compare it to the similar sobbing of a century ago as the old-line Anglo-Saxons were being overwhelmed by numbers and hard work and performance of the rising masses of immigrants from eastern and southern Europe.
It all comes around . . . or back.
This will be more and more common as American becomes Africa.
Hey AJ! Never thought I’d see you here.
You never know where I might pop up
Amusing to read these white whiners and doomsdayers (“It’s no longer rigged for ME! No Fair! ‘sniff’), especially when you compare it to the similar sobbing of a century ago as the old-line Anglo-Saxons were being overwhelmed by numbers and hard work and performance of the rising masses of immigrants from eastern and southern Europe.
It all comes around . . . or back.
The Soul Patrol was the best self created Special Ops group the CPD has ever had. For that name to have this crap attached to it is a disgrace to the guys that were apart of the unit. The Soul Patrol had this City on LOCK doing the right things with great gratitude and hard work.
The Soul Patrol was the best self created Special Ops group the CPD has ever had. For that name to have this crap attached to it is a disgrace to the guys that were apart of the unit. The Soul Patrol had this City on LOCK doing the right things with great gratitude and hard work.