Let officers do their jobs

By Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier

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The jobs of our duly sworn law officers are tough enough already. They don't deserve having a public official interfere with a legitimate traffic stop, no matter who is being pulled over.

As outlined in a recent edition, such a possible situation is now under investigation after part-time Dunkerton police officer Robert Roquet cited Teresa Adamson for speeding on Dec. 2.

Tom Adamson, her husband - a passenger in the car - reportedly called his uncle, who happens to be Mike Schares, mayor of Dunkerton. Schares quickly appeared on the scene and reportedly at least threatened to terminate Roquet's employment. According to a letter from Roquet's attorney, Schares ordered the officer to surrender his badge, weapon and keys to a squad car.

A video tape recorded nearly the entire encounter.

Now, the Black Hawk County Attorney's Office is looking into the matter.

“I can't comment on a pending investigation,” said County Attorney Tom Ferguson. “If anything develops and charges are filed, then it becomes public record.”

Roquet is still employed. Dunkerton City Attorney Carter Stevens contends Roquet was never fired. Others, including Roquet and some City Council members, say he was and then later reinstated.

“I like to think I'm by the book and for the people,” Roquet told The Courier. “Just get your hands on the tape. It's an unbiased witness.”

We're waiting on that. The tape is now part of the investigation and sealed from the public.

Dunkerton Police Chief Tim Schultz has stated that he has been pleased with the officer's performance since Roquet was hired 2 1/2 years ago.

“Why would a mayor get involved in a traffic stop?” Schultz asked. “I'm in a position I have to watch (what) I say, too.”

Understood. Police chiefs in Iowa serve at the pleasure of a city's top elected official. That's Mayor Schares, in Dunkerton's case.

If police officers are to enforce the law fairly, they must be able to do so without the fear of pulling over people who happen to have elected officials on their speed dial.

Fortunately, most mayors, city managers and city council members are aware of that.

Should the investigation prove these reports to be true, then the mayor of Dunkerton has clearly abused his power and should face appropriate consequences.