We are making our way to 1000+, and each supporter goes a long way. Head of the Portsmouth Police Commission, Joe Onosko, replied to an email I wrote weeks ago. He copy and pasted a bunch of regurgitated facts that are all stated in this petition, of which I'm sure he does to everyone who emails him about the matter. His tone was very passive aggressive in the short email he actually wrote, and demeaned the cause. He suggests a "referendum" which would not be able to be put on the ballet until next year - and the only people who tend to vote on those ballots are old conservative types who think our police are saints who can do no wrong.

This is not an issue to be voted upon by an small selection of local voters, it is an issue that should not be an issue at all. Body cameras are basic policing equipment - and should be standardized in all departments. Our archaic traditions of blindly trusting men and women with a badge, are over. They are trained for a few months, given a gun, and then free to roam the streets. How can we know what is going on if we are purposely blinded from the evidence. There have been too many incidents of documented police abuse in this state. The defense that there have not been any in Portsmouth, is simply false, and based on the assumption all police reports are to be taken as fact. I do not take those reports to be fact, I require video evidence. 

The way this entire situation is being handled is very shady. Money goes missing all the time as well. The Portsmouth Police Commission recently spent $90,000 - and refuse to say what it was for. With these kind of dealings going on, how are we supposed to trust the people in charge? This is but a scratch on the surface of corruption, and I will not rest until there is accountability. Write to Joe Onosko and other commissioners, demand accountability and body cameras. The 1% cost of an annual budget is all it takes. Make them see we will not be a city ruled by police with no accountability.

Thank you for standing with me, and helping make Portsmouth a better and safer place to live.