According to the official Code of Ethics adopted by the International Association of Chief of Police, the law is expected to be enforced, “without fear or favor.” An Investigation by KARE 11 News in Minnesota uncovered evidence that some of the state’s police officers follow the unwritten rule known as “Professional Courtesy.” This is the notion that cops shouldn’t ticket other cops.
A police dash cam video, obtained by KARE 11 through a public records request shows Blaine, MN police officers responding to an alarm call at the Lexington Avenue Fleet Farm on November 7, 2015. Upon arrival, officers found a car running in the parking lot, with a man in the driver’s seat appearing to be passed out.
Police reports later stated there were “open containers of silver Coors Light cans in the passenger seat.” The police video shows officers aggressively beating on the car roof and door, shouting, “Wake up!”
After finally getting the driver’s attention, the video shows the man incapable of following basic requests. He was asked nine times to open his car door, then instead of opening the door, he revved the engine. Fortunately the car was in park.
Still unable to process basic requests, the driver who was later identified as 28 year old, William Monberg, was repeatedly asked to remove his hat, and could not walk in a straight line without stumbling. The video shows officers administering a breathalyzer test, which records say registered .202, more than two and a half times the legal limit.
Monberg was arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI). Moments later, the dash cam footage shows Blaine Officer Norby and partner, Officer Fettig examining Monberg’s wallet, then turning off their body microphones and stepping out of the patrol car camera views. A police camera in the back of another squad car captured footage of an already handcuffed and arrested Monberg being released from the cop car and handcuffs.
Audio can be heard of Blaine police officers trying to arrange a ride home for him. The man they originally arrested also wears a badge. Monberg is an investigator for the Columbia Heights Police Department.