Complaints Brought To City Officials

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Rough treatment alleged

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A metro family that claims they were treated roughly by police after calling officers for help brought those allegations to Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey and Police Chief Thomas Warren Wednesday morning.

In October, the Pekas family alleged that their call for help ended with them becoming victims of police brutality. Family members say officers pepper-sprayed them.

Police say the pepper spray was used because the family members were combative. The family repeatedly called 911 on the night of the incident, calling for help with a threatening family member.

The family said their meeting Wednesday with city officials was encouraging and they're hoping it starts the road to better police and community relations.

Cal Pekas said, "We have a police force that's way out of whack and we need to build some kind of relationship with the city and it's police force where they can address these issues."

One of the things the Pekas family wanted from the meeting was to have the charges dropped against family members for disturbing the peace. The charges against all but two family members still remain.

The mayor's office says if anyone has an issue with the police department or its officers the first thing they must do is fill out a complaint form.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: To first of all on Dec 1, 2007 at 05:51 PM
Perhaps you need to live in a fictional world such as the one in "Minority Report". Just because there is murders doesn't mean that the police aren't doing their jobs. Also, any officer will tell you that domestic disturbance calls are the worst as they are unpredictable. Perhaps some of you need to watch some episodes of COPS and see how criminals act and the problems that arise with domestic family calls.

Posted by: first of all on Nov 30, 2007 at 12:58 PM
none of u people kno this family!!!! and if the opd is doing there job like they are supposed to then why are there more than 30 murders a year??? and dont tell me that its people like me that let crime thrive in omaha when its people like u that turn your ignorant heads when people are calling out for help.. it seems to me like im not the one living in a fairy tale

Posted by: roy on Nov 29, 2007 at 06:37 PM
Hey raeLynn why don't you put on a uniform and see how you react when you show up to help people and instead they turn on you. If you don't like the police then don't call them and take care of your own problem. Its people like you that let crime thrive in omaha, so please move back to whatever fiery tale you came from. OPD is doing an excellent job.

Posted by: roy on Nov 29, 2007 at 02:29 PM
This family is crazy, I would just love to see these people that are complaining about the job police are doing put a uniform on themselves and see if they can do a better job. I support you OPD, our streets need to have some order and listening to thses people it will never happen

Posted by: RaeLynn on Nov 29, 2007 at 01:57 PM
This is a serious problem that we have in our community. People do not trust our local authorities (some for good reasons). How are we supposed to call the police for help when they are going to take their time getting there and when they finally do get there they beat the victims? Then the OPD wonders why there are so many people who do not want to talk to the police or have anything to do with them. People dont want to call 911 and get treated like criminals. There is probably a reason that they are calling out for help but when the police gets there, they are beaten.. There is something wrong with that to me.

Posted by: shanon on Nov 28, 2007 at 10:44 PM
I hope they get the charges droppped and then get the bill for all the damage.

Posted by: What the??? on Nov 28, 2007 at 04:29 PM
This family needs some definite counseling. They called the police, they had the out of control son who was threatening to kill himself and everyone in the house. They obstructed the police when they arrived to intervine. Perhaps we the citizens of Omaha should bring a lawsuit against the Peka family for defamation of the police department, expenses from this incident and the time they are using in regards to their ranting and raving. I am tired of people always blaming the police for brutality. There are some true instances, but come on- if your breaking the law or inhibiting the police to do their job - they have to draw the line somewhere and take control of the situation. Grow up Peka family and get a grip on reality.

Posted by: Sick on Nov 28, 2007 at 04:24 PM
of people crying police brutality when they are trying to do their jobs without being killed so they can go home to their families like the rest of us who pay taxes and contribute to society in a productive way. Personal responsibility much?

Posted by: george on Nov 28, 2007 at 04:24 PM
This all goes back to the same thing. If you behave yourself, you won't have any problems. Same thing in North Omaha. All the complaints of police brutality. Don't do all the illegal things you do to get the Police involved. Can you imagine what a calm quiet town we could have if you just obeyed the laws we have.

Posted by: Bob on Nov 28, 2007 at 03:59 PM
From the sounds of these comments Police should never be called if anyone they come in contact with has been drinking or aren't the Cleavers. The family needs to get a civil suit against the city and win and then inform the %65 of the Omaha metro area that 1950's thinking won't work anymore. This family didn't attack these officers, or if they did the County attorney hasn't seen fit to charge them for it. 20 police cars by neighborhood witness's, allegations of drug use (no charges) allegations the family attacked officers (no charges) At the very least our police need better training, and ideally, complaint records against officers need to be public

Posted by: BJ on Nov 28, 2007 at 03:25 PM
A police force thats "way out of wack"?How about a family that is way out WACKY!

Posted by: Fed Up on Nov 28, 2007 at 03:12 PM
Here's an idea. Don't have anymore police contact. If you have a family problem, handle it yourself. You're a waste of the cities time and money.

Posted by: citizen on Nov 28, 2007 at 02:51 PM
Isn't is nice that fahey and warren took time out of their busy schedule to meet with these race-card people while real people are ignored by this self-appointed dictator and his dopey sidekick.

Posted by: Deb W on Nov 28, 2007 at 02:43 PM
Lest we forget the hazard we ourselves created for the police officers called to the scene!!!Did we forget our son was threatening to kill himself and us and that he was high. Stop crying police brutality and take responsibility for your lack of child rearing skills. Your two minutes of fame are over, now you just sound like you are trying to take advantage of a situation that you had no control over in the first place. Drop all charges? Are you as crazy as your son?

Posted by: JD on Nov 28, 2007 at 02:43 PM
If this family would have let the police do their job when they arrived, they would not have had all these problems. Of course the kid was going to be combative, that is why the police and mental health workers are training in Non-Violent Crisis intervention training. This family should have been charged with interferring if that is what they did.

Posted by: king on Nov 28, 2007 at 02:34 PM
So typical, another dysfunctional family blaming someone else for their problems. These people never take responsibility for anything, and by these people I mean the "blammers". This time it's the police's fault, cause they'd never treat anyone west of 72nd this way. Well I tell you, if I called the cops all hysterical, and my home and family were a mess, and when they got to my home and we were uncooperative, I guess I couldn't blame them for trying to do their job. Losers

Posted by: anon on Nov 28, 2007 at 02:20 PM
Absolutely absurb that charges should be dropped.The police wasted how much time going there that night to help them out?They have alot of nerve saying the police force is whacked out...they are the whacky ones!Seems they better worry more about their family issues than the police force!!!

Posted by: Martin on Nov 28, 2007 at 02:20 PM
Sounds like this family is "out of whack" not the police. People like this make it hard for our police to do their jobw!

Posted by: What? on Nov 28, 2007 at 01:55 PM
Are you kidding me with this? Yeah, someone is "out of whack" and it's NOT Omaha PD! This family called over and over to 911 and now are crying foul? You should have let Omaha PD do their job, which YOU asked for them to do, then interfered, now want a BIG check written. That is all this is about. MONEY in your pocket. Had you controlled your own "out of control brat" Omaha PD would not have been called. Gee, I am 50 years old and have never had to call the police to my house. Growing up, the police were never called to our house. I guess if a person isn't causing problems, duh, the police won't be at your house. Quit your whining and sniveling and take responsibility for your own actions and that of your alcohol drug laden kid.

Posted by: kate on Nov 28, 2007 at 01:50 PM
Sounds to me like there's a lot more than one member of that family that needs behavnior modification. You can't have your cake and eat it too. If you call the cops, back off and let them do what they need to do. The reason you called for them was because you couldn't deal with the doper yourself. I appreciate their intervention on my behalf. If you don't like it - leave.

Posted by: kathy on Nov 28, 2007 at 01:39 PM
This family called the police to help with their son, They police were just doing their jobs, The family had been drinking acording to reports so Iam sure the police acted they way they should have control your kid....

Posted by: David on Nov 28, 2007 at 01:38 PM
This is beyond belief! Their son should apply for the police department. He would have a strong understanding of nut case behavior so he can be kind and gracious to people who are trying to hurt him. OPD officers...stay safe. We are pulling for you.

Posted by: non-complainer on Nov 28, 2007 at 01:28 PM
I'm sure the officer/officers did not just walk into their house and spray them with pepper-spray. What let up to the spraying?

Posted by: Louie on Nov 28, 2007 at 01:07 PM
The recorded phone conversation with 9-1-1- operators and who ever called from the Pekas residence is enough to see what went wrong. There were several calls made to 9-1-1- and they did not seem to make any sense. It sounded like things were getting out of hand and the Pekas family would not let the Police do their jobs with them interfering with the police. Some order had to be brought to the situation so they,the police could sort things out. It was unfortunate that pepper spray had physical restraint had to be used. Bottom line on this is stay out of the way and let the police do their job,especially if you call them several times.

Posted by: Jim on Nov 28, 2007 at 01:06 PM
Let me guess "A lawsuit" Even though it was their own fault, How much money can I screw the city out of.

Posted by: CJ on Nov 28, 2007 at 12:53 PM
"Victims", what a joke. I wonder how many tax dollars this bunch has scarffed up in one way or another.

Posted by: Clarke on Nov 28, 2007 at 12:46 PM
You just have to feel sorry for the poor police officers that have to deal with people like this. It would be nice to see the Pekas's do a little slammer time for this situation THEY created.

Posted by: Karin on Nov 28, 2007 at 12:46 PM
They asked for help and it sounds to me the situation was completely out of control with their son. Do you think the son was going to listen to chit chat? Sometimes they have to use force when even the family can't get control of the situation

Posted by: stan on Nov 28, 2007 at 12:43 PM
I listened to the 911 call last night. You would have thought Armageddon was afoot based on the caller's tone, words, and state of hysteria. I have no doubt the police used "about every method necessary" to keep control of that mad situation. Lady (and family) you've got some nerve coming back on the police now with your complaints.

Posted by: BoBo on Nov 28, 2007 at 12:42 PM
What a shame the vast majority of omahans have to go to work every day to earn money just to see a big chunk of it go to dealing with belly-aching miscreants like these. Realy sad.

Posted by: bill on Nov 28, 2007 at 12:38 PM
pekas family: get jobs. quit breaking the law. i do not want to read about you anymore.

Posted by: Scamming OPD in on Nov 28, 2007 at 12:29 PM
This family is scamming the OPD. The Fleecing of Omaha! Typical.

Posted by: For What Reason??? on Nov 28, 2007 at 12:24 PM
I think the Pekas family needs to concentrate more of their energy on how to help their child stay out of trouble instead of using all their energy to "Counsel" the OPD. Had the Pekas family been doing what they were suppose to be doing; PARENTING THEIR CHILD, the police would of never been called. There was no "Police Brutality" here, this is what you call Complete Chaos because this kid was doing things he should not of been doing in the first place. He should of been locked up in the YDC. I am so sick of these kinds of families claiming Police Brutality when their own lifestyle is the root of their problems. Quit Drinking, Quit Drugging and GET A DAMN JOB and you would not have as much time on your hands to get yourselves into trouble.

Posted by: Tim on Nov 28, 2007 at 12:24 PM
These people are dreaming if they think Fahey or Warren actually care. Sadly, until its a rich white family from West Omaha that is brutalized, not a darn thing is going to be done.

Posted by: KT on Nov 28, 2007 at 12:23 PM
For crying out loud.........."the police force is out of whack"??? Their kid is out of whack. No sign of parental or personal responsibility out of their mouths. It's always someone else's fault.

Posted by: Jennifer on Nov 28, 2007 at 12:20 PM
The family ties up 911 not once or twice but multiple times, begs for help and then turns on the police when they arrive and now want charges dropped because in the light of day and sobriety they feel they were treated badly. Maybe they should look closer to home and stop blaming others for their poor choices in life. There are consequences for actions - good or bad. Stop wasting our city's resources.

Posted by: Dave on Nov 28, 2007 at 12:19 PM
I would like to file a complaint against all the familes who have had kids arrested by the cops for being poor parents and wasting the tax payers money because they are too stupid and ignorant to teach thier kids right from wrong. Maybe if these protester whom allegedly had families members assulted by cops sepnt the same amount of time teaching their kids right from wron as they do complaining and blaming others for their kids or family members stupidity,the kids would more of a positive impact on society! They have nobody to blame but themselves..PERIOD!

Posted by: al on Nov 28, 2007 at 12:19 PM
What a sad family. Gotta love that race card, charges dropped for all but two of the family members. If your non-white and want to commit a crime against police officers it OK in Omaha. This pathetic family will have the charges dropped against them but it still won’t change the fact they committed the crime and are sub-human low lives. Perhaps the Pekas family should get adopt some morals, get a job, and quit relying on the state to care for them. Bless the police offers involved keep up the good work, don’t let this family of thugs discourage you.

Posted by: W on Nov 28, 2007 at 12:18 PM
While there are rare times of police brutality the Pekas case is not one of them in my opinion. When anyone gets in the way of an officer doing their duty they are breaking the law. Just because you want extra nice treatment dosen't mean you get it.

Posted by: ? on Nov 28, 2007 at 12:15 PM
All they are trying to do is get money for something pitty. If you call the police becuase someone is out of control, don't expect them to be gentle with them. Police Officers are not counselors. They are there to make sure the situation doesn't get further out of hand, they did a good job controlling the situation when they had to. You are the ones who called the police, don't try to fight them when they come to help you.

Posted by: CS on Nov 28, 2007 at 12:14 PM
What a complete joke and a total waste of time. This family IS out of control and the 911 tapes that were aired on TV prove it. I say if the Pekas family wants to create a positive relationship with the police department, they should all get into some counseling and learn the true meaning of what it is to enable the bad behavior of their own. It's called accepting responsibility for our actions and quit blaming other people for our problems. I have no sympathy for these people and they should be embarrassed about wasting air-space on television - foolish.

Posted by: Chronic Whiners on Nov 28, 2007 at 12:07 PM
What a clump of chronic whiners. Have they got 911 on speed-dial, perhaps labeled "summon help for controlling our criminal doper son, like we should be doing for ourslves"?

Posted by: L on Nov 28, 2007 at 11:59 AM
THERE IS GOOD COPS AND BAD COPS. EVERYONE KNOWS THAT JUST LIKE WITH EVERYTHING ELSE IN THIS WORLD. ALWAYS DO WHAT U ARE TOLD BY A COP AND PRAY YOU GET A FAIR AND NICE COP.