CMPD's Domestic Violence Tree an Odd Contrast To Officers Charged With The Same

At CMPD Headquarters yesterday they held a memorial tree lighting. The trees and purple ribbons, a silent reminder of the 53 people killed this year by someone they trusted, victims of domestic violence.

The Domestic Violence Advocacy Council hosted the event. Survivors, family and friends remembered the victims, telling stories about each one. The WCNC News report shows CMPD Command Staff including Chief Rodney Monroe carefully placing ribbons on one of the trees and reading a prepared statement speaking out against domestic violence.

 

Chief Monroe has said on more than once occasion that his department is "committed" to stopping domestic violence, and without a doubt domestic violence hits close to home with Chief Monroe, having lost a sister to the crime.

But a floor away in the same building CMPD Officer Darnley "Cecil" Brathwaite is on desk duty. Officer Brathwaite, a Detective in the department's robbery unit, was arrested on a Domestic-Violence charge on August 26th and has been "riding" the desk ever since.

On that Sunday evening Huntersville Police reportedly responded to a call for service and arrested the 37 year old Officer after he forced his way into his ex-wife's home and held her at gunpoint. Brathwaite's former spouse was not seriously injured in the incident.

Brathwaite was transported to the Mecklenburg County Jail and charged with, Assault on a female. Assault by pointing a gun, Criminal Domestic Trespass, and False Imprisonment among other things. Officer Brathwaite posted bail the following day and was released.

Brathwaite's trial date is set for January 16, 2013 in Mecklenburg County District Court.

According to one source; since his August 26 arrest, CMPD Internal Affairs Unit has taken no action against Officer Brathwaite, opting to let the facts play out in court before proceeding with any formal investigation, if any.

Cedar's Take: Odd contrast, the trees in the lobby their branches holding stark reminders of women murdered at the hands of assailants like CMPD Officer Brathwaite. Couples have fights, things can get out of hand, but violence of any sort should not be tolerated by any police department when it comes to their officers. When an officer pulls his weapon on his ex-wife, there should be no delay in his prompt termination. There is no reason to risk a second chance.