Fired officers reinstated, back on duty

Rights? What are those?

The officers arrested Michael Williams in the 2200 block of Seventh Avenue North on Oct. 27, 2000, for an outstanding warrant on unauthorized use of a vehicle. They drove him to a nearby alley and Washington then sprayed tear gas on the handcuffed man when he refused to tell them his name, police officials said.

The officers proceeded to the city jail until Williams told them he was a mental patient. At that point, the officers released him because they didn't want to have to wait for the mandatory psychiatric examination at Cooper Green Hospital.

Instead, they drove Williams to Morris Avenue to release him. There, police said, Washington shoved Williams against the patrol car and threw his money on the ground as he ran away.

Hey, what's wrong with that? Next thing you know, you'll say we can't beat confessions out of them!