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Since the story broke (for me, anyway) last Wednesday regarding one of the largest police corruption cases we’ve even seen in Baltimore, so much information has bubbled to the surface regarding the cadre of officers being charged and suspended in the FBI’s investigation into kickbacks and illegal towing over the weekend (which, oddly, was brought to light a full month ago by Investigative Voice) that it’s literally making my head spin. Information, which, read with one eye or the other reminds us (as if we could forget) how utterly and casually corrupt – and or oblivious – the powers that be running the show are at times. There’s so much ground to cover, I’m just going to note a few of the important things. I hope this proves informative.
‘LEGIT’ TOWING IN BALTIMORE IS INHERENTLY CORRUPT, OR NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT IT
Most people, until recently, probably had narry a clue as to the fact that Baltimore actually has contracted towing companies that have exclusivity to arrive on the scene at an accident or abandoned vehicle / parking violation. Companies which, when called by police, show up on the scene and tow a vehicle. And there are 10 of these companies, all of which are awarded special little medallions by the city in order to enjoy such privilege. Not surprisingly these 10 licenses are held by a handful of families and there is no competition in attaining one, it’s the Good Ol’ Boy system through and through, as the overwhelming majority of companies who apply for them are denied.
One reason may be that most of these companies donate thousands of dollars to various council members and former Mayors (scroll to the bottom of the linked article), ensuring favorable opinion and perpetual renewal forevermore. But, as with that lovely EBDI reporting that Daily Record has shown us, most of the time the people who are integral to the process have no idea how it works, or why it is the way it is. So it’s entirely possible that council members and officials, who receive contributions from all manner of businesses – from strip clubs to tow companies to waste management – aren’t currying favor because they’re simply clueless about it. The simple fact that one of the tow companies with a city contract wasn’t even licensed to tow in the state of MD at the time of renewal would indicate that they aren’t really paying attention.
THE SCHEME: PRODUCT OF THE SYSTEM
Man, Baltimore City Police officers are not looking good these days. Off duty cops getting blasted by their own, lawsuits, openly warring with the Mayor, and now a ginormous kickback scheme putting an even bigger stain on the entire force.
In this case, however bad the cops continue to make themselves look, I say it’s a product of the system. The medallion system, which puts a lock on any competition for the city’s towing contracts, breeds the kind of scheme we’re seeing. Granted this kind of thing happens all over America with tow companies, but specific to Baltimore any tower being repeatedly denied the opportunity to cash in on lucrative, sustained business on the city’s dime is probably constantly entertaining the idea of bribing a cop to pull a Robin Hood-esque type of tactic; giving a free tow to an accident victim, delivering a kickback, and overcharging the car insurance company rather than going the city-approved route. Which, let’s face it, all tow companies overcharge for everything, especially when it comes to insurance companies (actually scratch that, all companies, period). So who do you feel bad for in this case – the tow companies who pay their dues? The insurance companies? Who’s suffering in the face of this type of crime?
Authorities and insurance groups are already running down the usual playlist of quotes espousing how dangerous illegal towing is, how any body shop might be ripping off a hapless driver who has no control over the cost of repair, on and on – none of which I disagree with, but for insurance groups to claim “welp, this is why premiums are high” in the face of the fact that accident rates have been on the decline for years now, with narry a reduction in premiums (aside from non-market based gimmicks) makes my eyes roll back into my skull.
THUS, THE SOUL INFECTION
Considering the accumulated corruption and predatory nature of all parties involved, it’s hard to feel anything but contempt for all of them. Tow companies, who engage in all manner of predatory schemes and consistent fraud. Insurance companies, who will literally do anything in their power to not pay out a claim whenever possible. The police, who just can’t seem to keep their shit together. The city council, whose either hubris or ignorance or whatever has created the towing system itself – a system that everyone hates. And now we find out that a system that everyone hates is being cheated and that our police officers are responsible, the net result being a bunch of people saving money up front on towing costs. It’s the kind of push and pull that sends even the most hardy individual into a maniacal deathwhirl.
Does anyone know what antibiotic clears up a soul infection?
I believe the antibiotic you’re looking for is better known as it’s common name, alcohol. Or maybe that’s just what the powers that be are drinking, or think we’re all drinking so we’ll put up with it.
let me know when you figure it out. my soul has the sniffles as well.