STATE POLICE COLLISION REPORT - CAMP CASE

Conclusions

The New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Report is seriously flawed. It is inaccurate, incomplete and misleading. These problems can not be solely attributable to incompetence on the part of the investigator, or to the lack of oversight by superiors. It is very likely this report was intentionally designed to place blame for the collision on the deceased, Joshua C. Camp, and to absolve the Sheriff’s Deputy, then Sheriff Anthony Desmond, then Undersheriff Ronald Stevens, and Schoharie County of any responsibility for the incident.

The Collision Reconstruction Report was Exhibit #10 presented to a Schoharie County Grand Jury and likely influenced their verdict. Then Schoharie County District Attorney James Sacket is not without responsibility. He should have recognized the report’s deficiencies and introduced compensatory testimony. Of additional concern, is that District Attorney Sacket did not instruct the jury to consider possible criminal law violations by the Sheriff’s Deputy.

The incomplete, inaccurate and apparently biased NY State Police Collision Reconstruction Report does not provide justice for Mr. Camp, nor constructively serve the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Department, the personnel of that department, or the citizens of Schoharie County.

Recommendations

The New York State Attorney General should open an investigation into this case. The earlier decision to not assume responsibility for the investigation under authority of the Governor’s Executive Order #147 was not justifiable then and is not today. Additionally, the scope of the investigation should be sufficient to encompass the performance of all the involved public officials.

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors must provide greater oversight of the Sheriff’s Department. It might be necessary to establish a citizen review board to assist the Board of Supervisors in this duty. Additionally, it would be constructive for Sheriff Stevens to support and cooperate in this effort.

The failure of the public officials involved to do their best for truth and justice represents a missed opportunity for improved government, and a serious disservice to the citizens of Schoharie County. Democracy requires the rule of law – rules which are accepted and honored by the citizens and equally applied to all regardless of position, prestige or station. In this case, we have failed that ideal.

The full analysis of the collision report can be accessed here .  

For additional reporting on the case see link at left.  WRS