Office of the Mayor
City & County Bldg. #306
451 South State St.
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Dear Mr. Ortega --

This, regarding the incident (Case # 99-0015-2) that occurred on March 11, 9999. Thank you kindly for your reply dated May 12, 1999.

I disagree with your evaluation regarding what I think was an unprofessional contact of your officer, Mrs. Levalasai Uesele.

Mrs. Uesele was unprofessional and unresponsive to the very few questions that I asked during our contact. She did not even exit her police car, preferring instead to ambiguously motion me over to her -- with a hand gesture – in the dark, through the passenger side window of her police car. I believe this was unprofessional. In My opinion, and as has been born out by your findings regarding the improper towing, Mrs. Uesele’s actions counter normal procedure, Mr. Ortega.

Mrs. Uesele’s actions regarding demeanor, and the towing, go against the Salt Lake City’s stated objective on its web page: "The Salt Lake City Police Department is committed to maintaining the highest professionalism of its officers. Chief Ruben B. Ortega realizes that the integrity of the Police Department depends on the personal integrity of each employee."

Mrs. Uesele inquired repeatedly as to the location of my employer. This is irrelevant to the situation. Mrs. Uesele had "pulled me over" only because I had forgotten to renew my car’s mechanical inspection and tax records. Her insistence to know where I work (or if I have a job) has no bearing whatsoever on the matter. In fact, as I was leaving the scene, she decided to tow my car only after I asked, "Why do you ask where I am employed?" And you agree in your letter to me that the towing was improper.

There exists at least one witness to this event.

My car was improperly towed, as you admit. Furthermore, I believe it was towed from a place that is outside of Salt Lake City’s jurisdiction because my vehicle was removed from property owned by the State of Utah – not public property. I made Mrs. Uesele aware of that by pointing out my car’s State Parking Identification tag.

Lieutenant Steve Diamond (801/799-3351) of your Internal affairs office told me by telephone that Mrs. Uesele received a letter of reprimand in her personnel file as a matter of this action. I hereby request to see a copy of this letter of reprimand and additional evidence that it is attached to her personnel file record.

I request to know if Mrs. Uesele has or will attempt to appeal the sustained part of my complaint – the "Improper vehicle Impound".

I had been led to believe by your internal affairs Lt., Steve Diamond that I would be present at the interview that results from my complaint. Unfortunately I was not given this opportunity to appear – you decided the matter before I could offer more information about the it. You must refer to your voice recording of my conversation with Lt. Diamond to judge the veracity of my claim, then let me know that you have done this.

The firm which towed my car to its impound lot is "Little John’s Towing (801/264-1231)". It does not have its business license posted on its premises. The owner refused to show it to me. As a taxpayer, I know that this is wrong. Businesses must be properly licensed and they must display evidence of license on their premises.

Further more, my investigations have shown that this is the norm in Salt Lake City! Various other towing companies also do not display their licenses. I request that an investigation of this be made -- of the towing companies with which you contract – and of all others which are in your jurisdiction and area of responsibility.

I request the following, in addition to the above requests:

* Mission/Vision Statement of the Salt Lake City Police

* An informed and authoritative ruling on the propriety of towing vehicles from Utah State property.

* I request that I be informed of the time and place of the next hearing and I tell you that I will have my lawyer present.

* I request of you that you mail to me a copy of the letter of reprimand which Uesele received, as well as a general evaluation of her worth as a police officer.

* Because you sustained my complaint regarding the improper towing, I would like to know the explanation why you have not made this right. You know I have sustained financial damage. I request restitution and full repayment of the expense I incurred because of the improper towing. You must also add the cost of the time I had to take off work, eight hours, en toto, to resolve the matter (documentation is available upon request).

* I ask that you cite "Little John’s Towing" company, and see that in the future it posts its business license as is required by law.

* I request that this letter be attached to officer Uesele’s personnel file.

I am not satisfied with the decision of the Police Department and thus request a review by the Civilian Review Board and by a higher authority as is permitted and appropriate.

I request to be informed of the status and disposition of all points mentioned, and as may develop in future -- as soon as possible.

I request a written estimate of when each item will be disposed.

If this is deemed impractical, I request written communication as to the reason(s). My future communication with you will also be in writing.

I request immediate and full payment for my damages due to the improper towing. You may call me by telephone to appraise me of your findings, but I also request that everything be communicated to me in writing.

Best regards,