UA Agent Charged with Disorderly Conduct
#31
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SFO South Bay
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 3,052
Is it just me, or does this sound alot like the "I apologize for having to re-accommodate these customers" from United for David Dao? Not trying to equate them, but just had to laugh at that language.
#32
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: NYC: UA 1K, DL Platinum, AAirpass, Avis PC
Posts: 4,599
Something went south before the passenger got to the podium.
It doesn't change use of the language, but it appears it wasn't a situation where 'irate but otherwise abiding customer came up to podium and stressed agent flipped out.' Sounds like the passenger defied boundaries before getting into the terminal.
#33
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 27
OT but actually, Chicago Department of Aviation Police (Aviation Police) were required to be trained by the Chicago Police Academy or the Cook County Sheriff’s Training Academy and sworn in as law enforcement officers by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. They didn't carry weapons but otherwise had full police powers. It's always amazed me that the city was pretty much successful in getting away from the 'police brutality' tag by characterizing the Aviation Police as security.
Following Dao, the City saught to bury/reverse this practice and strip police powers, presumably in an effort to shield the political forces (who were catching hell due to a variety of CPD excessive force incidents and torture and alleged murders) from further scrutiny.
On topic
This would seem to indicate that UA is pursuing termination and is not really interested in investigating.
Following Dao, the City saught to bury/reverse this practice and strip police powers, presumably in an effort to shield the political forces (who were catching hell due to a variety of CPD excessive force incidents and torture and alleged murders) from further scrutiny.
On topic
This would seem to indicate that UA is pursuing termination and is not really interested in investigating.
Last edited by Walter B Kasmer; Apr 25, 2019 at 6:19 am
#34
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2006
Location: DTW, but drive to/from YYZ/ORD
Programs: Chase Ultimate Rewards 2MM, Diner Club points
Posts: 31,895
Yes ... witness testimony is the basis for lots of criminal cases. back in the day, people didn't have smartphones out everywhere
#35
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: 6 year GS, now 2MM Jeff-ugee, *wood LTPlt, SkyPeso PLT
Posts: 6,526
Probably is the basis for 95% of criminal prosecutions. Almost all offenses are someone seeing/hearing something. The articles all say "several" witnesses - meaning more than two - confirm the victim's (using the criminal term) account. It is highly, highly unlikely that the police arrest on a "he said, she said" situation, so it really comes down to "do you believe the United Airline employee, or several witnesses." I, and the police appear to be going with several (at least two) witnesses accounts. YMMV.
#36
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Somewhere between BHX and HUY
Programs: Flying Blue Plat, Eurobonus Silver, ALL Gold
Posts: 1,673
I have no doubt that there are 2 sides to this story and that the race card drawing pax had been pulling some weird act before things escalated.
But, in this day and age, you just cannot, under any circumstance whatsoever, utter the word "monkey" at someone. No matter your lack of racial intentions, you have to be naive to ignore that it is used by many an idiot as a racist jab. And so, as the world around us change, it is not the innocent expression used in our childhood anymore.
But, in this day and age, you just cannot, under any circumstance whatsoever, utter the word "monkey" at someone. No matter your lack of racial intentions, you have to be naive to ignore that it is used by many an idiot as a racist jab. And so, as the world around us change, it is not the innocent expression used in our childhood anymore.
#37
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 4,094
Probably is the basis for 95% of criminal prosecutions. Almost all offenses are someone seeing/hearing something. The articles all say "several" witnesses - meaning more than two - confirm the victim's (using the criminal term) account. It is highly, highly unlikely that the police arrest on a "he said, she said" situation, so it really comes down to "do you believe the United Airline employee, or several witnesses." I, and the police appear to be going with several (at least two) witnesses accounts. YMMV.
#39
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: 6 year GS, now 2MM Jeff-ugee, *wood LTPlt, SkyPeso PLT
Posts: 6,526
Several witnesses, as was just suggested doubtlessly interviewed separately and checked to make sure they are not connected to the victim, and a criminal charge. What was said was not a game of paddy cake.
#40
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM
Posts: 6,340
In that case we will need a LOT more police...
#42
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 38
Hughes had gotten off the plane to see whether bags were being unloaded onto the tarmac after her flight to George Bush Intercontinental Airport when Davano started yelling at her to come back inside, Smith said.
Davano told officers that she did tell Hughes to "stop making monkey shines," but she denied telling her to "stop making monkey faces,"
#44
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 51
I am confused about something with regards to this thread/case. Why are we talking about something that happened 2 months ago that was printed in a UK newspaper a couple days ago?
If there is anyone who lives in Houston, please let us know if this story was in the media in February. It seems to me we have a private dispute between two people, one of them working for UA, who had a serious communication problem. One thing leads to another, and now a UK newspaper gets another chance for a bunch of clicks on their site while making the US and UA look like a bunch of racists/Nazi types. And in the end nobody cares other than the offended person and the UA employee who will get fired, fined, and get a criminal record for the rest of their life because of it.
Nobody wins in this, whether it's the victim or the employee.
If there is anyone who lives in Houston, please let us know if this story was in the media in February. It seems to me we have a private dispute between two people, one of them working for UA, who had a serious communication problem. One thing leads to another, and now a UK newspaper gets another chance for a bunch of clicks on their site while making the US and UA look like a bunch of racists/Nazi types. And in the end nobody cares other than the offended person and the UA employee who will get fired, fined, and get a criminal record for the rest of their life because of it.
Nobody wins in this, whether it's the victim or the employee.
Last edited by jkumpire; Apr 26, 2019 at 9:44 am Reason: hit enter key too soon.
#45
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Palm Beach/ New England
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, DL GM, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 4,382
You’re assuming the GA said what she’s accused of saying. None of the police were there to hear it. They issued the citation based on the witnesses’ testimony (which frankly amazes me - the only basis was some people said she did it?).
I tend to side with the GA. “Monkey shining” I’ve said myself, although only to or about children.
”Shining monkey”? Really?? I find it far easier to believe that the accuser and witnesses misunderstood the GA.
I would not want that employee representing my company, but I don't believe it is criminal.