DC Police Chief Lanier Slams Officer; MPD Dramatically Changes Tune In Face of 3rd Day of Media

D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier has issued a statement saying in no uncertain terms that Detective Michael Baylor's actions at the snowball fight were inappropriate:

Let me be very clear in stating that I believe the actions of the officer were totally inappropriate! In no way, should he have handled the situation in this manner. We have taken swift action by placing him on non-contact status until all the facts are gathered and discipline is handed down.

See AP, WashPost, and WashPost has posted Lanier's statement itself. Lanier's statement was first posted on the 3rd district listserve, shortly after 11am this morning. Even Fenty is quoted in the stories this afternoon.

MPD would have done itself good PR-wise if it had figured out this plan a day earlier. Instead, it has let the story go on a day further.

Previously:

• "City Paper Identifies Detective at Snowball Fight"
  
• "WaPo Goes A1 with Gun Story -- And An Editor Boasts of the Coverage"
  
• "CNN Now Not Quite Sure Plainclothes Officer Drew His Gun -- Despite Photos"
• "WashPost Relents on Plainclothes Officer Holding Gun. Turns Out a Post Staffer Had Seen it With Own Eyes."
• "WashPost Bit DC Police Claims That Plain-Clothes Officer Never Brandished Gun at Snowfight -- Despite Photos And Admission to Contrary"