Posted on 12/31/2013 2:29:17 PM PST by BBell
A Covington police officer who arrested two referees during a high school football game in October, igniting a firestorm of controversy, has been suspended without pay for 10 working days and demoted from lieutenant to sergeant, Police Chief Tim Lentz announced. The officer, Stephen Short, must pass a fitness-for-duty evaluation before he can return to work, Lentz said.
The disciplinary action is effective Monday (Dec. 30). In accordance with Civil Service rules, Short has 15 days to file an appeal to the Civil Service Board.
Lentz and Covington Mayor Mike Cooper said in a joint statement: "When an officer uses poor judgment, it can affect not only those involved in the incident, but also our agency's relationship with the community as a whole. We value greatly the partnership between the citizens of Covington and our police department, and we want our residents to know that we are taking the steps necessary to regain their full confidence."
Lentz said Short violated several departmental policies by his actions on Oct. 11 during the game between Mandeville High and St. Paul's School in Covington.
He failed to seek alternatives to physical arrests and failed to "exercise reasonableness, and failed to consider the surrounding circumstances. By arresting two referees, he brought a terrific high school football game to a halt."
Short violated rules regarding professional conduct and responsibilities, Lentz said. "The arrest of the referees made national headlines and exposed the Police Department to potential liability," Lentz said.
Short also failed to display a working knowledge of laws and ordinances in force in the city and state, as well as procedures and standards of the department, Lentz said.
Short's attorney, Michael Fawer, was not immediately available for comment Monday.
The game officials were arrested on public intimidation charges after one of the referees asked
(Excerpt) Read more at nola.com ...
But no dogs were shot, right?
I guess a requirement for some small town police - is having a low enough IQ.
you can also add to lazy to go out and get a real job ,were you have to sweat a little,like everyone else.
Here’s a bit on the other officer involved and his retirement effective Dec. 31, 2013.
....Long-time Covington Police Capt. Jack West to retire at end of year...
http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2013/12/long-time_covington_police_cap.html
snip
Long-time Covington Police Capt. Jack West filed his retirement paperwork
Wednesday morning, and will retire from the police force effective Dec. 31,
Chief Tim Lentz said. West, a 30-year veteran of the department, will use
vacation time for the remainder of the year, Lentz said.
West was one of two Covington police officials investigated following the arrests
of two referees during a high school football game in October. He also was
placed on paid administrative leave last week after a 12-gauge shotgun
discharged in his office.
end snip
...Covington police captain placed on paid administrative leave after weapon
discharges inside station...
http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2013/12/covington_police_captain_place.html
This dude was a walking time bomb it seems....
Is that why there is no actual information in it about why the officiators were arrested?
Without a working knowledge of the law and procedures how did this guy ever rise to Lieutenant???
Geez. Just suspended? Seems like firing would have been more appropriate.
The statement tip toes around the major issues for which the department will be sued.
These two cops better have liability insurance. Constitutional cases can cost a lot of money, and the officers can be held individually accountable.
“He also was
placed on paid administrative leave last week after a 12-gauge shotgun
discharged in his office.”
Probably woke everybody up!
Anyone violating such rules should not be an officer, period, not demoted.
Maybe he can now take over for the retiring Obamcare website lady.
Desk pop!
If they belong to a union the city, i.e. taxpayer, will be forced to bear ALL
the costs from this incident. Badgemonkeys are almost NEVER forced to
pay the costs related to their criminal conduct. It’s always the taxpayer who
suffers....in more ways than one.
Looks like the bad cop hired himself a New York lawyer who de-camped to Louisiana
The football officials were arrested for contempt of cop.
That sounds like a reasonable interpretation. Most people don’t realize that’s a real crime in most jurisdictions.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.