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 ...
They should have arrested Roger Goodell.
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