Posted on 12/16/2005 7:49:55 AM PST by SmithL
Although the officers have returned to work, they still could face disciplinary action for the video scandal, said Police Chief Heather Fong.
"It will be premature to speculate on what will happen," Fong said. "There is an active administrative investigation that continues in spite of the officers being returned to duty."
Fong, who along with Mayor Gavin Newsom announced the suspensions at a news conference Dec. 7, said then that the videos represented "egregious, shameful and despicable acts" by her officers.
"This is a dark day -- an extremely dark day -- in the history of the San Francisco Police Department," Fong said at the time.
On Thursday, Fong held a much more subdued news conference to say the suspensions had been lifted but that the investigation continues. Newsom did not attend the news conference and could not be reached for comment.
"This is a serious matter that came to the department's attention,'' she said of the case.
All 24 officers were returned to duty after they attended hearings this week in which they individually met with department brass. Under department rules, officers have a right to a back-to-work hearing within five days of suspension. The chief then decides whether to allow the officer back to work.
Fong did not explain why the officers, who had been suspended without pay, were returned to work pending the investigation.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
"This is a dark day -- an extremely dark day -- in the history of the San Francisco Police Department," Fong said at the time.
No, Heather. The "dark day" was the day when you were appointed to the department.
I am glad to see the officers getting reinstated. With a leader like this the moral must be very high. /s
I have heard from FReepers close to the Department that Chief Fong has a reputation for being one of the Good Guys. If so, that reputation has taken a battering over this video fiasco.
Nevertheless, morale is low, and a lot of cops have voted with their feet. Just a few weeks ago Heather announced a major recruitment drive with a goal of hiring 750 new Officers during each of the next three years. THEN she kicked 20 cops off the force for almost two weeks. I think she needs a new recruiting strategy.
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