An independent investigator for the city has found “that there is insufficient evidence to conclude” that allegations of favoritism and disparate treatment of officers exists in
That’s one of the findings of a report released today by the city by independent investigator the city hired to probe allegations by two officers that sought to protect his son, , against allegations that he mistreated and assaulted suspects. You can find the report, as well as other reports on the police department, here.
Attorney Timothy V. Daily, the investigator, additionally determined in the report that Cossette did not use excessive force against a department prisoner.
The investigation was commissioned by the city after two of its officers, , filed a complaint accusing the chief of failing to discipline or investigate complaints that his son mistreated prisoners and abused his position as an officer.
lead the press conference in City Hall on Friday and released the report to the media and about a dozen members of the public who turned out to hear the findings.
Also present was , who said he is relieved by the report’s findings and gratified that the city can now move forward “with what we do best,” serving the city and the public.
The beleaguered department, however, has not heard the last of the issue. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has also reportedly undertaken its own investigation of the complaints and suspects who were arrested by the younger Cossette have filed lawsuits alleging excessive use of force.
Last year a department surveillance video surfaced showing Officer Cossette striking a handcuffed prisoner, who fell after being hit by the officer and was knocked unconscious. Though later reports said the prisoner suffered a fractured skull from that incident, Kendzior said Friday those reports were untrue.
Kendzior, meanwhile, said during the press conference that the city will review its nepotism and other policies and may impose a ban on the hiring of any new police officers who are related to existing department personnel.
Kendzior said such a policy would buck a long-standing law enforcement tradition of multi-generational police service, but said it may be necessary.
“We have learned here just how vulnerable those relatives can be of misrepresentation.”
