But. The Peace Officer Standards and Training Council is comprised of police chiefs, sheriffs and residents from across the state. Johnson resigned as mayor a short time later. A third officer, from Provo police, had his certification revoked for an incident at a Provo school. Two chiefs were on the list. The private sexual conduct of the involved officer either was either criminal, involved domestic abuse, or occurred on job time. (Nate Carlisle | The Salt Lake Tribune) Jeremy Dunn, left, a former police officer in Enoch, addresses a meeting of the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Council on Sept. 25, 2019. In a particularly egregious case, an officer lost his certification for stealing evidence, in this case methamphetamine, which he later ingested. Nominate Someone for a FOX 13 Dream Team Surprise! In a recording of their Sept. 30 meeting, POST announced that Castro had been investigated for allegations of disorderly conduct. Recently, the Utah Supreme Court upheld Bess conviction. To determine if disciplinary action has been taken against a licensee, please see our new Agency & Disciplinary Actions Search which contains scanned files from 2005 to present. He transferred to civilian positions with UPD and then the new Herriman Police Department while his legal case proceeded. SANDY A heated argument between the former police chief of Mantua and the town's former mayor has led the agency that hands out discipline to Utah law enforcers to take minor action. Stephenson said the language of any proposed bill is still being drafted and would include input from law enforcement agencies. Castro was one of 19 officers that the POST council took action against during their latest meeting. More:Moers wants to ditch WeTip hotline, but Hermann's unpaid bill stalling the process The internal email claimed 13 officers, on average, failed to meet the minimum standard each month across EPD's East Sector. Utah Valley University: Jake Hardee, one-year suspension for false information on an employment application. According to the POST investigation, during the meeting with the mayor, Castro told him that firing him would be a "huge mistake" and that it would come back to "bite the mayor in the ass." Cleveland Director of Public Safety Karrie Howard's decision to remove police officers' names and badge numbers from internal department bulletins that detail discipline cases has prompted new questions about the level of transparency required for a department under federal oversight. Joshua Hardman, an unemployed police officer, was given a 1-year suspension for impersonating a police officer in an incident involving equipment that had been towed. of Corrections officer, whom POST said was involved in a domestic violence incident, was given a 2-year suspension; Jerald Bradford, a former San Juan County Sheriff's deputy whom POST said had sex while on duty in the back of a patrol car, was given a 2-year suspension; Janea Vandehei, a former Box Elder County Sheriff's deputy, who was given a 3-year suspension for a domestic violence incident. Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. n49 In November 2000, the U.S. Civil Rights Commission wrote that police misconduct remains an incessant problem in the United States, and the failure to wipe out abuse and brutality requires wholesale . State officials request to refrain from gathering in large groups didnt stop police regulators from doling out discipline on Thursday. "I think they will find that they sort of manipulated . A report to the council Wednesday said Zilles admitted to taking Ambien and Benadryl. Yeah, kinda skipped over this one, huh? Department Policies. Terry Thomas had already resigned as a police officer when he was charged with voyeurism. At its quarterly meeting here on Wednesday, POST Council members heard from many of the officers facing discipline. Questions regarding disciplinary newsletters may be directed to Carol at (801) 530-6626 or Kim at (801) 530-6088. Utahs police certifying agency disciplined police officers and talked about the coronavirus at its meeting Thursday. One peace officer had his certification revoked after taking city owned equipment and allegedly selling it as scrap metal. A meeting with former Mayor Michael Johnson and a Mantua councilwoman became heated to the point that Castro could be heard yelling at the mayor, according to the POST report. I saw her as an eminent threat and I made the best decision I could," he cried as he spoke to the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Council. The council meets quarterly to, in part, review allegations of misconduct by officers and hand down discipline. On Sept. 30, members of Peace Officer Standards and Training voted to suspend former Mantua Police Chief Michael F. Castro's law enforcement certification for three months. I humbly ask POST Council to allow me to serve and protect in Utah as law enforcement again.. Nicholas Riggs, a former Unified police officer, claimed his credit card had been used fraudulently, even though he knew his wife had actually used it, and he was involved in a DUI, hit-and-run accident while off-duty. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. Lexington police say officers were dispatched to reports of a wrong way driver. Maj. Scott Stephenson, the director of POST, also presented a proposal to the council for officers to be certified in community outreach. All law enforcers in Utah are required to be certified by the Division of Peace Officer Standards and Training. SANDY Nine police officers in Utah faced discipline for allegations of misconduct Wednesday. What's on City-Data.com. . The process for reporting crimes and emergencies is set forth in University Procedure P1-011A accompanying this Policy. The trooper resigned in May 2020 in lieu of being fired. ST. GEORGE -- The agency that certifies and disciplines all police officers in Utah handed out warnings, suspensions and revocations to 16 officers for various misdeeds. Ive let you down. The council suspended Dunn's police certification for four years for shooting a woman in the knee. John Crowley, a council representative for the Utah Peace Officers Association, motioned to give Dunn a four-year suspension. The officer called the principal and threatened to file a complaint if the principal did not contact Provo police, according to POST. archived form does not constitute a republication of the story. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. But the council composed of police chiefs, sheriffs and other representatives of Utah law enforcement elected to impose the 3 1/2-year suspension on Durr, and discipline 12 other current or former peace officers. Basic Training & Prospective Officers In-Service & Training Programs Law Enforcement Employment Opportunities About POST Investigations & POST Complaint Process Satellite Academies Publications and Documents POST Council POST User Fee Schedule Contact POST Click here to view the required course information and how to report the training. The officer's younger brother had allegedly been bullied at the school. Utah Code 53-6-211(1) gives the POST council the right to suspend or revoke the certification of a peace officer if he or she commits certain acts, or engages in certain practices. The case that received the most debate was that of Enoch Police Cpl. That discipline can range from a letter of condemnation to revoking an officer's certification. More than two dozen Utah police officers were disciplined on Wednesday, September 21 at a quarterly meeting of the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST). Criminal investigations were initiated in nearly 40% of the cases. Thompson is scheduled to appear before the Evansville Police Merit Commission Jan. 23 to appeal charges of insubordination and neglect of duty. "To minimize the damage to her and life, the preservation of life, was my priority. This page provides an alphabetical list of three types of documents: Department policies that have been deemed public; regulations that the Department is required by statute to make available to the general public; and protocols that guide the Department's operations. Brittney Bryan, a former corrections officer, had her certification revoked for possession of a controlled substance and open container related to a fatal crash in 2018. They contended he swore at them and didnt identify himself as a police officer until they threatened to call 911. Payne, a Utah police officer who was caught on video roughly handcuffing a nurse because she refused to allow a blood draw, was fired Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017. The violations covered at Wednesdays meeting ranged from minor infractions to serious criminal offenses like DUI and in several cases, officers were stripped of their badges. Two of the officers before the Council had their certifications revoked for incidents involving off duty assaults, one for attacking another man at a social gathering and the other for choking a four-year-old child entrusted to his care at the time. Overson Law, PLLC136 E S Temple, #1530Salt Lake City, UT 84111. He received only a three year suspension. That was the only time I've ever used marijuana and I don't know how to describe smoking or inhaling it.". Stephenson's plan was met with some mixed reaction from the chiefs and sheriffs who serve on the council. Castro, who was hired as chief just eight months earlier, was allegedly being pressured to have his officers write more speeding tickets to help with shortfalls in the town's budget. For example, under Utah Code 53-6-211(1)(c), an officer can be suspended from the force, regardless of which town or citys police department they work for, if they are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Galen Bret Allred, a member of the Iron County Sheriffs Office, who used Sheriffs Office funds to buy more than 90 gallons of fuel. Do not to consent to anything or make any statements to police until you have contacted us first. At its quarterly meeting, the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Council voted for various punishment ranging from a letter of warning to revocation of officers badges. On Wednesday, the POST council invoked its authority to take disciplinary measures against 28 officers just a small portion of the officers waiting to be disciplined in a backlog that stretches back to 2013. Zilles was found to be driving under the influence of Ambien and Benadryl. He denied ever showing the car his badge, but the people in the other vehicle said he did. Bess was duck hunting in Box Elder County when three shotgun blasts were suddenly fired in the direction of Bess and his group. To view disciplinary action taken within a specific time period, please select NEWSLETTERS in the side menu. A third officer, from Provo police, had his certification revoked for an incident at a Provo school. Schwartz says although Houston police officers killed more people and were disciplined more often than Philadelphia police, plaintiffs in Philadelphia filed 10 times more lawsuits and were. Director Scott Stephenson told the Peace Officer Standard and. One of the most important functions of the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council is to consider disciplinary cases against Utah police officers. To determine if disciplinary action has been taken against a licensee, please see our new Agency & Disciplinary Actions Search which contains scanned files from 2005 to present. James Houghtalen, with the Utah Constable Services, had his license revoked for lying about an incident where he flashed his badge at a passing vehicle and told them to slow down and that he was watching them. Bess had to serve two days in jail as well as pay fines and attend community service and anger-management training. Police officers are human beings, and it is unrealistic to expect them to be perfect. Dunn, who has been on leave for 15 months, admitted he did not follow division guidelines, which instruct officers to aim for the largest body mass when using deadly force such a suspects chest or head and not a knee. "What should be (reported), what should be handled internally.". During its quarterly meeting on Sept. 25, Peace Officer Standards and Training Council members voted on the certification status of more than two dozen law enforcers, a third of whom had their certifications revoked. Criminal charges. And for those who are just beginning the certification process, Stephenson said they have shifted all of the coursework online but social distancing means only so many can take the physical tests at the same time. Jerred Loftus was already on suspension when he ran into a group of teens while walking on a trail in Saratoga Springs and demanded to see their green cards, accusing them of being illegal aliens and threatening to kill them. All rights reserved. All Rights Reserved, Why 19 Utah police officers, including a former chief, were disciplined by oversight council, Johnson resigned as mayor a short time later, new training guidelines for use of force and police K-9 certification, Grit and circumstance: Bestselling author Angela Duckworth brings her wisdom to BYU, Resolution to nix educations income tax earmark passes the Utah Senate, The starter home in Utah is extinct: How first-time homebuyers could get 20K for new homes. "I think there's going to be some concerns on guidelines," said Kane County Sheriff Lamont Smith. I strive to live my life with integrity. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) Two more Memphis police officers have been disciplined and three emergency responders fired in connection with the death of Tyre Nichols, officials said Monday, widening the circle of punishment for the shocking display of police brutality after video showed many more people failed to help him beyond the five officers The council issued a two-year suspension to Shane Zilles, who was the Mantua police chief when he was arrested earlier this year on suspicion of driving under the influence. In June 2018, Dunn responded to a truck stop in Parowan where officers were trying to arrest car burglary suspects. Ive taken the steps in my personal and professional life and rectify the issues, he said. On Thursday, he maintained that it was a mix-up, and he didnt intend to lie about the hours he worked. Dixie State University, St. George, Utah. A COP who pulled over Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie for a domestic dispute in Utah quit his job more than once and slammed his profession - admitting he often used his own "loopholes" to get people off. The motion passed by a majority vote. The trooper claimed he was overwhelmed with his caseload and when he couldn't remember what cases the phones went to, he tried to sort it out at home, he told the council. A meeting with former Mayor Michael Johnson and a Mantua councilwoman became heated to the point that Castro could be heard yelling at the mayor, according to the POST report. The council gave its approval for Stephenson to continue looking into the idea and coming up with a certification training course. Should Utah police officers be allowed to use medical marijuana? Bess appealed the conviction to the Utah Supreme Court, arguing he had a presumption of innocence because he was a peace officer responding to a danger. Zilles quit the police force and pleaded guilty to a single charge of impaired driving. But I see there are things I could have done better and done differently. If you have been charged with a crime, and officers acted improperly in handling some aspect of your case, you may be able to get evidence collected against you thrown out in court. Learn how your comment data is processed. Other peace officers disciplined Wednesday: Juab County Sheriffs Office: Tyrel Curtis, three-year suspension for false information on an employment application. Steven Kline, a former deputy with the Beaver County Sheriffs Office, whose certification was revoked after POST members alleged that Kline pawned ammunition that was property of the Beaver County Sheriffs Office. Silver Brown, who is currently employed by Brigham Young Universitys police department, had his certification suspended for 3.5 years after regulators say he falsified records by claiming he worked hours that he didnt and then lied about it while employed by the Utah Highway Patrol. The trooper claimed he was overwhelmed with his caseload and when he couldn't remember what cases the phones went to, he tried to sort it out at home, he told the council. Among the police officers disciplined by POST for misconduct are: Christopher Smith, a former [] After a two-day hearing before an administrative law judge as part of the divisions inquiry into the situation, a judge determined the shooting was not within state policy and Dunn had committed aggravated assault. Officers not not employed at the time of the offense but who still had law enforcement certification: Roberto Benvenutto, certification revoked for exploitation of a vulnerable adult; Joshua Hardman, one-year suspension for impersonation of a police officer; Andrew Hatcher, two-year suspension for driving under the influence; Jerred Loftus, certification revoked for threats of violence, impersonating a police officer; Terry Thomas, certification revoked for voyeurism. Evidence must be gathered in accordance with your rights, or be excluded from the case against you. I saw her as an imminent threat, Dunn told the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Council on Wednesday, and I made the best decision I could to minimize the damage to her. minutes. Spurs snap 16-game losing streak by topping uninspired Jazz, Pickleball injuries surge in St. George alongside growing popularity, 'A big deal': How a blighted Salt Lake City lot will become 200 affordable housing units, Supreme Court seems ready to reject student loan forgiveness, Utah social media influencer charged with throwing metal bar stools, wooden play set at boyfriend, Upper Colorado River Basin to suspend downstream releases from Flaming Gorge. Butler was suspended from the force for one year after being convicted of DUI (driving under the influence), which can have severe penalties for anyone who is found guilty. Information on this site shouldn't be taken as legal advice for individual cases or situations. About. Especially so when his agency reviewed his actions and determined that his force was reasonable there simply was no crime here.. But the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Council is also looking at going after police chiefs who fail to report an officer's bad behavior in a timely manner. In a recording of their Sept. 30 meeting, POST announced that Castro had been investigated for allegations of disorderly conduct. Aug 31, 2021 Updated Aug 31, 2021 A JCPS bus loaded with students was involved in a fatal crash on Ballardsville Road about 6:47 a. However, the attorneys office declined to file criminal charges. Dunn was one of 20 officers who received suspensions or had their police powers revoked Wednesday, and one of two suspended for how they used their firearms. David Bingham, a former corrections officer, whose certification was revoked after being accused of forging a superior's signature on time cards that were altered. That discipline can range from a letter of condemnation to revoking an officer's certification. POST is a division of the Department of Public Safety whose role is to impose sanctions on officers who violate Utah's Peace Officers Standards and Training Act. Jeremy Dunn. Utah cops are not infallible, and if they have investigated you for a crime, you need to expose any misconduct that could prove critical to your defense. Jason Elwood, who previously served as a Uintah County Sheriffs Deputy, told the group, I apologize [for] having to appear before you on this incident and I just want to take the time to say I regret my actions. Elwood was suspended for four years after engaging in sexual conduct while on duty one of the violations explicitly banned by the Utah Code. A former Utah Highway Patrol trooper had his certification suspended for a year for mishandling of evidence. Those included West Jordan police officers Tyler Venema and Denise Vincent, who admitted to tearing up a ticket that was written. When he later found those items a coin in one case, and a womans necklace in another in his patrol car, he threw them in the trash. Several Utah Police Officers Disciplined For An Array Of Misconduct When the state threatens you with criminal charges, your due process rights are often the only bulwark between you and a prison cell. Local police officers who were disciplined included former Iron County Jail commander Galen Bret Allred, who had his peace officer certification revoked for allegedly using a county credit. EDUCATION. The Honolulu Police Department suspended or fired 59 officers in 61 cases that span as far back as 2016 . SANDY, Utah -- The agency that certifies and disciplines police officers in Utah handed down punishments to 25 officers facing accusations of misconduct. Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? 20 Utah cops disciplined, including one officer who shot a woman in the knee and one who thought duck hunters shot at him (Nate Carlisle | The Salt Lake Tribune) Jeremy Dunn, left, a former. Christopher Smith, a former Utah Department of Natural Resources officer and part-time Hurricane police officer, received a three year suspension after POST said he engaged in numerous instances of sexual conduct on duty with a fellow employee. And I made the best decision I could to minimize the damage to her and life, the preservation of life was my priority. He claims the school. Get in touch with a criminal defense attorney today to get help uncovering police misconduct and getting tainted evidence thrown out. Smith appeared before the POST Council and apologized. She told the council she was defending herself. Garrett opted not to prosecute Dunn, however, saying the likelihood of conviction was too low. "I feel like I'm a good cop and I love my job.". A heated argument between the former police chief of Mantua and the town's former mayor has led the agency that hands out discipline to Utah law enforcers to take minor action. When police officers overstep their authority, there is often a decline in public confidence that can diminish a department s legitimacy. The Department's investigations most often involve alleged uses of excessive force, but also include sexual misconduct, theft, false arrest, and deliberate indifference to serious medical needs or a substantial risk of harm to a person in custody. Nicolas Riggs, a former Unified police officer, had his certification revoked for communications fraud, DUI and hit and run. The life, the preservation of life, was my priority.. Depending on whether the charges involve simple or aggravated assault, and factors like how seriously the victim was injured, the penalties can range anywhere from six months in jail to 15 years in prison. In other cases reviewed during the meeting, the POST council revoked the certifications of three officers. This archived news story is available His certification was revoked due to allegations of assault dating back to 2014. The council meets quarterly to, in part, review allegations of misconduct by officers and hand down discipline. He had a previous disciplinary history with POST. The intent of these guidelines is to facilitate fairness and consistency. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. Moving forward, I would adhere to POST's training and be more cognizant of every situation I encounter. Two officers, one from Springville police and one from South Salt Lake police, had their law enforcement certifications revoked for domestic violence-related cases, according to POST. All rights reserved. Resolution to remove income tax earmark for education advances, Bill mandating counties to provide homeless shelters, enforce camping laws passes Utah House, Last of 5 teenagers sentenced in murder of 16-year-old Gavin Hone, Protesters disrupt Senate hearing on ERA. Andrew Hatcher, an unemployed officer, was given a 2-year suspension for DUI. After being booked for the assault and intoxication, POST investigators said she was released from jail and went home in violation of a no-contact order. Members of the POST Council asked if there were less-lethal options (Dunn did use a Taser that did not work) and comments he had made that he would "smoke her" if she didn't drop a screwdriver that he said was wielded like a weapon. In Utah, standards for police officers are consolidated under the Peace Officers Standards and Training Act, which is found under Title 53, Chapter 6 of the Utah Code pertaining to public safety. He was investigated for the same offense a few years earlier. The suspension started at the time he was fired in March, meaning his suspension was already over when POST handed down the discipline. With the number of refugees relocating to Utah and with how diverse the state has become, Stephenson said it is important for officers know how to address the needs of everyone who lives in the communities they serve. Martin we,s t'o-d'av reported to be progress, ing most promisingly. He told investigators that he had been injecting himself with the steroids to prepare for a body-building competition. To give another example, Utah Code 53-6-211(1)(f) prohibits any sort of sexual conduct while on duty.. "This has been a very humbling experience. The council was moments away from voting on a motion to revoke Dunns certification, when a substitute motion was brought up to suspend his certification for four years. The mayor was allegedly intimidated and "alarmed" by Castro's behavior, the POST investigation found. A heated argument between the former police chief of Mantua and the town's former mayor has led the agency that hands out discipline to Utah law enforcers to take minor action. POST investigators said he pulled someone over in a traffic stop even though he wasn't a working officer; Kevin Erskine, a former West Bountiful officer, who was given a letter of caution after POST said he admitted to sex while on his lunch break; Mayra Cardenas, a former Ogden police employee whom POST claims admitted to falsifying information on an academy application, was given a 2-year suspension; Christopher Hauser, a police cadet who was given a 2-year suspension for falsifying information on an academy application; Robert Carter, a former Utah Dept. "It's something that I regret and will learn from very much.". The state agency that certifies people to become law enforcers in Utah handed down discipline to 19 current and former officers during it latest meeting. Amber Kay Steele, a former St. George police officer, had her badge revoked after POST alleged she was involved in a domestic violence-related assault. (Nate Carlisle | Tribune file photo) Lance Bess smiles after leaving the Utah Supreme Court on Oct. 12, 2018. Kline was subsequently terminated from his position as a deputy. Call a criminal defense attorney for legal help in exposing police misconduct. But the council opted to follow a recommendation by POST investigators. The court upheld the conviction. POST Executive Director Scott Stephenson told FOX 13 he would ask lawmakers to allow them to seek sanctions against police chiefs and sheriffs who don't report officer misconduct to them in a timely manner. POST Council staff said he confronted the hunters with his handgun. Bradly Johnson, a former corrections employee, was operating a golf cart on prison grounds and joking around, being stupid, he said, when he hit an inmate. The officer then lied about his actions in a police report, according to POST. The POST report found the trooper took evidence home namely cellphones collected in drug investigations rather than booking them into a secured evidence room. All rights reserved. But I see there are things I could have done better and done differently, he said in a recording of the hearing. Some lied about their past drug use while others did not disclose crimes they had committed. He was investigated for the same offense a few years earlier. Roger Hill, formerly with Tooele County Sheriffs Office, was given a 2.5 year suspension after police were called to his home after he had an argument with his wife and they found illegal steroids. He was also charged with falsifying time cards. On Sept. 30, members of Peace Officer Standards and Training voted to suspend former Mantua Police Chief Michael F. Castro's law enforcement certification for three months. Some lied about their past drug use while others did not disclose crimes they had committed. All law enforcers in Utah are required to be certified by the Division of Peace Officer Standards and Training. Roberto Benvenutto, a former employee with the Salt Lake County Sheriffs Office who was criminally convicted of stealing an iPad from a resident at a nursing home where he worked a part-time job. State officials push plan to keep Utah coal-fired power plant burning, Answers vary about whether Washington County will have enough water to accommodate growth, Utahns, Ukrainians rally at state Capitol to mark first anniversary of Russian invasion, most-litigated police misconduct cases in state history. Johnson told the council he was joking around and hit the brakes, but failed to stop in time. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. A Tribune broadcasting station. The POST Council also gave a 2-year suspension to ex-Mantua Police Chief Shane Zilles, who was arrested for DUI earlier this year in his patrol car. The most serious punishment handed down on Wednesday was to former Ogden police officer Dan Oberg, whose badge was revoked by the POST Council after investigators said he admitted to having sex on duty at a police substation and in the back of his patrol car.
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