All articles tagged with #police department
Minneapolis is launching a search for a new police chief after Brian O’Hara resigned amid an investigation into alleged interference with a probe of his conduct, including claims he deleted data from his city-issued phone; critics say his renomination showed a lack of accountability, and acting Chief Katie Blackwell will lead as the city seeks interim leadership and policing reforms.
Ron Shinnick, Cohutta’s longtime mayor, resigned after firing the town’s entire police department—a move the council later reversed—citing family health concerns in his resignation letter; the episode involved tensions with his wife, the former town clerk, and officers’ social-media comments, and the council has begun the process of selecting an interim leader as the small Georgia town moves forward.
Cohutta, Georgia's town council reinstated the 10-officer police department and approved back pay after Mayor Ron Shinnick fired the force days earlier, while also barring firings for 30 days and delaying other business. The move followed internal disputes linked to complaints about the mayor’s wife, former town clerk Pam Shinnick, and potential charter violations; Whitfield County deputies will assist during the transition.
The Cohutta Town Council voted to reinstate the Cohutta Police Department after Mayor Ron Shinnick dissolved it, citing municipal charter requirements for 30 days’ notice and a stated reason before terminating an employee. They’re pursuing an emergency ordinance to prevent the mayor from disbanding the department without council action for 30 days, and patrols are to resume with the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office handling calls in the interim. The meeting was tense, with the mayor leaving abruptly as the council moves to stabilize police services.
In Cohutta, Georgia, Mayor Ron Shinnick fired the chief and about 10 officers, dissolving the town’s police department. The town council called a special meeting to discuss reinstating the force and possibly the mayor’s resignation, with no public reasons given. The Whitfield County sheriff’s office offered help if needed, while the mayor cited officers’ social-media posts about his wife as the trigger, as residents seek answers and next steps.
The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigations is looking into an officer-involved shooting in Cedar Rapids, where police responded to a call about a person making suicidal and homicidal statements while armed. The suspect was shot and killed by officers after raising a weapon, and a second caller was also injured. The officers involved have been placed on critical incident leave, and the investigation is ongoing.
Former Pompton Lakes Police Department officer William Pepe alleges that he faced retaliation and discrimination, including a ticket quota, after expressing concerns about department practices. Pepe, the department's only Black officer at the time, claims he was demoted, harassed, and subjected to a hostile work environment, leading to mental health issues and his resignation. He intends to sue for at least $2.5 million in damages, alleging race and disability discrimination, as well as retaliation. The department and borough council deny the allegations.
Lego has requested the Murrieta Police Department in Southern California to stop using their toy heads to cover suspects' faces in photos shared on social media, prompting the department to comply and explore other methods for publishing content. The police department had been using Lego heads to protect suspects' identities in accordance with the law, but the practice drew attention and led to the toy company's request. California legislation prohibits law enforcement from sharing photos of suspects arrested for nonviolent crimes and requires the removal of suspect mugshots from social media after 14 days, unless special circumstances exist.
The entire police force of Ridgely, a small town in Maryland, has been suspended pending an investigation by state prosecutors, leaving residents shocked and concerned about public safety. The lack of transparency from town leaders and law enforcement has frustrated and worried residents, who are also questioning the integrity of those meant to protect and serve. The suspension comes after past controversies, including the involvement of the former police chief in the 2018 death of Anton Black. With the police department temporarily defunct, other public safety agencies have stepped in, but residents fear slower response times and reduced law enforcement presence.
The Murrieta Police Department in California has been using LEGO heads to cover the faces of suspects in their social media posts, in an effort to gain attention and comply with state laws restricting the posting of mugshots. This practice began after the state legislature passed laws preventing law enforcement from posting mugshots on social media, except in certain situations. While some departments continue to post photos of suspects taken during arrests, the Murrieta Police Department has received a request from The LEGO Group to stop using their trademarked images and will comply with the request while finding another way to block suspects' faces in accordance with the law.
A 2-year-old girl died after being hit by a truck in Woodland, California. The police responded to the crash scene and found a black Dodge truck with a 3-year-old inside and a man associated with the vehicle. The family identified the child as Ailahni Sanchez Martinez, and her parents described her as a joyful and beloved member of the family. They were setting up their taco stand when they saw the truck moving backward toward their daughter and are seeking justice for the tragic loss.
Uvalde parents Brett and Nikki Cross are staging a sit-in outside the Uvalde Police Department, demanding the firing or suspension of three officers involved in the failed response to the Robb Elementary School shooting, where their 10-year-old son was killed. This action follows the resignation of the Chief of Police and a controversial report finding that police acted in good faith. The couple vows to continue the sit-in until their demands are met, expressing shattered trust in the police and seeking accountability for the officers' inaction during the tragic event.
Rats infested in the New Orleans Police Department headquarters have been feasting on confiscated marijuana, leaving the city's top cop to warn that "they're all high." The department's headquarters suffer from substandard facilities, including broken air conditioners and elevators, and deplorable conditions dating back to 2008. A proposal to temporarily relocate the police headquarters to a downtown building at a cost of $7.6 million has been put forward, with other criminal justice agencies potentially needing to follow suit.
Rats have infested the New Orleans Police Department's headquarters, breaking into the evidence room and getting high on marijuana, according to Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick. The building also suffers from a cockroach infestation, mold, malfunctioning facilities, and no air conditioning, impacting employee morale. City leaders are considering a new lease for a building across from the Caesars Superdome to address the deteriorating conditions.
New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick informed the city council that rats are consuming marijuana in the department's evidence room, leading to the rodents being "all high." The issue is part of a larger problem with the police headquarters, which also faces plumbing and mold issues. Kirkpatrick highlighted the uncleanliness across all districts and emphasized the negative impact on employee morale. While Louisiana prohibits adult-use cannabis, medical marijuana is legal, and there is growing public support for legalization. Despite this, broader reform efforts have yet to succeed in the state legislature.