Chief Tim Lentz reports that the investigation and disciplinary action surrounding the events that took place with the arrest of two referees has concluded from a Police Department standpoint.
On October 11th, Lt. Steven Short arrested two referees at a high school football game. The event has been widely reported in the media. Chief Tim Lentz was sworn into office on October 15th, and started his first official day of work on October 16th.
In accordance to Civil Service Guidelines, on October 25th, Chief Tim Lentz notified Lt. Short in writing that an investigation would be conducted into his actions on the night of October 11th. Civil Service rules required that the investigation be completed within 60 days. After notification was given to Lt. Short that he was being investigated, Chief Lentz sent him an official request to set up a time to be interviewed as to his role in the incident. Laws require that he be allowed 30 days to set up an interview to afford him opportunity to obtain a representative or an attorney. On November 21st Chief Lentz had his first opportunity to interview Lt. Short in the company of his attorney. Chief Lentz gathered his information from the interview and continued to interview other witnesses to the event. On December 9th, Chief Lentz completed his investigation into the event and provided Lt. Short with a Notice of Pre-Disciplinary Hearing. That hearing finally took place on Decem ber 24th, 2013. (Lt. Short’s attorney was tied up in a trial in Baton Rouge, delaying the hearing)
The purpose of a pre-disciplinary hearing is to allow the officer an opportunity to present their side of the argument and present reasons why we should not take action again him /her. At this hearing, on the advice of his attorney, Lt. Short opted not to defend his actions.
As a result of the investigation, Lt. Short declining to present an argument at his pre-disciplinary hearing, Chief Lentz determined that Lt. Short violated four different departmental policies the night of October 11th. Those policy violations are:
1.2.3.01 Officers of the Covington Police Department, when attempting to resolve various types of problems which they respond, are encouraged to seek alternatives to physical arrest when no hazards to the community, victim or suspect will result. The night of the incident, Lt. Short failed to seek any alternatives. The referees posed no risk to the officers.
1.2.3.02 As outlined in Standard 1.2.2 officers of this department are allowed the use of discretion within the guidelines of Department standards, statutory case law, and to some extent prevailing community standards. The night of the incident, Lt. Short 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.
26.1.1.02 Professional conduct and Responsibilities (3) Unbecoming Conduct: At no time shall employees conduct them selves in such a manner as to bring discredit upon the department or impair the effective operations of the department. The arrest of the referees made national headlines and exposed the Police Department to potential liability. His actions have brought out television news stories about his past behavior, subpoenas for his files, and daily phone calls from the media about his actions.
26.1.1.02 Professional Conduct and Responsibilities (5) Knowledge of Law and Rules: Employees are to be familiar with and maintain a working knowledge of laws and ordinances in force in the city and state, orders, procedures, and standards of the department. The night of the arrest, Lt. Short did not know what the proper charge was to charge the referees with. We also feel that the charge is inappropriate. He filled out his probable cause sheet incorrectly stating that the charge was a misdemeanor when actually it is a felony.
Policy states that disciplinary action taken shall be determined by the seriousness of the violation or the extent of injury to the victim. It shall be commensurate with the circumstances surrounding the incident and inconsideration of the officer’s service record and prior sustained complaints. With this in mind, effective today, Lt. Stephen Short is suspended without pay for 10 working days. He is additionally demoted to the rank of Sergeant, and before he is returned to work, must pass a fitness for duty evaluation. In accordance to Civil Service rules, he has 15 days from today to file an appeal to the Civil Service Board.
Mayor Mike Cooper and Chief Lentz issued a joint statement regarding this matter:
“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.”
