CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Police Department found no basis for several claims of police indifference, disrespect and hostility toward bystanders, according to Chief Tony Taylor.
Investigations of three women's claims following a Jan. 24 incident included reviewing multiple videos of incident scenes and interviewing Crestview officers, residents and other law enforcement agencies.
Taylor says the women’s assertions and the department’s subsequent investigations centered on these issues:
•Alleged assault during the service of an arrest warrant: “There were several agencies there that night. The officer who she claimed assaulted her by tapping her on the shoulder was not a Crestview Police officer,” Taylor said during Monday's City Council meeting.
•Alleged excessive force: Taylor said review of video from the scene of the event revealed no excessive force used.
•Alleged use of a racial slur by a police officer: “We looked at the videos and we did not hear that phrase used,” Taylor said.
•Complaints about media releases of an event: “We do not control the media,” Taylor said. “I respect the media’s right to report.”
•A supposedly ignored email sent to Taylor: Investigation found the complainant entered the email address incorrectly. Taylor said he gave the woman his correct address, received the email and is gathering information for a response.
•Complaint of a search warrant's execution: Taylor said he shared with the complainant the agency’s standards and procedures for serving warrants. In this case, the subject was known to be violent, so a safety perimeter was established.
An investigation showed several residents tried to break through the perimeter, Taylor said.
While some had to be physically removed after refusing officers’ commands, review of videos showed no excessive force was used.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Police chief: claims of hostility, disrespect unfounded