Shreveport Police Department

www.ci.shreveport.la.us/dept/police/spdnews

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: Aug. 17, 2001

Contact: Kacee Hargrave, Public Information Officer

Internal Affairs concludes investigation

An internal affairs investigation into remarks a citizen claimed a Shreveport police officer made in Shreveport City Court has concluded.

Investigators found no evidence that the officer made any threats toward the citizen or her sister. However, the officer will appear before Police Chief Jim Roberts for a disciplinary hearing regarding a comment he made to a fellow officer in the courtroom.

"According to a statement from another police officer in the

courtroom, there were some statements made by the officer which are out of character for him," Roberts said. "The officer regrets the comment."

The statement came after one of the women was found not guilty of a traffic-related offense. The other woman was in the courtroom as a witness.

Following the hearing, the officer reportedly stated to a co-worker that he hoped they burned in hell for lying in court.

"It’s the responsibility of police officers and everyone associated with a court of law to respect the dignity of the court," Roberts said. "However, there is no evidence to prove the officer specifically threatened anyone."

A date for the disciplinary hearing has not yet been scheduled. If the officer is punished, he could be reprimanded or temporarily suspended.

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