FAST FACTS:
Omari.Fleming@wreg.com
(Hernando, MS, 3/3/2009) Three of Hernando's top cops have been demoted and are off the job for several days. They've been suspended without pay. All because they went golfing while on the clock.
One of the officers was Assistant Police Chief Shane Ellis. " I did wrong. My parents raised me to take responsibility and that's what I did. I understand the board's position and I'll take the punishment."
For three hours the Hernando City Council held an executive session to decide the fate of Ellis and Lt. Charlie Terry and Lt. Roger Swatzyna. Mayor Chip Johnson wouldn't discuss what happened behind closed door saying, "There were personell issues that were discussed we can't talk about because of state law."
When asked what ultimately lead to the council's decision, Mayor Johnson said, " I think the nail in the coffin was everyone, including the officers, know it was wrong. So the aldermen made the decision on how to correct that."
Assistant Chief Ellis resigned after an investigation into the President's Day golf incident was launched.
After reinstating him, the board demoted him to the rank of lieutenant. Ellis was also suspended without pay for ten days. Lieutenants Terry and Swatzyna were demoted to patrolman status. They're also suspended without pay for sixteen days.
All three officers will also be on probation for a year. Their punishments start Wednesday.
Police Chief Mike Riley says his officers actions were "disappointing." Riley said, "There are thirty officers who weren't here tonight. They're out there doing their job and they just want the respect of the public and trust. And that's what we'll start doing right now."
After the hearing former Assistant Chief Ellis said, I apologize. I apologize to the board of aldermen. I never wanted to bring this type of atmosphere to the city. I promise it won't happen again."
- Three Hernando policemen suspended without pay
- They were suspended for playing golf while on the clock
- All three were demoted
Omari.Fleming@wreg.com
(Hernando, MS, 3/3/2009) Three of Hernando's top cops have been demoted and are off the job for several days. They've been suspended without pay. All because they went golfing while on the clock.
One of the officers was Assistant Police Chief Shane Ellis. " I did wrong. My parents raised me to take responsibility and that's what I did. I understand the board's position and I'll take the punishment."
For three hours the Hernando City Council held an executive session to decide the fate of Ellis and Lt. Charlie Terry and Lt. Roger Swatzyna. Mayor Chip Johnson wouldn't discuss what happened behind closed door saying, "There were personell issues that were discussed we can't talk about because of state law."
When asked what ultimately lead to the council's decision, Mayor Johnson said, " I think the nail in the coffin was everyone, including the officers, know it was wrong. So the aldermen made the decision on how to correct that."
Assistant Chief Ellis resigned after an investigation into the President's Day golf incident was launched.
After reinstating him, the board demoted him to the rank of lieutenant. Ellis was also suspended without pay for ten days. Lieutenants Terry and Swatzyna were demoted to patrolman status. They're also suspended without pay for sixteen days.
All three officers will also be on probation for a year. Their punishments start Wednesday.
Police Chief Mike Riley says his officers actions were "disappointing." Riley said, "There are thirty officers who weren't here tonight. They're out there doing their job and they just want the respect of the public and trust. And that's what we'll start doing right now."
After the hearing former Assistant Chief Ellis said, I apologize. I apologize to the board of aldermen. I never wanted to bring this type of atmosphere to the city. I promise it won't happen again."
