By Chief Gordon Ellis
Heath (OH) Police Department

In 1997, a complaint of excessive force was lodged against an officer of our agency involving a mentally challenged young man. A thorough investigation of the complaint was conducted in accordance with departmental policy that was developed as a result of the self-assessment phase of the accreditation process. The results of the investigation revealed no misconduct or violation of department policy on the part of any officer involved in the incident. We did however, identify the need for some training in the area of handling of persons with special needs such as these and conducted the training at the biannual department meeting.

Although the complainant had been kept informed throughout the investigation and had been informed of the findings, he was not happy. In June of 1997, the Ohio Civil Rights League contacted us in relation to the complaint. They were provided a copy of the Internal Affairs policy, as well as a copy of the investigation and report. They were also informed that we had just undergone an audit by CALEA in which our policy was reviewed thoroughly and found to be in compliance with the prescribed standard.

Within a very short period, we were contacted by the Ohio Civil Rights League and informed that our actions had been appropriate and that they would not support the complainant in civil litigation against our agency.

It is apparent that our affiliation with CALEA and the policies and procedures developed as a result of the self-assessment process prevented civil action being brought against the officers and the agency.