Law Enforcement Experts Discuss Inappropriate Harassment of Elected Official by Police Department

ByJoseph O'Neill

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Updated onDecember 21, 2017

Law Enforcement Experts Discuss Inappropriate  Harassment of Elected Official by Police Department

This case involves a plaintiff, a member of a local police commission, who served as an elected official whose role it was to oversee the policies, budget, and operations of the entire police department. During her term, she frequently came into conflict with the chief of police through her vocal and frequent criticism of the chief’s incompetence and abuse of office. Allegedly, the police chief therefore initiated an extensive investigation of the plaintiff, which culminated in a raid on her house, execution of a search warrant, and her subsequent arrest.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Please briefly describe your experience and familiarity with criminal investigations similar in scope to this case.

2. Are you comfortable opining on best practices for conducting criminal investigations and avoiding conflicts of interest?

Expert Witness Response E-079422

inline imageWhile this case is unique given the parties and relationships involved, it would still require the same investigative integrity as any other investigation. Moreover, it arguably should even rise to a higher level of scrutiny as one could foresee the potential conflict here. I was a police officer for 27 years of which approximately 20 were dedicated to the investigation and supervision of sensitive and complex criminal investigations. Up until my retirement, I was the investigative bureau commander overseeing the entire investigations operation. I have personally conducted, or have been involved in hundreds of criminal and internal affairs investigations as well as those involving high profile community members, involving a county supervisor and fellow law enforcement officials. I am fully comfortable with, and capable of, offering my opinion regarding best practices for conducting criminal investigations and avoiding conflicts of interest. I have reviewed and conducted criminal investigations, and I am completely aware of accepted practices for conducting criminal investigations and avoiding conflicts of interest. Several of these cases involved very high profile and sensitive matter related to officer-involved shootings. Others consisted of internal affairs investigations including one at the federal level.

About the author

Joseph O'Neill

Joseph O'Neill

Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.

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