Review Of Modesto P.D. Finds No Evidence Of Illegal Abuse
MODESTO (CBS13) -- The findings of an investigation have been released following allegations of police brutality within the Modesto Police Department.
The city hired outside investigator, Robert Aaronson, to look into police brutality claims made by someone claiming to be inside the force. However, the report says there's no evidence to support those claims, but it does recommend a few changes.
Someone inside the department wrote an anonymous letter claiming cops on the overnight shift were using excessive force and the police chief knew about it--but looked the other way. The report says that's not true.
"Myself and a member of my command staff were condoned in this alleged problematic behavior and I know that's not something we would do," said Modesto Police Department Chief Michael Harden.
The police department usually investigates abuse claims, but this time because the letter names the officers allegedly breaking the rules, the city dished out $75,000 to bring in an outsider, "to make sure it was neutral and bring in someone that didn't have any ties with the department," said Modesto City Attorney Susana Acala.
The investigator didn't just look at the claims outlined in the letter, he looked at all of the uses of excessive force and officer involved shootings, including the killing of Francisco Moran.
The report justifies cops pulling the trigger. Moran's neighbors aren't happy with the findings.
"I don't think they should be using guns and bullets to shoot people," said Jeanie parker, a neighbor.
The investigator found two troubling uses of force, but says neither proved to be illegal. The report didn't elaborate on what those uses of force were. He also recommend that inexperienced officers be mixed in with veterans, suggests officers work on verbally diffusing situations and lastly recommends adding costly cop cameras.
