Funviralpark A Tampa police officer was fired after dragging a woman to the ground after her arrest, the agency said in a statement.
The Tampa Police Department fired officer Gregory Damon following an internal investigation that determined he violated multiple departmental policies in placing a suspect in Orient Road Jail on November 17.
“Professionalism is not only expected but demanded whenever our officers encounter members of the public, regardless of whether the arrestee is uncooperative or an unsavory reward. Law Enforcement Officers As such, we are held to a higher standard,” said Interim Police Chief Lee Barcoe.
Body camera footage and surveillance footage captured the incident.
Tampa PD
Tampa police responded to a call regarding an individual sleeping outside the Tampa Family Health Center who refused to leave despite requests from employees, officials said.
Officers arrested a woman who had received a warning for trespassing on the same property the previous month.
The woman refused to get out of the patrol car and told the police to “draw her out.”
“Damon grabbed the person’s arm, dragged her out of the car to the prison entrance, rang the doorway, and had two deputies come outside to lift the individual off the ground and begin the prison containment process. the department said in a statement.
It went on to say, “Rather than remaining professional, Damon himself made rude and derogatory comments about his arrestees.”
An internal investigation found that Damon had violated department policies related to search, transport, response to resistance, treatment of people in custody, standards of conduct, and more.
In 2013, Tampa revised its policy on treating uncooperative people following similar incidents, according to the agency.
“It is never good practice to drag an uncooperative individual, instead, the correct procedure is to ask the reservation staff for assistance.”
Detention agents will need to help lift someone from the transport vehicle, secure them in a restraint chair, and roll them into the intake area, the agency said.
The Tampa Police Department fired Officer Gregory Damon after an internal investigation determined he violated multiple police department policies when booking inmates at Orient Road Jail on November 17.
Tampa PD
“This ex-cop’s behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in this department.Therefore, we have launched an internal investigation, removed him from office, and are moving swiftly to ultimately terminate his employment.” We responded,” the department said in a statement.
Damon did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request for comment.
According to the organization, Damon is not being represented by the Tampa Police Charitable Association in this matter.
