Five years ago, members of the Boynton Beach Police Department were involved in a pursuit that resulted in a Boynton Beach Police Officer being struck by the suspect vehicle and rushed to a trauma center in critical condition. The suspects alleged that excessive force was used during their arrest, and two Boynton Beach Police Officers were convicted of violations of federal law.
In May of this year, we were notified that the federal criminal investigation of this matter was officially closed. At that point, we initiated an administrative investigation to determine whether department policies and procedures were breached.
As mentioned, two officers were convicted in federal court, and their employment with the City of Boynton Beach was subsequently terminated. Four other officers separated from the City of Boynton Beach prior to the conclusion of the administrative investigation. Therefore, the investigation assessed the involvement of the remaining department employees. They were interviewed, and where there was a preponderance of evidence of a policy violation, appropriate action was taken.
As we close the chapter on this difficult time in our agency’s history, we look forward with a focus on 21st century training practices, enhanced community policing activities and working twice as hard to be transparent and build stronger relationships with our community. We are committed to serving our community with professionalism, respect, integrity, dedication and excellence.
Read the investigative summary here; https://issuu.com/bbpd/docs/ia_14-040_final
