The Police Complaints and Use of Force Citizens Review Panel disciplined three Chandler police officers from cases that turned sour after officers failed to use force when necessary.
The first incident involved Detective Shellum from the Criminal Apprehension Unit and three subjects in a domestic dispute. One of the suspects walked away after Detective Shellum attempted to contact them. Detective Shellum then radioed for backup, while he was speaking with the two subjects on the scene, the other suspect re-appeared and tried to contact Detective Shellum. The suspect was taken into custody and charged with Criminal Littering and Obstruction a Police Officer, according to the report.
The review board saw the first incident as a low level criminal activity and desired to have the detective receive additional training.
The second incident involved a suspect threatening an apartment complex with a firearm. Officers were dispatched to the scene, but the subject fled on foot. The officers apprehended the suspect after a foot chase and struggled to get him handcuffed. The security guard later learned that the suspect had pointed a dark beer bottle at him and did not wish to prosecute for the offense. The suspect was therefore released without charge, according to the report.
In the second incident the review board instructed Training Sergeant Hancock to meet with the involved sergeant and officer in order to reiterate the need for officers to charge an offense whenever force is used.
The third incident involved Officer Sloboda who was working in an undercover capacity at Dos Gringo’s bar when he came upon an injured subject. The female suspect began interfering with the police officers. The officer told the suspect to leave the location, but she refused to do so. Officer Sloboda stuck his arm out to move her back but she approached even more aggressively. He then delivered an impact push that landed her on the ground. The suspect was arrested when she returned to interfere with the paramedics and officers at the scene, according to the report.
The review board argued in the third incident that the suspect should have been arrested when the officer first utilized force.
“The panel reviews all police shootings and police incidents when direct physical force by the police results in serious physical injury or death. The panel also reviews the findings of the department’s investigation of unsustained, unfounded or exonerated citizen complaints, when that citizen requests a review of the Police Departments findings,” according to the Chandler Police Complaints and Use of Force Citizen’s Review Panel.
The panel acts in an advisory capacity to the Chief of Police. The panel may also make recommendations concerning training programs, revisions of policies or procedures, commendable actions, preventative or corrective measures except for employee discipline and community concerns regarding police action and procedures.
In a phone interview with Detective Chad Ecalona, he said, “We are working on establishing community service and foundations with future business in Chandler to help serve and support the people.
“The City of Chandler Police Department and The Citizen’s Use of Force Board is always working in the best interest of the people,” said Ecalona.
