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North Port Police Department Media Release “Providing for a safe community”
Kevin Vespia Chief of Police Contact: Kevin Vespia Chief of Police [email protected] O:941-429-7301 C:941-628-8127 North Port police officer fired after a 5 month long investigation. NORTH PORT, Fla. – September 4, 2014 After a five month long investigation, Officer Jeff Wilson, a 35-year-old with more than 6 years with the North Port Police Department was found to have violated Department policy and was subsequently fired from the City of North Port. In a complaint filed on March 31, 2014 by Officer Wilson’s girlfriend, police officials learned that Officer Wilson may have acted inappropriately. The complaint alleged Officer Wilson had sexually battered his girlfriend and had sex while on duty. Both a criminal investigation and an internal affairs investigation occurred. “The North Port Police Department does not condone nor tolerate this type of behavior from its officers,” said Chief Kevin Vespia. “I am frustrated and disappointed in the actions of Officer Wilson. I will continue to support the many great things our folks do in our community and will also continue to address employee misconduct and work diligently in restoring the public trust.” In an effort to restore the public trust, the North Port Police Department has taken some proactive steps to include: Hiring an Inspector, who reports directly to the Chief, to perform internal investigations; Requesting outside agencies investigate any allegations that may be criminal in nature; Requesting an analysis be completed by a Washington, DC based company, Center for Public Safety Management, of the entire Department to show what we are doing well and where we can improve based on industry standards throughout the country; Taking the necessary and appropriate disciplinary actions, as allowed by department policy and a collective bargaining agreement, against employees who were proven to have violated department policy. “I certainly understand the public concern relating to the personnel issues this Department has faced this year, but I can assure the citizens of North Port that the police misconduct is not a reflection of the majority of our staff who work hard to keep us safe every day,” Chief Vespia said.
A Florida Law Enforcement Accredited Agency.
North Port Police Department Media Release “Providing for a safe community”
The allegation that Officer Wilson had sexually battered his girlfriend was alleged to have occurred back in February of 2013 and was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) at the request of Chief Kevin Vespia. After a two month long investigation, FDLE determined that there was a lack of evidence to prove a crime was committed. Upon conclusion of the criminal investigation, staff began an internal investigation for violations of Department policies. It was learned that Officer Wilson and the complainant were involved in a relationship that began in 2011. Officer Wilson was married with children during the course of the relationship which was known by the complainant. Investigators were able to prove that on December 17, 2012 and February 19, 2013, Officer Wilson went to the complainant’s apartment while on duty and engaged in sexual acts. Investigator’s spoke with witnesses and obtained City records to show the officer was on duty and at the complainant’s apartment engaging in sexual acts. Officer Wilson was also found to have committed Neglect of Duty on April 14, 2013 by sending and receiving over 140 text messages between himself and the complainant during his assigned shift. Officer Wilson was also present and investigated in March of this year for attending a party that led to an officer’s resignation and another being disciplined. Although Officer Wilson was cleared of any wrongdoing at the party, information was received by the complainant that alleged he had inappropriate conduct dated back to 2011. “Despite the negative media attention received this year, those employees (some former) who have been found to have violated our policies and procedures reflect only 4 percent of the police department staff. The remaining 96 percent of our staff continue to serve our citizens with pride and dedication and are also disappointed in the actions of their fellow employees,” Chief Vespia said.
_____________________________________ Chief Kevin Vespia
A Florida Law Enforcement Accredited Agency.
Kevin Vespia Chief of Police Contact: Kevin Vespia Chief of Police [email protected] O:941-429-7301 C:941-628-8127 North Port police officer fired after a 5 month long investigation. NORTH PORT, Fla. – September 4, 2014 After a five month long investigation, Officer Jeff Wilson, a 35-year-old with more than 6 years with the North Port Police Department was found to have violated Department policy and was subsequently fired from the City of North Port. In a complaint filed on March 31, 2014 by Officer Wilson’s girlfriend, police officials learned that Officer Wilson may have acted inappropriately. The complaint alleged Officer Wilson had sexually battered his girlfriend and had sex while on duty. Both a criminal investigation and an internal affairs investigation occurred. “The North Port Police Department does not condone nor tolerate this type of behavior from its officers,” said Chief Kevin Vespia. “I am frustrated and disappointed in the actions of Officer Wilson. I will continue to support the many great things our folks do in our community and will also continue to address employee misconduct and work diligently in restoring the public trust.” In an effort to restore the public trust, the North Port Police Department has taken some proactive steps to include: Hiring an Inspector, who reports directly to the Chief, to perform internal investigations; Requesting outside agencies investigate any allegations that may be criminal in nature; Requesting an analysis be completed by a Washington, DC based company, Center for Public Safety Management, of the entire Department to show what we are doing well and where we can improve based on industry standards throughout the country; Taking the necessary and appropriate disciplinary actions, as allowed by department policy and a collective bargaining agreement, against employees who were proven to have violated department policy. “I certainly understand the public concern relating to the personnel issues this Department has faced this year, but I can assure the citizens of North Port that the police misconduct is not a reflection of the majority of our staff who work hard to keep us safe every day,” Chief Vespia said.
A Florida Law Enforcement Accredited Agency.
North Port Police Department Media Release “Providing for a safe community”
The allegation that Officer Wilson had sexually battered his girlfriend was alleged to have occurred back in February of 2013 and was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) at the request of Chief Kevin Vespia. After a two month long investigation, FDLE determined that there was a lack of evidence to prove a crime was committed. Upon conclusion of the criminal investigation, staff began an internal investigation for violations of Department policies. It was learned that Officer Wilson and the complainant were involved in a relationship that began in 2011. Officer Wilson was married with children during the course of the relationship which was known by the complainant. Investigators were able to prove that on December 17, 2012 and February 19, 2013, Officer Wilson went to the complainant’s apartment while on duty and engaged in sexual acts. Investigator’s spoke with witnesses and obtained City records to show the officer was on duty and at the complainant’s apartment engaging in sexual acts. Officer Wilson was also found to have committed Neglect of Duty on April 14, 2013 by sending and receiving over 140 text messages between himself and the complainant during his assigned shift. Officer Wilson was also present and investigated in March of this year for attending a party that led to an officer’s resignation and another being disciplined. Although Officer Wilson was cleared of any wrongdoing at the party, information was received by the complainant that alleged he had inappropriate conduct dated back to 2011. “Despite the negative media attention received this year, those employees (some former) who have been found to have violated our policies and procedures reflect only 4 percent of the police department staff. The remaining 96 percent of our staff continue to serve our citizens with pride and dedication and are also disappointed in the actions of their fellow employees,” Chief Vespia said.
_____________________________________ Chief Kevin Vespia
A Florida Law Enforcement Accredited Agency.
