This past
week one of our Fairbanks PD members was involved in a use
of deadly force incident. Again, thanks to speedy
notification from our membership, PSEA was able to make near
immediate contact with our involved member and provide
in-person support within 24 hours.
According to
our attorney, working with the Fairbanks PD administration
and investigative process was very pleasant and productive.
There was no pressure put on the member to provide a
statement/interview, no blood and/or urine was sought or
collected (because no probable cause of impairment existed),
there was encouragement for the member to have separation
from the incident, and recommendation that she seek counsel
from her attorney. None of this was viewed as inhibiting or
obstructing the investigative process and actually assisted
it.
From PSEA’s
perspective this is the way things should work. Officers
involved in these incidents should receive the greatest of
consideration, understanding, and patience. Additionally,
their constitutional and contractual rights should be
vigorously protected by the Employer and all involved
throughout the investigative process without impeding its
progress. This was effectively accomplished by Fairbanks
PD, its investigative team, responding officers, and PSEA
all working together toward a common goal.
We are
grateful to the Fairbanks PD administration for progressive
and cooperative policy and attitude. This was handled so
that all involved were winners and the involved officer felt
no alienation, distrust, or desertion. We look forward to
working with all Employers with which we have relations in
such a manner. Thank you.
