IMPD made changes in leadership, with a new chief and a new public safety director following the David Bisard case. The department also made changes to recognize alcohol issues involving officers, and strengthening punishments for those who drink and drive.
Chief Rick Hite says he wants changes in how quickly officers accused of serious wrongdoing are disciplined. He wants to have the power to fire them.
“I think there may be some cases where any reasonable and prudent person would see the value of moving forward and, in fact, separating that individual from the agency,” Hite said.
With the guilty verdict handed down yesterday, Bisard is likely to be terminated.
It’s been three years since Bisard’s arrest and some of top brass say that’s too long to wait for termination.
“Yeah, I’d like to be able to have more say in that. We understand and respect the merit law currently as it exists, but we’ve had occasions with, as long as four to five years, where people languished on our books,” Hite explained.
Only the IMPD Merit Board has the power to fire officers.
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