LRPD Chief Discusses Recent Officer-Involved Shootings
By: Brittney Johnson, KARK 4 News
Updated: September 13, 2012
Little Rock Police Chief Stuart Thomas is opening up about
investigations into two officer-involved shootings that killed two men
last weekend. Chief Thomas says investigators are wrapped up in two
complicated cases that have the potential to impact public perception
and morale at the department.
When shots are fired and a police officer is the one who pulled the trigger, Chief Thomas is one of the first called to the scene.
"It's worst case scenario for the chief from both levels. You worry about the safety of your employees and you worry about the circumstances and what happened to other individuals involved," he said..
In the two most recent cases, a man involved in domestic disturbance and a 15-year-old boy accused of burglarizing cars were killed when officers exercised their right to use deadly force to protect themselves.
"Whether it's an officer-involved shooting or homicide, you get concerned, you worry if there is a pattern," Chief Thomas said.
Some in the general public have also started showing concern, many questioning whether the frequency suggests there needs to be a change in policy and if the department should be allowed to police itself.
"The only alternative to changing the policy effectively is putting weapons away and taking what comes and that's not going to happen," Chief Thomas responded.
Chief Thomas says while officers are prepared for dangerous situations the consequences of using lethal force are hard to swallow. and for that reason, taken very seriously.
"When it hits home, you know the people involved you feel for them," said Chief Thomas. "It causes you some concern, but you move forward," .
Chief Thomas says it can take six to eight weeks or more to wrap up an investigation into an officer-involved shooting.
Even though the investigations are done within the department if families are not satisfied with the outcome, they can appeal to the Civil Service Commission.
When shots are fired and a police officer is the one who pulled the trigger, Chief Thomas is one of the first called to the scene.
"It's worst case scenario for the chief from both levels. You worry about the safety of your employees and you worry about the circumstances and what happened to other individuals involved," he said..
In the two most recent cases, a man involved in domestic disturbance and a 15-year-old boy accused of burglarizing cars were killed when officers exercised their right to use deadly force to protect themselves.
"Whether it's an officer-involved shooting or homicide, you get concerned, you worry if there is a pattern," Chief Thomas said.
Some in the general public have also started showing concern, many questioning whether the frequency suggests there needs to be a change in policy and if the department should be allowed to police itself.
"The only alternative to changing the policy effectively is putting weapons away and taking what comes and that's not going to happen," Chief Thomas responded.
Chief Thomas says while officers are prepared for dangerous situations the consequences of using lethal force are hard to swallow. and for that reason, taken very seriously.
"When it hits home, you know the people involved you feel for them," said Chief Thomas. "It causes you some concern, but you move forward," .
Chief Thomas says it can take six to eight weeks or more to wrap up an investigation into an officer-involved shooting.
Even though the investigations are done within the department if families are not satisfied with the outcome, they can appeal to the Civil Service Commission.
