Post by KC on Aug 11, 2006 23:15:09 GMT -5
August 11, 2006 - ASPEN, Colo. A police officer fired for using a Taser on a 63-year-old homeless woman who was rummaging through donations behind a thrift shop has appealed her dismissal.
Officer Melinda Calvano filed an employee complaint on Aug. 2 in response to City Manager Steve Barwick's July 27th memo dismissing her. Barwick said Calvano showed poor judgment and a lack of understanding of city and department values.
Before her dismissal, Aspen Police Chief Loren Ryerson had recommended Calvano undergo a psychological evaluation before any disciplinary action was taken.
City Attorney John Worcester said there is no specific time frame for the city to resolve the appeal, but it must be done within a reasonable amount of time.
"We consider this now to be a personnel matter so there is not much I can say," Worcester said
The incident occurred June 7. Calvano said she used her Taser on Carol Alexy when the woman allegedly resisted arrest after being accused of taking a sweater.
Alexy allegedly dared Calvano to use the Taser. "You're not going to Tase me. You're too scared," Alexy allegedly said.
Alexy was transported to Aspen Valley Hospital where she was treated and released. She was never charged.
cbs4denver.com/local/local_story_222235217.html
Officer Melinda Calvano filed an employee complaint on Aug. 2 in response to City Manager Steve Barwick's July 27th memo dismissing her. Barwick said Calvano showed poor judgment and a lack of understanding of city and department values.
Before her dismissal, Aspen Police Chief Loren Ryerson had recommended Calvano undergo a psychological evaluation before any disciplinary action was taken.
City Attorney John Worcester said there is no specific time frame for the city to resolve the appeal, but it must be done within a reasonable amount of time.
"We consider this now to be a personnel matter so there is not much I can say," Worcester said
The incident occurred June 7. Calvano said she used her Taser on Carol Alexy when the woman allegedly resisted arrest after being accused of taking a sweater.
Alexy allegedly dared Calvano to use the Taser. "You're not going to Tase me. You're too scared," Alexy allegedly said.
Alexy was transported to Aspen Valley Hospital where she was treated and released. She was never charged.
cbs4denver.com/local/local_story_222235217.html