Post by WaTcHeR on Nov 17, 2006 15:21:30 GMT -5
11.17.2006 - BRIDGEPORT — Police Chief Bryan T. Norwood recommends 12-year Officer Douglas Bepko be fired, following his recent arrest on an assault charge and the officer's "extensive" history of domestic violence and civilian complaints.
Norwood also suspended Bepko without pay as of Tuesday after the department's Office of Internal Affairs charged him with departmental violations stemming from his Nov. 3 arrest, according an affidavit Norwood filed in federal court Thursday.
"As a result of the seriousness of [the charges] and Officer Bepko's extensive history of civilian complaints of domestic violence, I have determined that I will recommend Officer Bepko be terminated," Norwood said.
Bepko's lawyer, Michael Fitzpatrick, said his client was suspended for 15 days, the maximum penalty the chief can issue under the union's contract with the city. The city's Board of Police Commissioners can render more severe discipline, including termination.
Norwood now wants the police board to review Bepko's case, but a hearing has not been scheduled.
Fitzpatrick said Bepko "continues to maintain his innocence and we expect a successful resolution."
"We're optimistic these cases will be successfully resolved," he added.
Bepko was arrested Nov. 3 after he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend of three months in his pickup truck, pulling her hair and kicking her in the chest, causing her to fall to the ground outside her city apartment.
He was charged with third-degree assault, second-degree threatening and second-degree unlawful restraint.
Norwood said a Superior Court judge, after the arrest, issued a restraining order against Bepko, preventing him from carrying a firearm.
As a result, "Bepko is unable to carry out the normal duties and responsibilities of a police officer," Norwood said in the affidavit.
Bepko has turned in his gun and badge, the chief said.
In reviewing the case, the police board can issue discipline up to and including termination, if it upholds charges stemming from a civilian complaint.
Meanwhile, Bepko and three other officers face a brutality claim for an incident in the city's East Side several years ago. Fitzpatrick, who also represents Bepko in that matter, said he is barred from commenting on the details of the complaint.
The police board has yet to rule on that case, but Fitzpatrick said he expects the four officers to be cleared.
Earlier this year, the police board cleared Bepko and Officer Bruno Rodrigues of excessive force charges stemming from a 2004 arrest.
In that case, the suspect, Damien Sanchez, punched Rodrigues in the face, and Bepko then punched Sanchez in the stomach after Sanchez tried to shoot at them and his gun misfired. Sanchez was later convicted of criminal charges stemming from the incident and sentenced to two years in prison.
www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_4676675
Norwood also suspended Bepko without pay as of Tuesday after the department's Office of Internal Affairs charged him with departmental violations stemming from his Nov. 3 arrest, according an affidavit Norwood filed in federal court Thursday.
"As a result of the seriousness of [the charges] and Officer Bepko's extensive history of civilian complaints of domestic violence, I have determined that I will recommend Officer Bepko be terminated," Norwood said.
Bepko's lawyer, Michael Fitzpatrick, said his client was suspended for 15 days, the maximum penalty the chief can issue under the union's contract with the city. The city's Board of Police Commissioners can render more severe discipline, including termination.
Norwood now wants the police board to review Bepko's case, but a hearing has not been scheduled.
Fitzpatrick said Bepko "continues to maintain his innocence and we expect a successful resolution."
"We're optimistic these cases will be successfully resolved," he added.
Bepko was arrested Nov. 3 after he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend of three months in his pickup truck, pulling her hair and kicking her in the chest, causing her to fall to the ground outside her city apartment.
He was charged with third-degree assault, second-degree threatening and second-degree unlawful restraint.
Norwood said a Superior Court judge, after the arrest, issued a restraining order against Bepko, preventing him from carrying a firearm.
As a result, "Bepko is unable to carry out the normal duties and responsibilities of a police officer," Norwood said in the affidavit.
Bepko has turned in his gun and badge, the chief said.
In reviewing the case, the police board can issue discipline up to and including termination, if it upholds charges stemming from a civilian complaint.
Meanwhile, Bepko and three other officers face a brutality claim for an incident in the city's East Side several years ago. Fitzpatrick, who also represents Bepko in that matter, said he is barred from commenting on the details of the complaint.
The police board has yet to rule on that case, but Fitzpatrick said he expects the four officers to be cleared.
Earlier this year, the police board cleared Bepko and Officer Bruno Rodrigues of excessive force charges stemming from a 2004 arrest.
In that case, the suspect, Damien Sanchez, punched Rodrigues in the face, and Bepko then punched Sanchez in the stomach after Sanchez tried to shoot at them and his gun misfired. Sanchez was later convicted of criminal charges stemming from the incident and sentenced to two years in prison.
www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_4676675
