Officer sues city, claims retaliation for blowing whistle on SWAT team
According to a lawsuit filed in Lane County District Court against the city and a police sergeant, Eugene police officer Brian Hagen says he suffered retaliation and harassment after asking supervisors at the Eugene Police Department to provide the SWAT team with additional training and equipment. By Laura Rillos KVAL News and KVAL.com staffEUGENE, Ore. -- A Eugene police officer says he was pulled from K-9 duty in retaliation for blowing the whistle on how the SWAT team used firearms -- use that the officer said put officers and the public in "extreme danger."
According to a lawsuit filed in Lane County District Court against the city and a police sergeant, Eugene police officer Brian Hagen says he suffered retaliation and harassment after asking supervisors at the Eugene Police Department to provide the SWAT team with additional training and equipment. The acting chief of police had little to say about the lawsuit. "I'll comment as far as to say that the complaint that's been made is without merit and that we look forward to pressing it in court," said Pete Kerns, the interim police chief. Hagen's attorney had to go into a meeting and did not comment. He said Hagen, who was recently injured in the line of duty, was recovering and would not be able for comment. According to the suit, while responding to police calls as part of a K-9 unit, Hagen reported several "negligent and unintended firearms discharges by SWAT team members" that put the SWAT team, other police officers and the public in "extreme danger." Hagen says he made numerous requests for more training and equipment. Instead, Hagen alleges he was then subjected to an "ongoing campaign of retaliation and harrasment." In May 2008, he says he was told he would lose his spot on the K-9 team in august 2008. During those months, Hagen claims his supervisor publicized his departure and ridiculed him. In October 2008, Kerns decided to keep Hagen on the K-9 team. The next month, Hagen was written up for insubordination. And last May, Hagen was removed from K-9 duty. Now, he is seeking the extra salary he would received on the K-9 team and several hundred thousand dollars for emotional distress. |
Upload directly from your mobile device. Learn howYouNews
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled.
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
Stay Connected |
Connect with KVALViewer PollMost Popular
|
KVAL, 4575 Blanton Road,