Carter
Watkins
SHEFFIELD,
Ala. (WHNT) – A police officer in Sheffield has been suspended from duty for
what the chief of police describes as not following department procedures.
Following
an internal investigation, Sheffield Police Chief Greg Ray is recommending the
officer be fired for an incident involving a man’s arrest.
Ray
tells us he’s limited in the details he can release pending a Sheffield Civil
Service Board hearing.
Ray
confirms the suspension stems from an incident involving the arrest of a
resident in the early morning hours of March 2nd.
“I
placed an officer on suspension pending my recommendation to the civil service
board that he be terminated for violating the department`s use of force
policy,” stated Ray.
Chief
Ray said he can’t release the officers name since the incident is a personnel
issue.
However,
Colbert County attorney Billy Underwood confirmed Friday he is representing
suspended patrolman Bobby Inman during his appeal process with the Sheffield
Civil Service Board.
Underwood
tells us Inman followed the Sheffield “Use of Force” policy during the arrest
in March.
Underwood
went on to say the suspect failed to comply with Inman’s orders after being
pepper sprayed and stunned with a taser.
He
explained it was only then did Inman pull out his service weapon and point it
at the suspect.
“We
actually have a video of the arrest and the supervisor brought it to my
attention. After watching it I felt it did not fall within our use of force
policy,” said Chief Ray.
No
criminal charges have been filed against the officer at this time.
Sheffield
Police Chief Greg Ray said there has not been a formal citizen complaint filed
with the department for the incident involving the officer.
Attorney
Billy Underwood said Bobby Inman has filed for an appeal hearing with the
Sheffield Civil Service Board, a date has not been set at this time.