Police Chief David Bowman had a meeting at city hall today to discuss disciplinary charges brought against one of his officers, Officer Michael Christiansen.
Bowman would not discuss the charges before the meeting at noon today but confidential police sources confirmed that Christiansen was charged with insubordination and not telling the truth about a recent incident between the officer and Sgt. Anthony Cureton.
Sources said Christiansen and Cureton got into an argument inside the Police Department about a month ago, after Christiansen refused to do computer training while on overtime.
In the end, Christiansen completed the training, sources said.
Cureton, a supervisor in the Police Department’s administrative division, filed a compliant against the officer claiming he refused to obey orders.
Christiansen is charged with untruthfulness because his side of the story is different than Cureton’s.
Cureton is also a member of the Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit, responsible for investigating charges brought against any officer.
Some officers said the infighting is reflective of a new atmosphere in the Police Department, in light of the reinstatement of Chief Bowman more than a month ago.
Bowman, along with Detective Emma Jackson and a retired judge, were acquitted of criminal charges against them last year. Investigators from the state Attorney General’s Office claimed the officials conspired to tamper with documents prior to their release of a prisoner from county jail in 2003.
Bowman and Jackson resumed their positions in the department after more than three years off the job.
Police Union President Detective Fred Pulice, an outspoken opponent of Bowman’s reinstatement, wouldn’t comment on the charges levied against Christiansen.
But last month, Pulice said the city shouldn’t expect to hold any officer accountable for a charge against them.
"They don’t want Bowman held accountable then they should not expect any other officer to be held accountable for anything. The sword cuts both ways. Any officer accused of impropriety needs only to deny it and show up at council meeting with 100 friends," Pulice said.
"If the city attempts to hold another officer accountable for an offense of the same or lesser degree the PBA can and will litigate any such discriminatory application of policy. Taxpayers should get their checkbooks ready."
As part of a 6-month employment agreement Bowman made with the city early last month, the chief has to consult with Casey before making any assignments and initiating any proposed disciplinary actions against officers in the department.
And according to the deal, Casey, not Bowman, has the final say on what punishment officers receive if found guilty of acting improperly.
