Hearing for officer lasts six hours

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Allegations of misconduct by a Lafayette Police officer were reviewed Wednesday, Novemeber 18. The five member merit board, known as the Lafayette Police Civil Service Commission, spent six hours in a closed hearing at Lafayette City Hall regarding three charges against Officer Charles Williams Junior.

Williams has served on the Lafayette Police Department for two years. The charges against Williams according to Police Chief Don Roush include unsatisfactory performance, disregarding a request for assistance, and not filing a department report. The incident involving the potential violations occurred on or about September 21.  The police chief has the authority to discipline an officer up to five days for violations. Discipline for longer periods requires the approval of the merit commission.

Officer Williams requested the hearing and has been on paid administrative leave. His attorney John Kautzman says they cannot comment on what happened during the hearing but feel that is has been fair.

The next hearing will take place December 8 and then a public meeting will be on December 10.