A months-long investigation into the Kissimmee Police Department has concluded, and more officers are losing their jobs.
It is the latest in the fallout from a use-of-force investigation that resulted in criminal charges against one Kissimmee police officer and the resignation of former Chief Betty Holland.
On Wednesday, Kissimmee’s new police chief, Charles Broadway, presented the public with the findings of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office’s 268-page report.
The Kissimmee Police Department had asked the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to conduct an internal investigation into allegations of dishonesty and misconduct within the department.
During Tuesday’s press conference, the department’s new chief stated that the Orange County report compelled him to make difficult decisions. It prompted the chief to fire three additional Kissimmee police officers, demote two others, and suspend three officers for 24 hours without pay.
Broadway stated that these disciplinary actions are just the beginning of changes.
“Changes were made. Changes are still coming and happening. “Those responsible have been held accountable,” Broadway stated.
Broadway stated that the department is in a reset mode, with new values at the center of all decisions.
According to Broadway, the department is implementing new crisis response training and revamping the internal affairs process, so every investigation ends up on the assistant chief’s desk and is escalated to Broadway.
Broadway also stated that the department has hired a new and highly qualified assistant police chief, Kevin McGinley, a former Florida Department of Law Enforcement special agent assigned to the public integrity unit.
Broadway predicts more changes.
Broadway was sworn in as chief on April 1 and intends to highlight all changes after his first 100 days.
