In January 1985, probationary officer Michael Thompson was assigned to patrol with an Auxiliary Officer. He was explicitly ordered by his supervisor, Sergeant James Sheehan, not to make any motor vehicle stops to avoid court appearances that could interfere with his training at the Police Academy. Despite this order, Thompson conducted a motor vehicle stop and failed to notify the department by calling in a ‘signal seventeen,’ indicating a vehicle stop. As a result, he was terminated for insubordination and violating direct orders from his superior.

[Return to blog post](https://watchaudits.com/michael-thompson-watertown-police-department/)