Create And Track Police Department History
Written by CBKN76
Officer Hardin was implicated in the death of Jered Pendleton, who was found deceased on a road in Goodyear. Hardin reported hitting something in the road on the night of Pendleton’s death, and subsequent investigations revealed blood and a shoe print on his patrol car. However, the Goodyear Police Department failed to properly investigate Hardin’s […]
Written by CBKN76
Lieutenant Dwayne Pollard was terminated in November 2021 for violating department policies related to the processing of multiple death investigations. Specifically, Pollard conducted examinations of deceased individuals in a manner inconsistent with department expectations. An internal investigation, supported by an independent agency specializing in law enforcement best practices, concluded that Pollard’s actions were not justified. […]
Written by CBKN76
Deputy Chief Justin Hughes was placed on administrative leave in October 2019 alongside Chief Jerry Geier due to allegations of impropriety. While specific details about Hughes’ misconduct were not disclosed, the investigation into his actions was part of a broader inquiry that led to the termination of Chief Geier. The department has a history of […]
Written by CBKN76
Former Police Chief Jerry Geier was terminated in December 2019 following an internal investigation that sustained multiple allegations of misconduct. These included manipulating the department’s hiring process to favor certain candidates, showing favoritism towards specific female officers, and failing to report an officer’s involvement in a hit-and-run incident to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office as […]
Written by CBKN76
Chief Dale Walters faced scrutiny for the department’s handling of the tasering incident involving Memory Burns in 2020. An internal investigation found policy violations and deficiencies, including the use of force and lack of communication. Walters acknowledged the department ‘missed the mark’ and implemented additional training and corrective actions. The incident led to a $5 […]
Written by CBKN76
Sergeant Jeffrey Overton was disciplined in 2020 for tasering a mentally ill woman, Memory Burns, in her home without a warrant. Burns, who has schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, had committed no crime and presented no threat. Overton was suspended for 20 hours for unnecessary use of force. Prior to joining Globe PD, Overton resigned from […]
Written by CBKN76
Lieutenant Justin Keeling was under investigation in 2018 for domestic violence allegations. Chief Bob Folker informed Keeling of the investigation before criminal investigators could arrive, potentially compromising the case. Keeling resigned from the department during the internal investigation. In September 2019, the Gila County Attorney’s Office charged Keeling with assault with intent to cause injury, […]
Written by CBKN76
In 2018, Chief Bob Folker was terminated for interfering in a domestic violence investigation involving Lieutenant Justin Keeling. Folker informed Keeling of the investigation before criminal investigators could arrive, accompanied Keeling to the courthouse to obtain copies of an order of protection, and allegedly attempted to assist Keeling in quashing the order. An internal investigation […]
Written by CBKN76
In July 2017, Officer Matthew Schneider was involved in a traffic stop where he used a Taser multiple times on Johnny Wheatcroft, including after Wheatcroft was handcuffed. Schneider also kicked Wheatcroft in the groin and pulled down his shorts to tase his testicles. This incident led to a federal lawsuit alleging excessive force and civil […]
Written by CBKN76
In 2017, Officer Chris Robinson was involved in an incident where he used force to remove a suspect, Mr. Hernandez, from his vehicle. Despite multiple verbal commands and physical control holds, Hernandez refused to comply. Officer Robinson deployed pepper spray and, after continued resistance, released a police dog to assist in extracting Hernandez from the […]
Written by CBKN76
Officer Steve Gilbert, who served as the union vice president, was arrested in 2020 on charges of tampering with a public record, false testimony, and making a false public record. These charges were eventually dropped, but an internal investigation by the Gilbert Police Department was initiated. As of April 2021, the internal investigation was still […]
Written by CBKN76
Commander Carrie Candler, the only sworn female commander in the department, was terminated in April 2020. She filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination, claiming she was fired after complaining about discrimination and unfair treatment based on her gender. The lawsuit detailed a toxic work environment for women and alleged that male officers and union leaders […]
Written by CBKN76
Commander Brian Blunt was terminated in 2023 following an external investigation that found a pattern of making offensive comments related to race, gender, and religious orientation. Blunt filed a lawsuit against the Town of Gilbert, Police Chief Michael Soelberg, and the Human Resources Director, alleging wrongful termination and seeking reinstatement and damages. The case was […]
Written by CBKN76
In April 2021, Officer John Strickland’s estranged wife obtained an order of protection against him after he sent her violent and threatening emails. The order prohibited him from possessing firearms and ammunition while on duty. Additionally, he sent a threatening message to another woman who had accused him of conspiring to have her brother arrested. […]
Written by CBKN76
Officer Grabiak has been named in at least seven lawsuits alleging violations of citizens’ rights. Complaints against him include harassment, mistreatment, and aggressive behavior. The Mayor acknowledged that this number of cases signifies ‘misbehavior’ on Officer Grabiak’s part. Additionally, his personnel file is missing, raising concerns about record-keeping practices within the department. ## Officer Forum […]