Published: June 23, 2009 08:35 pm      

FOP calls Galligan’s statements about police ‘inappropriate’

Lodge president says any discipline should be in hands of merit board

The Fraternal Order of Police issued a statement to The Evening News on Tuesday calling comments made by Mayor Tom Galligan “inappropriate” and pledging support for the police officers involved in last week’s incident with Larry Wilder, the city council’s attorney.

At a press conference Sunday, Galligan apologized to Wilder’s family for photographs taken of Wilder passed out in a neighbor’s trash can last week. The pictures were sent anonymously to members of the local media. Galligan said it is still under investigation who took and distributed the photographs, but said they were taken by one or more police officers.

“We understand that the photos were taken by one of the officers,” stated Joseph Hubbard, president of FOP lodge 100. “However, there has been no proof that the photos were released to the media by any member of the Jeffersonville Police Department. In the course of the investigation, if any officers violated Indiana state and federal statute or any Standard Operating Procedures established by the Jeffersonville Police Department, the matter should be heard by the Police Merit Board.”

Hubbard stated that it was inappropriate for the mayor to prejudge the situation and call the officers “renegade” as he did in the press conference. He added that the FOP is proud of all the members of JPD “and sincerely hope for a quick and positive resolution for everyone involved.”

Hubbard said the officers used their discretion in not arresting Wilder, but ensured he made it home safely.

“The Fraternal Order of Police will not sit idly by and let the city use these officers as a scapegoat to avert the attention away from the real issue,” the statement read.

The FOP will hold a press conference at 9 a.m. Wednesday to further discuss its position.

Galligan was not immediately available for comment Tuesday.

For reaction from city officials to the FOP’s statement, please check online tomorrow and in Wednesday’s edition of The Jeffersonville Evening News.