Alan: How about comprehensive psychological testing for all prospective police officers and publication of test results whenever an officer becomes "subject of review" for dubious behavior on the job?
"Bad Black People." Why Bill O'Reilly Is Wrong Even When He's Right
"Bad Black People." Why Bill O'Reilly Is Wrong Even When He's Right
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — The Cleveland police officer who shot and killed 12-year-old boy last month showed a "dismal" handgun performance and had emotional issues during his short stint in 2012 with the nearby Independence Police Department, records show.
Officer Timothy Loehmann's time with the Independence Police Department in suburban Cleveland lasted six months, according to personnel files released Wednesday, and he resigned after a recommendation that he'd be let go.
In November 2012, an internal memo described Loehmann during a time on a gun range as "distracted" and "weepy," while being "incommunicative," according to Deputy Chief Jim Polak.
"He could not follow simple directions, could not communicate clear thoughts nor recollections," according to a letter from Polak. "I do not believe time, nor training, will be able to change or correct the deficiencies."
In recommending Loehmann's dismissal, Polak listed what he said were other performance shortcomings, including Loehmann's having left his gun unlocked and unsecured. The letter also said he lied to supervisors about a trip to observe dispatchers and failed to follow orders from supervisors.
"Due to this dangerous loss of composure during live range training and his inability to manage this PERSONAL
stress, I do not believe Ptl. Loehmann shows the maturity needed to work in our employment," Polak said.
stress, I do not believe Ptl. Loehmann shows the maturity needed to work in our employment," Polak said.
After resigning from the Independence department, Loehmann signed on as a police officer with the city of Cleveland.
Loehmann, along with Officer Frank Garmback, are under investigation by the Cleveland Police Department for the Nov. 22 shooting of Tamir Rice outside the Cudell Recreation Center in Cleveland.
Surveillance video of the incident shows Loehmann shot Tamir less than two seconds after arriving to investigate a complaint about a boy carrying what turned out to be an airsoft gun, which shoots non-lethal plastic projectiles. Tamir died at a hospital the next day.
Cleveland police say they did not review Loehmann's personnel file from the Independence Police Department before hiring him, but did talk to the human resources director there.
"Our investigation into this matter has revealed that during the background investigation of Officer Loehmann, Cleveland police detectives assigned to the personnel unit interviewed the human resources director for the city of Independence," according to an email from Cleveland police spokesman Ali Pillow.
"During that interview, detectives inquired if there were any disciplinary actions or incidents that Cleveland police should be aware of prior to hiring Loehmann, at which point they were told there were none. The reason for departure indicated was resignation. Officer Loehmann indicated that he resigned for personal reasons which was substantiated by the city of Independence."
Earlier Wednesday, several hundred people attended a memorial service for Tamir at Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Cleveland.
Family members and friends, some wearing shirts with Tamir's picture, filed past displays of photos at the front of the church and stopped to hug his mother.
A teacher who taught Tamir at Marion C. Seltzer Elementary School described him as a "well liked" boy who knew a lot of students at his school. Facing Samaria Rice, Tamir's mother, she said, "I thank you for your son's life. He will be greatly missed."
Tamir's uncle said that police need to revamp how they train officers while also looking closer at police brutality and the use of excessive force.
Also Wednesday, police released the audio of the 911 call in which the caller said the boy was sitting on a swing and pulling the gun out of his waistband. The caller said the gun was probably fake.
A grand jury will consider whether charges are merited.
Contributing: John Bacon, USA TODAY; The Associated Press
Read: Loehmann personnel file
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