Tuck verses Officer Stevenson illustrates why police departments fail to substantiate the vast majority of complaints filed by citizens.

Three witness said Officer Stevenson swore at a newly licensed female driver. As the witnesses were family and friends, they were automatically deemed not credible by TPD.  The word of one officer overrides the testimony of multiple witnesses who know each other.

The Independent Police Auditor disagreed with TPD’s conclusion. Nevertheless, TPD insisted the officer did not swear.

Another reason police departments do not substantiate complaints is they believe there is no reason for the officer to do what he or she is accused of doing. If officers alleged actions do not make sense in the eyes of the police, then the officers did not do what they are accused of doing.

When the Citizens Police Advisory Review Board reviewed the Tuck case with TPD, a TPD representative asked, why would the officer swear?  He had no need to do so, so why would he? It’s like asking, why would Officer Derik Chauvin place his knee on the neck of George Floyd for a prolonged period of time? There was no need to do so, therefore, he did not do it.