According to Tampa officials, Florida Chief of Police Mary O’Connor showed her badge and requested to leave the scene on Monday.
The Declaration
According to a statement from the mayor’s office, “Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has requested and received the resignation of Police Chief Mary O’Connor, following the completion of an Internal Affairs investigation into a recent traffic stop involving O’Connor.”
The mayor named Assistant Police Chief Lee Bercaw as the interim chief of police.
The Body Cam Footage
O’Connor can be seen on body camera footage from a traffic stop last month trying to tell an officer she was “hoping that you’ll just let us go tonight” and showing her badge. As a result, O’Connor has been placed on administrative leave.
As shown in the video, the vehicle was cruising on the road with no license plate tag.
What Happened?
The reason for the altercation was that the golf cart had no license plate tag while driving on the road.
O’Connor inquired about the officer’s use of a body camera. The Tampa police chief then introduced herself, and the officer explained why the two had been stopped. Before showcasing her badge, she immediately requested his release.
After apologizing to the officer, O’Connor handed him her business card. She said that if they needed something to contact her.
Mayor’s Reaction
Mayor Castor reacted to O’Connor’s decisions in a speech on Monday.
The Tampa Police Department has a code of conduct. Includes high standards for ethical and professional behavior that apply to every member of our police force.
Castor also said that even if she is the chief, she’s supposed to live by those expectations. She also said that she clearly has not met those expectations.
He also added that her actions will not be tolerated especially being a leader for officers.
By Alexis Medina
Sources:
Tampa Bay: Tampa police Chief Mary O’Connor resigns amid traffic stop controversy
Tampa Bay: Tampa Council members react to Police Chief Mary O’Connor’s resignation
CNN: Tampa Police Chief Mary O’Connor resigns after flashing badge and asking to be let go from a traffic stop
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Inset Images Courtesy of Tomás Del Coro Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
