A state agency regulating law enforcement practices will review alleged complaints filed against the Winnebago Police Department.
A 16-second video showing officer Jacob Pettit putting his arm around a person’s neck to take them down to the ground on May 6 has been turned over to the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
Also, footage of the arresting officers appearing to deny the person medical attention when being booked at the Faribault County Jail has been submitted.
In a letter dated June 23, POST Board standards coordinator Angie Rohow says they have received the allegations of misconduct made against some members of the police department.
“Your complaint will be reviewed by our Complaint Investigation Committee and staff to determine if the POST Board has jurisdiction,” says Rohow. “You should expect to hear something in 30 to 60 days.”
In addition to establishing training programs and standards of conduct, the POST board oversees licensing and certification of peace officers.
In a related matter, Tripleanews.com has learned complaints also have been filed with Winnebago’s city administrator.
“We will be passing them along to an attorney who specializes in these cases,” says Jake Skluzacek, city administrator.
One of the complaints accuses police officers of “abuse of power and overreach” when they enforced a governor’s executive order.
The other complaint reportedly deals with law enforcement’s handling of a traffic stop for suspected driver’s license cancellation on May 6.