‘CONDUCT WAS DEFENSIBLE’

In January, Safety Director Thomas Ream fired Harless for making threats during multiple traffic stops. Ream cited a pattern of verbal abuse and making physical or death threats.

The safety director said the arbitrator had more information about the incidents. Unlike the city’s disciplinary hearing, when Harless was advised by a medical professional not to participate, he testified and answered questions at the arbitration hearing.

“This is not a shocking ruling given all the things that were present for the arbitrator,” he said. “So we will abide by this ruling, and if officer Harless is able to get his medical clearance, we’ll let him back on the police department.”
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“What needs to be understood is (there’s) no rule that says an officer (cannot) or should not make threats,” he said. “It’s not nice for a police officer to threaten to shoot somebody, (but) sometimes it’s ultimately the only thing that prevents you from doing it.”

Thank a union.