BRADENTON, Fla. — Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown is recommending an independent investigation into the Bradenton Police Department following accusations of misconduct, according to reports.
The recommendation also stems from allegations made in sworn affidavits, the Bradenton Herald reports.
"In response to the recent allegations made in the sworn affidavits by several active members of the Bradenton Police Department and one former member, I am recommending to Council that the allegations be investigated by independent investigators," Brown said in a statement obtained by 10 Tampa Bay.
The mayor continues stating two of the allegations name the internal affairs investigator, creating a conflict of interest. Therefore, Brown suggests Captain Brian Gregory of the North Port Police Department and retired Judge Greg Holder conduct the investigations.
"NPPD’s Professional Standards office will be looking at any findings of fact with sworn officers, other than Police Chief Melanie Bevan," Josh Taylor, public information officer for North Port Police, said. "Florida law requires that an allegation of misconduct by a law enforcement officer, other than the Chief of Police, be investigated by a law enforcement agency. Retired Judge Greg Holder will handle any findings of fact regarding Chief Bevan."
The allegations of misconduct against Bradenton police chief Melanie Bevan and her top commanders have come to light by the Southwest Florida Police Benevolent Association, WWSB-TV reports.
According to Southwest Florida PBA President Mick McHale, a veteran police sergeant alleges Bevan and Deputy Chief Paul McWade "conspired to confiscate and search the personal cell phone of [his] deceased wife." McHale said it further proves that Bevan and her staff "operate without any regard for the law."
Allegations made in affidavits claim officers were mistreated in matters of internal affairs, searches of homes were conducted illegally without warrants, and comments were made suggesting officers taken illegal action to further their investigations on open cases.
The Southwest Florida PBA wrote in a letter to the mayor a request for an immediate investigation into the actions of Bevan and McWade, alleging a list of misconduct performed by the chief including accusations of discrimination against "masculine men."
Brown said in regards to the allegations against Bevan, the affidavits "are not well supported" with direct statements or actions by the police chief.
"These allegations will be thoroughly investigated," Brown said in a statement.
However, the mayor added he did not see a need to relieve Bevan of duties during the internal investigation.
Earlier this month, Bevan penned an open letter responding to these allegations and investigations.
"To attack the Chief of Police and their own members on numerous unfounded and completely unsubstantiated accusations is a disgrace not only to the agency but also the citizens we protect and serve every day," Bevan said.
Now, as a new investigation begins, City Councilor Bill Sanders said this could be quickly resolved if Bradenton Police Department's body camera video was released.
"The reason I want to see the body cameras? That's live footage of what happened," Sanders said. "There's already an affidavit that said this happened. Let's put it to rest."
Bevan agreed — but for the opposite reason.
"Consequently, I am confident when the investigation is complete, the evidence will speak for itself and I will be fully exonerated of any assertion of conduct violations," Bevan said.
The city of Bradenton, the Bradenton Police Department and the North Port Police Department say they will not be commenting on this investigation further until it's complete.