An Oregon police chief retired this week after members of his own force accused of him of making “openly racist” remarks while on duty, local TV station KOIN reported Sunday.
KOIN reported that Clatskanie Police Chief Marvin Hoover was placed on administrative leave after another officer filed a complaint against him in early August for allegedly responding to an accusation of racism by making monkey noises and singing “Dixie.” Hoover then retired this week, according to Clatskanie Mayor Diane Pohl.
In a copy of the complaint obtained by KOIN, Officer D. Alex Stone claimed Hoover’s outburst came during a debriefing about the arrest of a black woman who threatened to file a discrimination lawsuit against the force.
“I relayed several of the arrestee’s remarks such as, ‘When you look at me, my black and my nappy hair, all you see is an animal,’” Stone wrote. “Chief Hoover interrupted me and said, ‘That’s what she is.’”
Hoover allegedly “placed his hands in his armpits and began scratching them” while “making loud monkey sounds,” Stone wrote. He added that the police chief’s “openly racist” behavior made him “extremely uncomfortable”, but he continued with the briefing. Hoover then allegedly started singing the words to “Dixie” while pantomiming a beating, according to the complaint:
“While making a punching motion, Chief Hoover held his left hand in front of him in a gripping motion, as if he was holding a person by the shirt collar. In addition, while singing the words ‘look away’ Chief Hoover moved his head back-and-forth to his left and right as if he was looking over his shoulder.”
Though Stone’s account of the incident resulted in Hoover’s suspension, Pohl made no mention of the allegedly racist remarks in a letter published in The Chief newspaper on Friday announcing the police chief’s retirement.
“I consider Chief Hoover an honorable man and officer,” the mayor wrote. “Thanks Chief Hoover for a job well done.”
Hoover did not respond to a request for comment from KOIN.
h/t Raw Story
Just another brick-- from The Wall.
Progress is occurring. Though difficult to observe from in-the-midst.
jw1
Looks to me like the mayor needs to resign as well.
“Thanks Chief Hoover for a job well done.” Resign, Mr. Mayor!
Korvu offers sound advice! Get out! Thank you for your service!
I’ll bet he’s drawing the full pension, too. Wingnut welfare.
Thank you to the officer who reported the Chief’s behavior. That is a brave and honorable cop.