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one_voice

(20,043 posts)
Wed Apr 22, 2015, 11:13 PM Apr 2015

Deputy who fired gun instead of taser was investigated in 2009

TULSA, Okla. -- CBS News has learned that a 2009 investigation by the Tulsa Sheriff's Office concluded that there were concerns over Robert Bates behavior in the field. Bates, a 73-year-old reserve deputy, pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter charges in the death of Eric Harris. Bates says he shot and killed Harris by mistake after pulling his gun instead of his taser.

Since the incident there have been allegations that Bates was not properly trained. CBS News learned that in 2009, the Tulsa Sheriff's Office launched an internal investigation to find out if Bates received special treatment during training and while working as a reserve deputy. They also investigated whether supervisors pressured training officers on Bates' behalf.

The investigation concluded Bates' training was questionable and that he was given preferential treatment.

The investigation found that deputies voiced concerns about Bates' behavior in the field, almost from the very beginning. Bates reportedly used his personal car while on duty and made unauthorized vehicle stops. When confronted Bates said that he could do what he wanted, and that anyone who had a problem with him should go see the sheriff.

*snip*

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tulsa-sheriffs-office-had-investigated-robert-bates-in-2009/
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Deputy who fired gun instead of taser was investigated in 2009 (Original Post) one_voice Apr 2015 OP
HUMAN ERROR deloresF Apr 2015 #1
I know of no police depts that would have someone that old on the street... Historic NY Apr 2015 #4
You wear a gun in the name of the government or not you have certain obligations CBGLuthier Apr 2015 #5
Seems like a typical 1%er response. Wellstone ruled Apr 2015 #2
I have a feeling that the sheriff will have to step down before this is over and done with madokie Apr 2015 #3
The longer this goes on... spinbaby Apr 2015 #6

deloresF

(2 posts)
1. HUMAN ERROR
Wed Apr 22, 2015, 11:45 PM
Apr 2015

Based on the officer's age and his state of mind at the time it could have been human error and the officer could have been out of control himself why that happened.

Historic NY

(37,454 posts)
4. I know of no police depts that would have someone that old on the street...
Thu Apr 23, 2015, 12:22 AM
Apr 2015

most areas have mandatory retirement. Now he will be allowed to leave the country.

CBGLuthier

(12,723 posts)
5. You wear a gun in the name of the government or not you have certain obligations
Thu Apr 23, 2015, 03:24 AM
Apr 2015

including deciding if you yourself are unfit to wear a gun. No excuses.

madokie

(51,076 posts)
3. I have a feeling that the sheriff will have to step down before this is over and done with
Thu Apr 23, 2015, 12:11 AM
Apr 2015

then he and the murderer can frolic off to the Bahamas and get the fuck out of here.

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