Hearing Held for Moses Lake Officer Facing Possible Disciplinary Action

Moses Lake Civil Service Commission conducted a hearing on Tuesday for a Moses Lake police officer facing possible disciplinary action. The hearing is a result of officer Rick Francis appealing his discipline for a March 2019 incident.

The March 8th incident involved Francis responding to a vehicle prow suspect with two other officers.

"During the incident, officer Francis made physical contact with the individual while holding a flashlight and a handgun, held the suspect to the ground, stood over the top of him while he was being handcuffed with his gun out. During the incident, officer Francis' gun became out of battery - which means the slide was pulled back slightly because the round was stuck," said Chief Kevin Fuhr.

According to Fuhr, after the incident a sergeant was reviewing the video to get the vehicle information on the suspect observed the conduct and reported the incident out of concern. Once the incident had been reported to Chief Fuhr, he requested an internal investigation which later resulted in a one day, unpaid suspension and training requirements. Francis appealed this disciplinary action.

"When the investigation was complete, I found Officer Francis had committed several policy violations involving code of ethics, our use of force, conduct, firearm safety and a civil service rules violation," said Chief Fuhr. "Subsequently, he was given an opportunity to give his side of the incident and ultimately I found he committed the violations."

The commission heard testimony from the sergeant who saw the video, Fuhr and Francis on Tuesday. The commission has up to 30 days to make a decision. If the commission sides with the city, disciplinary action will be taken. If the commission sides with Francis, Fuhr said the department will see if any policy or procedures need to be changed.