Statement from Police Chief regarding Recent Report of Suspicious Activity and TPPD Response
The Takoma Park Police Department takes seriously all interactions between residents and officers. Once learning through a Facebook post on May 17, 2019 about an incident that occurred on May 13, 2019 on Crescent Place we began an internal review of the incident.
In addition to speaking to the individual who shared his concerns on Facebook, we conducted a review of the incident, which involved review of the incoming call and body worn camera video from the officers who responded to the scene. Two Takoma Park officers responded to the scene after a call from a resident reporting suspicious activity was received. The owners of the house were out of town and the adult son, who did not currently reside at the residence, and his band members were staying at the residence.
Once on the scene our officers quickly realized that that situation was not what was perceived by the resident who made the call and relayed that to the individuals involved. The officers confirmed that the individuals were affiliated with the house they were in front of and left the scene. On two separate occasions the officers can be heard explaining why they responded and apologizing to the involved individuals for the situation.
Our review of the incident found the officers followed police procedures and protocols in responding to a call about suspicious activity.
Mayor Stewart and I both spoke directly to the individual who made the original Facebook post to provide additional information and he is understanding of the police response.
If anyone has an interaction with a police officer that was not professional or respectful please contact me directly, the City Manager or Mayor.
Updates:
5/21/19
Police Chief Tony DeVaul releases body-worn camera footage of the call for service on May 13, 2019 on Crescent Place: https://youtu.be/1nWqcBxrBAU.
5/29/19
Police Chief releases written redacted text of incoming call for service on May 13, 2019. Click here
