Three Cleveland Police Officers Fired

CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF-TV) – The Cleveland police chief who was sworn-in on Monday, Thursday fired three officers who were involved in high-profile incidents over the last few weeks.
Chief Mark Gibson says he had no choice, based on the offenses.

Officers Carl Walls and Chad Nave have been on administrative leave since August when they admitted having affairs while on duty.

CHIEF MARK GIBSON, CLEVELAND POLICE DEPT. "There’s a gray area there…as far as off-duty and on-duty conduct. But their actions brought embarrassment to the department …and their extra-marital affairs were carried-out ..carried-out or facilitated through their job."

Officer Edwin Millan was arrested and charged with insurance fraud over 10-thousund dollars. He was indicted September 17th.

CHIEF MARK GIBSON "He was indicted by a grand jury….a jury of his peers…there was sufficient evidence that he was involved in felony criminal activity…so that was the basis off of his termination."

All three officers were fired Wednesday morning—the latest members of that department to leave because of sexual scandals. That includes two police chiefs who resigned in the spring.

The city council has granted the new chief..and all Cleveland department heads more leeway in handing out discipline, but firings will still be subject to review by City manager Janice Casteel and to an appeal to heard by an appointed hearing officer.

CHIEF GIBSON "It would be more of the process where I sit down in front of you, I call her–bring her in and tell her this is what we’re going to do…and make sure we have that final approval."

It replaces a lengthier discipline process in the city.

CHIEF GIBSON "She still has the authority to …the final say on dismissals."

Chief Gibson says he plans to ask the city council to increase the size of the police force.
There are now 91 sworn officers in the department.