A police investigator in Rochester, New York was placed on administrative duty after aggressively detaining an EMT who reportedly hit the police car with the ambulance door while she was unloading a patient.
The police car was apparently parked in an ambulance bay in front of the emergency room at Strong Memorial Hospital.
The investigator waiting to go inside for a case was parked in the area reserved for emergency vehicles only.
According to News10NBC, the EMT hit the police vehicle with the ambulance door while unloading a patient.
The investigator reportedly "insisted" on getting the EMT's identification but she "insisted" on getting the patient to the emergency room first. She proceeded into the hospital with the patient which appeared to enrage the police investigator.
News10NBC Investigative Reporter Jennifer Lewke shared obtained surveillance footage of the hospital check-in area showing the investigator approaching the EMT, slamming her against a wall and handcuffing her before forcibly taking her out to the police vehicle.
\u201cA @RochesterNYPD investigator parked his car in the ambulance bay at Strong, an EMT from @MonroeAmbNY hit the door while unloading a patient. \nThe investigator insisted on ID, the EMT insisted on bringing the patient inside. This is exclusive video of what happened next \u2b07\ufe0f\u201d— Jennifer Lewke (@Jennifer Lewke) 1657848765
On Friday, Monroe Ambulance issued a statement, calling the detained EMT a "highly valued employee" who was "put in an untenable situation."
"We steadfastly stand by her prioritization of the care for her patient and are blessed by your willingness to publicly support her patient advocacy."
"This incident was perpetrated by a single individual and subject to investigation by his employer, everyone is entitled to due process regardless of opinion. We trust that the matter will be disposed of appropriately and responsibly."
\u201c@WHEC_JLewke @RochesterNYPD @MonroeAmbNY When you're a cop who parks in a space meant for ambulances, maybe you accept some responsibility when your squad takes a hit and don't abuse your authority.\n\nInsurance will repair the vehicles.\n\nWhat will repair the relationships and reputations??\u201d— Jennifer Lewke (@Jennifer Lewke) 1657848765
\u201c@JJintheUS @WHEC_JLewke @RochesterNYPD @MonroeAmbNY Unfortunately, this appears to be the feature in policing, no concern about the people/community they swore to protect, it\u2019s about their safety, their egos, what\u2019s even sadder the truly great police, who put their lives on the line when necessary and care have become invisible.\u201d— Jennifer Lewke (@Jennifer Lewke) 1657848765
\u201c@JJintheUS @WHEC_JLewke @RochesterNYPD @MonroeAmbNY I wonder if someone has an \u201canger\u201d problem. If he does this to an EMT, can\u2019t imagine what he does to citizens.\u201d— Jennifer Lewke (@Jennifer Lewke) 1657848765
\u201c@JJintheUS @sooze555 @WHEC_JLewke @RochesterNYPD @MonroeAmbNY Ambulance bays at the ER are exclusively for ambulances. The only exception is if the Rochester PD was bringing in a patient in SEVERE DISTRESS! I am a retired EMS Supervisor and will say that this investigator was 100% wrong for cuffing her & for parking in an ambulance bay.\u201d— Jennifer Lewke (@Jennifer Lewke) 1657848765
The EMT was released from custody without being charged or ticketed.
A statement from the Rochester Police Department said Rochester Police Chief David Smith was notified of the incident that took place on July 11, 2022 and immediately called for an internal investigation.
\u201c@JJintheUS @WHEC_JLewke @RochesterNYPD @MonroeAmbNY Translation: Cop was scolded for being caught on camera and nothing will come of it.\u201d— Jennifer Lewke (@Jennifer Lewke) 1657848765
They said the investigator seen in the footage was placed on administrative assignment.
\u201c@JJintheUS @WHEC_JLewke @RochesterNYPD @MonroeAmbNY Administrative duties, that's a extra paid vacation.\u201d— Jennifer Lewke (@Jennifer Lewke) 1657848765
\u201c@WHEC_JLewke @RochesterNYPD @MonroeAmbNY Would love to see all the \u201cblue lives matter\u201d and \u201cwe love our first responders\u201d pick which side they\u2019re gonna be on\u2026\u201d— Jennifer Lewke (@Jennifer Lewke) 1657848765
\u201c@JJintheUS @WHEC_JLewke @RochesterNYPD @MonroeAmbNY Out of control man on a power trip. Like we need more of those.\u201d— Jennifer Lewke (@Jennifer Lewke) 1657848765
Police Chief David Smith said:
“I have high expectations for all members of the Rochester Police Department."
"Obviously, this incident is deeply concerning to me."
Smith added:
"As a result of this interaction at Strong Hospital, I have directed our Professional Standards Section to initiate an internal investigation."
"The member involved has been re-assigned to administrative duties, pending the results of this investigation."
"As Chief, I demand the members of the Rochester Police Department perform their duties in a professional manner. And as such, we must hold ourselves to a high standard of accountability."
\u201c@kincaid323 @WHEC_JLewke @RochesterNYPD @MonroeAmbNY A lot of words just to say, \u201cwe\u2019re doing nothing about this and he\u2019ll be back on full duty in a week\u201d.\u201d— Jennifer Lewke (@Jennifer Lewke) 1657848765
\u201c@JJintheUS @WHEC_JLewke @RochesterNYPD @MonroeAmbNY Let me guess, police will say \u201cwe\u2019ve investigated ourselves and have cleared ourselves of all wrongdoing\u201d\u201d— Jennifer Lewke (@Jennifer Lewke) 1657848765
The City of Rochester Police Accountability Board said they were also apprised of the incident and are currently in the process of reviewing the information.
The Board stated:
"Incidents like this, along with the nearly 100 additional reports the PAB received since opening our doors, continue to highlight the need for independent investigations into allegations of police misconduct."
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