EPD Officer Wins Appeal, Can Return to Duty
By: Michael C. Fehn
Updated: December 4, 2012
An Evansville police officer has been cleared to return to work, after winning an appeal of a punishment she says was unfair.
EPD says it all started back in September, when Officer Kathy Winters did not participate in three in-service training sessions.
Winters was excused from the fitness test session for health reasons, but the other two sessions were mandatory.
Officials say they became concerned the 21-year-veteren may not be fit to serve, so they put her on administrative leave with pay until she provided a physical showing she was fit for the job.
Winters was working an off-duty security detail, when her superior tried to serve her the order. EPD says performing security duties is not allowed when an officer is on administrative leave.
The department gave winters a written reprimand, saying she was insubordinate because she disobeyed her superior.
On Monday, the Police Merit Commission overturned that reprimand, meaning Winters can continue her duties without punishment.
EPD says it all started back in September, when Officer Kathy Winters did not participate in three in-service training sessions.
Winters was excused from the fitness test session for health reasons, but the other two sessions were mandatory.
Officials say they became concerned the 21-year-veteren may not be fit to serve, so they put her on administrative leave with pay until she provided a physical showing she was fit for the job.
Winters was working an off-duty security detail, when her superior tried to serve her the order. EPD says performing security duties is not allowed when an officer is on administrative leave.
The department gave winters a written reprimand, saying she was insubordinate because she disobeyed her superior.
On Monday, the Police Merit Commission overturned that reprimand, meaning Winters can continue her duties without punishment.
