UTPD Officer Suspended

Published in The Independent Collegian on June 17, 2004.
By IC Staff.

UT Police Officer Robert Tolles has been charged with unprofessional conduct and wrongful exercise of lawful authority relating to incidents that occurred April 3.

The ramifications of his actions include a 25-workday suspension without pay that begins June 21, according to an agreement between UT officials and the UT Patrolman's Association.

Tolles was a part of the backup unit that responded to an incident involving a man who had become aggressive toward officers April 3. The suspect had to be taken to the ground forcefully by police because he was resisting arrest, according to the police report.

"The incident occurred when Tolles came up from behind when the suspect was on the ground and tried to restrain him when he was already under control," said UT Police Chief John Dauer. "When the suspect was under control, the officer should not have stepped on the suspects legs."

After an administrative investigation by Lt. Al Schreier and Lt. Jeff Brough, it was determined that Tolles was subject to disciplinary action by the police department because he exhibited malfeasance, or unprofessional conduct; and misfeasance, or wrongful exercise of lawful authority, at the April 3 incident.

Tolles could not be reached for comment.

Dauer said he couldn't remember the last time there had been an incident like the one that happened April 3.

"It's been years since we've had a complaint," he said.

"Although it was a first offense, Tolles will be subject to a pretty strong suspension," said Randy McElfresh, UT director of labor and employee relations.

Ten workdays of Tolles' suspension will be served consecutively, beginning June 21.

Another 10 workdays will be served during the first five pay periods immediately following his return to work, which will be distributed as equally as possible. Five workdays will be held for four to five years, and in the event that Tolles commits another major infraction within that timeframe, he will be required to serve those five days, according to the agreement.

In addition to his suspension, which was agreed upon June 7, Tolles will be required to submit to a fitness for duty examination prior to returning from his initial 10-day suspension, McElfresh said.

After serving his suspension and after his examination, all charges will be resolved against Tolles, per the agreement.

Return to University of Toledo police corruption.