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FBI investigates 4 HPD officers accused of abusing trespass suspect

Michael Tsai

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating an incident in which four Honolulu officers are accused of forcing a trespass suspect to place his mouth on a urinal at a public restroom.

According to Honolulu Police Department Chief Susan Ballard, the officers were responding to a complaint called in to 911 about a person trespassing at a public restroom in the Keeaumoku area.

Ballard said an officer reported the alleged misconduct, leading to an initial internal investigation. HPD referred the case to the FBI on Wednesday.

All four have been placed on restricted duty.

The incident allegedly occurred on Sunday at about 2 p.m.

“If true, these allegations violate the core values the HPD stands for,” Ballard said. “Our officers are sworn to uphold the right of all persons and I expect every officer to treat every member of the public fairly and with respect. Personally, I am appalled at the behavior, if it is true, and appropriate action will be taken.”

The four accused officers are all assigned to District I and have between three and 16 years of experience, according to HPD.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell said in a written statement, “Police Chief Susan Ballard has done the absolutely right thing by referring the alleged misconduct by four Honolulu police officers to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for further review. Although these officers are presumed innocent, we need an independent agency to investigate exactly what occurred and whether these officers engaged in civil rights abuses.”

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