Written reprimand of Officer Justin Crook

OF
FOUNDED
1119
MEMORANDUM
Austin Police Department
Region II Patrol
TO:
Justin Crook, Officer
FROM:
Lee Rogers, Commander
DATE:
August 31, 2020
SUBJECT:
Written Reprimand IA Case 2020-0136
This memorandum is in reference to an incident which occurred on August 17, 2019 and your
conduct at that time. I am specifically referring to your involvement in an incident documented
under APD case number 19-2282309. It is alleged that during this incident you failed to
document in your Versadex Report the discovery of a controlled substance (Promethezine).
Furthermore, it is alleged you failed to adequately document the process in which you received
permission from a supervisor to dispose the suspected controlled substance.
Your actions violated APD Policy 402.2.2 Report Writing which states:
402.2.2 REPORT WRITING
(a) All reports shall accurately reflect:
1. The identity of the persons involved.
2. All pertinent information seen, heard, or assimilated by any other sense.
3. Any action(s) taken.
4. Any property which the employee takes possession of, clearly documenting the:
(a) Events that led up to the taking possession of the property
(b) Purpose for taking the property
(c) Identification of the property by name and/or description
(d) Location where the property was taken
(e) Complete identifiers, as available, for anyone who may claim
ownership of the property.
Your actions violated APD Policy 618.4.2 Submitting Narcotics and Narcotic Paraphernalia
which states:
618.4.2 SUBMITTING NARCOTICS AND NARCOTIC PARAPHERNALIA
(a) Narcotics and narcotic paraphernalia may be turned in as follows:
PD 0075
Rev. June 2019
1. Identified narcotics and narcotic paraphernalia may be turned in at the Evidence
Section located at the East Substation or any temporary evidence drop box/
locker location when:
(a) Charges have been direct filed (affidavit turned in at the time of the
arrest); or
(b) A Field Release citation has been issued; or
(c) Charges will not be filed.
2. In cases involving a custody arrest and narcotic charges are pending:
(a) narcotics that cannot be identified will only be turned in to the
Evidence Section located at the East Substation.
3. The temporary evidence drop box at Arrest Review is designated only for
narcotics and narcotic paraphernalia that can be identified or unidentified items
where no charges are filed.
(b) Officers with supervisor approval may authorize disposal of evidence in certain cases.
Officers will document the approving supervisor's name and employee number in the
offense report. Officers submitting narcotics evidence for disposal will follow the below
procedure:
1. This section only applies to the below cases where evidence is being submitted
for destruction:
(a) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, after being photographed;
(b) Found Controlled Substances
(c) No charges filed cases having no identifiable suspect(s) (Titled "Found
Controlled Substance")
2. When submitting evidence, the officer should notate the item status of "D" for
"Disposal" on the individual Versadex Property Description Form to reflect which
item(s) is being submitted for disposal and check the Evidence indicator box.
3. Under no circumstance will sworn personnel authorize the destruction of
marijuana, drug paraphemalia, or other related property seized from a person
potentially engaging or assisting in the lawful use of medical marijuana without
a thorough investigation, direction from the County/District Attorney Offices, or
a court order.
4. A supervisor may authorize the return of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and
other related property in cases where the items are being legally possessed, but
were submitted into the Evidence Section for safekeeping, or as property not
accepted by the jail.
(c) All narcotics and/or paraphernalia will be submitted in accordance with
procedures established by the Evidence Section. This includes prescription
medication.
PD 0075
Rev. June 2019
The purpose of this memorandum is to document this written reprimand. You are hereby
reminded that compliance with the Department's rules and regulations are a condition of your
continued employment as a police officer. Failure to comply with this policy in the future may
result in more severe disciplinary action against you, up to, and including an indefinite
suspension.
I hereby acknowledge receipt of the foregoing Written Reprimand:
9/3/20/10:05PM
Signature of Officer Receiving Counseling
Date / Time
6438
1/3/20/10.05 PM
Signature of COC Sergeant
Date / Time
9/3/20 10:07 PM
Signature of COC Lieutenant
Date/Time
all
Signature of OOC Commander 1647
9-4-20
0800
Date / Time
cc:
Employee
Employee's Supervisor
Internal Affairs
PD 0075
Rev June 2019