UPDATED: 11:55 AM
Fort Worth (WBAP/KLIF) – A fired Fort Worth Police sergeant has been reinstated during a hearing this morning. Former Sgt Kenneth Pierce was fired in 2017 for ordering rookie officer to use taser on a woman who called to report domestic violence.
Members of United Fort Worth, as well as the domestic violence victim, were there calling for the firing to stand.
“Let’s be clear: this is absolutely ridiculous, but this is turning out to be the Fort Worth way,” said Jasmine Crockett, attorney for Dorshay Morris. “We have seen time and time again where Fort Worth has decided to use excessive force then decided to do a slap on the wrist.”
A settlement was reach in an appeal of the firing that allowed Pierce a chance to return to work. .
Also worth noting: Sgt. Kenneth Pierce will keep his rank upon reinstatement, and the 35 day suspension is retroactive, meaning he’s already served it. He’ll also receive backpay for time off after those 35 days. Activists also criticized FTW leaders Betsy Price & Sharen Wilson. https://t.co/xz4WDgLu2K
— Scott Sidway (@ScottyWK) January 30, 2019
Pierce’s attorney in the settlement hearing said he could return to work within a matter of days, and will keep his position as sergeant.
“I am happy with the results. That’s really all I can say,” said Terry Dafron, Pierce’s attorney. “We’ve got an agreement where we’re going to keep comments to a minimum, but I think the right thing was done.”
Original post:
Fort Worth (WBAP/KLIF) – A hearing this morning could determine a fired Fort Worth Police sergeant’s future with the department.
The hearing focuses on Kenneth Pierce who was fired in 2017 after being found to have used “unreasonable force” on a woman during a domestic violence call, when he instructed a rookie officer to use a taser on 29-year old Dorshay Morris.
Pierce’s charges included neglect of duty, failure to supervise, and violating the department’s use-of-force policy.
The Fort Worth Police Union criticized the firing at the time.
Meantime, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that after appeal, an apparent settlement has been reached that may allow pierce to return to work.
At the hearing, activists are expected to call on the firing to stand.
(Copyright 2019 WBAP/KLIF 24/7 News. This report contains material from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
