Officer back on the job after slew of suspensions

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A Cobb County Police officer is back on the job after being suspended without pay and this is not the first time he has been suspended.

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The department has suspended Officer Jonathan Downey three times without pay during his seven years as a Cobb County police officer.

Channel 2 Action News filed open records requests for the officers disciplinary history after receiving an anonymous tip.

“I don’t think he should be employed. You got people that lose their jobs over smaller issues,” said Rocky.

“He got a badge, but you can’t take advantage of the privilege that you got,” said Cobb County resident Gregory Jackson

That reaction comes after Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell reviewed Officer Downey’s disciplinary history including suspensions, letters of reprimand, citizen complaints and concerns raised by Downey’s own supervisors.

In one review, a supervisor wrote: “Officer Downey has shown on more than one occasion that his decision-making is not consistent with policy, procedures and state law”.

The review cited several incidents, including an arrest the department determined was not supported by criminal law. The review also cited the improper use of a taser on two people, one was the victim of a domestic dispute who according to records suffers from mental illness.

Officer Downey arrested and charged a man with two crimes after searching his vehicle, but Downey was later ordered to rescind thew arrant and release the man from jail.

A letter of reprimand says the arrest “was not supported by criminal law.”

“You’re supposed to be protecting and serving the people, and you can’t make somebody a criminal,” said Jackson.

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Officer Downey was also reprimanded after failing to report for duty in a domestic-violence court case. Records show the case was given a consent bond after Downey did not appear.

An email from a court administrator said she’s glad the case wasn’t dismissed and said the victim was unhappy.

Downey’s discipline has spanned three police chiefs. His most recent suspension stems from his response to a home invasion.

Records show the victim reported being bound with duct tape and hit with a pistol.

According to Downey’s suspension letter, he did not contact crimes against persons until an hour after leaving the scene and was later ordered to return to collect evidence.

According to records Channel 2 Action News requested, a portion of Officer Downey’s explanation to the conduct review board said:

“Although it is personal to admit, I left the scene and went to the substation across the street to use the restroom. Immediately from there, I responded with other officers to a dispute where a male was attempting to fight with others. I deemed this as a higher priority call and once back in service I began driving back to the incident location of the alleged home invasion. While in route, I requested Crimes Against Persons to contact me.”

Previous suspensions include one after Downey crashed a cobb county vehicle. He was reprimanded for crashing another cobb county vehicle due to distracted driving.

Officer Downey’s first suspension as an officer followed complaints that he repeatedly harassed fellow officers, including using a homophobic slur toward one officer and sending a dispatcher a sexually explicit message about another.

Despite that disciplinary history, state records show Downey’s POST certification remains in good standing.

When asked why Officer Downey is still employed after three suspensions and several reprimands, Cobb County Police Chief Dan Ferrell sent this response:

“As Chief of Police, I take this matter seriously. I am aware of the concerns regarding Officer Downey’s disciplinary history. Most of those decisions were made prior to my appointment as Chief. While decisions made today may differ based on the standards and expectations I have established, my focus is not on second guessing past decisions, but ensuring our disciplinary process moving forward is fair, consistent, accountable, and reflects the values of our department. Let me be clear: discriminatory conduct and disrespectful treatment of others will not be condoned or tolerated.

Additionally, I have been made aware of information that I previously had no knowledge of, which has facilitated an evaluation of our various disciplinary processes. I have directed a review of our policies, procedures, and accountability measures to ensure that they reflect the professionalism, integrity, and conduct our personnel are expected to uphold.”

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