Evelyn made a note.
Nathan continued.
"I also want a clear distinction between an allegation being unsubstantiated and an allegation being false. Those are not the same thing."
Evelyn nodded.
"Understood."
Nathan closed the folder.
"Good. Now let's discuss Sergeant Lewis."
Daniel looked toward him.
"Sergeant Lewis is currently supervising the patrol officers assigned to the east division."
"How long has he held that position?"
"Almost six years."
"Was he responsible for reviewing the previous complaints against Officer Pierce?"
"Yes, sir."
Nathan turned to Evelyn.
"Have you spoken with him?"
"Not yet. We wanted to complete the preliminary document review before arranging an interview."
"Then let's hear his explanation."
Later that morning, Sergeant Mark Lewis received an instruction to report to the commander's office.
He arrived shortly after ten.
Lewis was a broad, middle-aged officer with a neatly trimmed beard and a reputation for being practical. He had served the department for almost eighteen years and was considered dependable by several senior supervisors.
He entered the office and stood beside the desk.
"Commander Brooks, you asked to see me?"
Nathan gestured toward the chair.
"Please sit down, Sergeant."
Lewis sat.
Nathan placed several documents on the table.
"I want to discuss the complaints involving Officer Ryan Pierce."
Lewis nodded.
"I understand, sir."
"How would you describe his performance?"
"He's a capable officer. He knows the procedures, responds quickly, and usually completes his assignments."
"How would you describe his conduct toward members of the public?"
Lewis paused.
"Generally professional."
Nathan looked at him.
"Generally?"
"There have been occasional disagreements."
"Three documented complaints in a relatively short period. Would you describe that as occasional?"
Lewis adjusted his position.
"People sometimes misunderstand an officer's tone. The job can be difficult, especially when we're dealing with people who refuse to cooperate."
Nathan remained calm.
"Did you personally investigate those complaints?"
"I reviewed them."
"What evidence did you examine?"
Lewis glanced at the documents.
"I spoke with Officer Pierce and reviewed the available reports."
"Did you speak with the people who filed the complaints?"
"Not in every case."
"Did you review security footage?"
"Where it was available."
"Was it available in the incident involving the delivery worker?"
Lewis hesitated.
"I would need to check the original file."
Nathan looked toward Evelyn.
"Captain Carter?"
Evelyn opened her folder.
"The original record contains no reference to security footage being reviewed. It also contains no recorded statement from the delivery worker after the initial complaint."
Nathan returned his attention to Lewis.
"Then what information did you use to conclude that the complaint had been resolved?"
Lewis shifted in his chair.
"Officer Pierce explained his side of the incident. He said the delivery worker had ignored the instructions and become argumentative."
"And you accepted that explanation?"
"I believed him."
Nathan paused.
"Why?"
Lewis looked uncomfortable.
"Because I've worked with him for years. I know how he handles situations."
Nathan leaned forward slightly.
"Sergeant, knowing someone for years does not mean you should automatically accept their version of events."
Lewis nodded.
"I understand."
"Your responsibility was to establish what happened, not to protect an officer because you were familiar with him."
Lewis looked down.
"I wasn't trying to protect him."
"Then explain why the complaints were closed without complete documentation."
The room fell silent.
Lewis took a breath.
"At the time, the division was under considerable pressure. We were short-staffed, dealing with a high volume of incidents, and trying to keep the patrol schedule operating. I believed these matters could be handled informally."
Nathan listened without interrupting.
Lewis continued.
"I spoke to Officer Pierce. I told him to be more careful with his language and to avoid unnecessary arguments. I thought that would be enough."
Nathan looked at him.
"Did you check whether his behavior changed?"
Lewis did not answer immediately.
"Not formally."
"Did you follow up with the people who complained?"
"No."
"Did you record a corrective action plan?"
"No."
Nathan closed the file.
"Then you did not establish whether the problem had been resolved."
Lewis looked increasingly uncomfortable.
"Commander, I accept that the documentation could have been better."
Nathan's voice remained measured.
"This is not simply a documentation issue. A supervisor has a duty to take complaints seriously, gather relevant evidence, and ensure that the people involved are treated fairly."
Lewis nodded.
"I understand, sir."
Nathan continued.
"Your decisions will be included in the independent review. Until that review is complete, you will be temporarily removed from complaint-review responsibilities."
Lewis looked up.
"Am I being suspended?"
"No. This is an administrative measure to protect the integrity of the review. You will continue performing your other duties unless further action becomes necessary."
Lewis nodded slowly.
"Understood."
Nathan stood.
"Sergeant, I want you to consider something. If a member of your family had been treated the way Commander Brooks was treated yesterday, would you have considered an informal conversation sufficient?"
Lewis looked at him.
"No, sir."