Darius closed the laptop.
Darius: "Then don't contact him. I want the original documents preserved before anyone has an opportunity to alter, remove, or replace anything."
Robert looked uncomfortable.
Robert: "Chief, Victor has been with this department for more than twenty-five years. He's overseen several major operational divisions. I have worked alongside him for a long time."
Darius: "That doesn't change what the records say."
Robert: "I'm not suggesting that it does. I'm saying we should be careful."
Darius: "We will be careful. We will follow the evidence, give everyone an opportunity to respond, and make decisions based on documented facts. But seniority cannot become a shield against accountability."
Michael began typing.
Darius continued.
Darius: "I want an independent review of every complaint connected to Officer Ward. I also want a separate review of the decisions made by the supervisors who handled those complaints."
Robert: "That could involve several people."
Darius: "Then several people will be interviewed."
He walked toward the window.
Below them, officers were moving between the parking area and the main entrance. Visitors continued arriving, unaware that the department was beginning to examine years of internal decisions.
Darius watched them for a moment.
Darius: "There are people walking through those doors every day who have no idea what happens after they leave. Some are reporting crimes. Some are looking for missing relatives. Some are asking for help because they have nowhere else to turn. They should not have to wonder whether their complaint will disappear because the person they're reporting has friends in the building."
Michael: "I'll arrange the independent review."
Darius: "And make sure it is independent in practice, not just in name."
Robert nodded.
Robert: "Understood."
At 12:20 p.m., Deputy Chief Victor Langley received a message requesting his presence in the executive conference room.
He was a tall man in his late fifties, with neatly combed gray hair and a reputation for being disciplined, direct, and extremely protective of the department's established procedures. He had served under three police chiefs and had often described himself as someone who understood how the institution worked better than anyone else.
When he entered the room, he found Darius seated at the head of the table. Robert stood near the window, while Michael had several files arranged in front of him.
Langley glanced at the documents.
Langley: "I understand there's been an incident this morning."
Darius: "There has."
Langley: "I was informed that Officer Ward had an unfortunate interaction with a visitor."
Darius looked directly at him.
Darius: "The visitor was me."
Langley's expression changed.
Langley: "Chief Cole. I wasn't aware you were involved."
Darius: "I was the person Officer Ward grabbed and struck."
Langley pulled out a chair.
Langley: "I'm sorry to hear that. I'm sure Officer Ward did not understand the circumstances."
Darius: "The circumstances were straightforward. I had a confirmed appointment. I entered the building. I was asked why I was there. I explained that I was expected. The officer ignored the information, grabbed my clothing, and struck me."
Langley folded his hands.
Langley: "I understand. We'll review the matter and take appropriate action."
Darius: "That's why I asked you to come here."
He turned toward Michael.
Michael opened the laptop and displayed the first complaint record.
Darius: "This complaint was submitted several months ago. It concerned Officer Ward's conduct toward a visitor. Your name appears in the approval section."
Langley glanced at the screen.
Langley: "That was a routine administrative review."
Darius: "The complaint was closed less than twenty-four hours after it was submitted."
Langley: "It was assessed at the time."
Darius: "By whom?"
Langley: "The relevant supervisory personnel."
Darius: "The record identifies you as the approving commander."
Langley leaned back.
Langley: "That doesn't necessarily mean I personally conducted every part of the review. There are procedures for handling preliminary complaints."
Darius: "Then explain those procedures."
Langley: "A complaint is initially assessed by the receiving supervisor. If it does not meet the threshold for a formal investigation, it can be resolved through informal counseling or other administrative measures."
Darius: "Was the complainant interviewed?"
Langley: "I would have to review the details."
Darius: "Was the officer interviewed?"
Langley: "I can't recall that particular case."
Darius: "Was the security footage examined?"
Langley: "I don't know."
Darius looked at Michael.
Darius: "Bring up the second record."
Michael displayed another complaint.
Darius: "This one describes similar behavior. Again, the complaint was closed without a documented witness interview."
Langley studied the page.
Langley: "There may be additional documents that aren't reflected in this summary."
Darius: "Then we will locate them."
Langley: "Chief, I think we're moving too quickly. These records may be incomplete. It would be unfair to judge decisions made years ago without understanding the operational circumstances."