GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – One Green Bay Police officer is no longer with the department amid an internal investigation.
Officials say Officer Michael Rahn resigned on March 28 before removal charges were filed with the Commission.
Rahn’s investigation derived from falsifying information regarding a use of force incident in February.
Chief Andrew Smith says the most recent use of force happened during a traffic stop on February 28.
He says one of his lieutenant’s began reviewing the reports, as well as squad cam video and noticed inconsistencies.
“Some of the things that were written down on the use of force report and on the arrest report weren’t apparent in the video. There appeared to be some things that had been fabricated and we initiated an investigation and continued to dig into that,” said Smith.
After learning of the discrepancies, Smith ordered an internal investigation and notified District Attorney David Lasee.
Lasee determined that all charges related to the incident would be dropped.
Rahn, a 3-year veteran with the force, was placed on Administrative Leave on March 22.
“There may be charges against officer Rahn eventually because putting someone in jail under false pretenses is a criminal offense. That’s why the FBI and the State Department of Criminal Investigation is looking into the incident,” Smith said.
All reports involving Rahn are being reviewed.
“We have 3 years’ worth of reports. There are several hundred that we’re looking at. We found some discrepancies in a few of them that we’re concerned about. Many more we haven’t found any yet, but it’s really early on in that investigation,” explained Smith.
Smith says they are doing everything they can to maintain transparency.
“We have a very high standard on the Green Bay Police Department for conduct. If anyone does not meet that high standard, then they’re not welcome to be a police officer here.”
The FBI and Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigations are assisting with the criminal investigation.
