Fort Myers police officer involved in Freeh Report back on leave

FORT MYERS, Fla. – A Fort Myers police officer is back on leave following allegations of misconduct.

The Fort Myers Police Department said an internal investigation has started Wednesday into misconduct allegations committed by Officer Jason Jackson. FMPD Chief Derrick Diggs said the FBI provided information to the department after conducting a lengthy investigation of Officer Jackson and three former officers.

The chief said the internal investigation will be conducted in accordance with Florida’s Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights, which requires all information provided remain confidential until it is completed.

Officer Jackson has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The four officers, including Officer Jackson, were all originally placed on leave in 2016 due to an independent review of the department’s conduct. After a news investigation uncovered a toxic work environment at the police department, the city hired the Freeh Group to conduct a review of officers, management, and all department members.

In February 2017, the group released its report detailing cases of racism, favoritism, and officer misconduct within FMPD. The report also revealed allegations of dirty police work, claiming officers were tipping off drug dealers before search warrants were served.

A grand jury concluded there was not enough sufficient evidence of a federal crime involving Officer Jackson and the other three officers.

Since the beginning of the investigation in 2016, the officers were put on paid leave. Officer Jackson has still be collecting a paycheck from the city, the others retired.

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