On Wednesday September 2, 2009, PLEA returned a call to the FBI after being contacted by them the week prior regarding our letter of concern with regard to Lt. Joe Knott being selected for attendance at the FBI’s prestigious National Academy.
During our conversation with Agent Capetta of the National Academy, he stated that they have received several letters of complaint with regard to Lt. Knott being allowed to attend and that all are being looked into. He further stated that they had spoken with the Chief and had been told that Lt. Knott was not under investigation. We explained that while Lt. Knott may not be under internal investigation by the Police Department, EEO complaints/investigations are handled by a separate City entity outside of the police department. During the course of our conversation we explained what PPD policy says with regard to temporary transfers as well as transfers involving Lt”s. We also explained that the issue is not with the person but with the conduct.
PLEA also re-iterated that any rank and file officer or detective under investigation is denied the ability to transfer, are sometimes transferred for punitive reasons, are denied overtime, have off duty work privileges suspended, are often assigned to desk duty and in serious cases, are sometimes assigned to home and they would definitely not be allowed to attend lengthy, out of state schools or seminars paid for by the city.
Agent Capetta stated that it is a privilege to attend the National Academy and they ultimately make the decision on who is allowed to attend. He further stated that the head of the Phoenix field office had been tasked with looking into the complaints.