โHe's entitled to the process required by law and departmental policy. I won't decide the final outcome standing on a sidewalk.โ
The sergeant looked relieved for a fraction of a second.
Then the commissioner added something that erased that relief.
โBut neither will I allow this incident to disappear into an informal counseling note.โ
The chief looked down.
The federal investigator remained still.
The sergeant's hands began trembling.
Across the plaza, a young woman who had been recording the confrontation stepped forward.
โExcuse me.โ
One of the officers turned.
She held up her phone.
โI have the whole thing.โ
The commissioner looked toward her.
โFrom when?โ
โWhen he took your identification.โ
The young woman swallowed.
โI was waiting for a bus. I thought he was going to arrest you.โ
The commissioner nodded.
โThank you.โ
She looked nervous.
โAm I allowed to keep the recording?โ
The federal investigator answered calmly.
โYes. You should preserve the original. An investigator can discuss obtaining a copy with you through the proper process.โ
The young woman nodded.
Then she looked toward the commissioner.
Her voice became small.
โSir?โ
โYes?โ
โI almost walked away.โ
He studied her.
She continued.
โI thought getting involved would make him come after me too.โ
The commissioner glanced toward the sergeant.
Then back at her.
โYou weren't obligated to put yourself in danger.โ
She nodded.
He continued.
โBut thank you for preserving what you witnessed.โ
The young woman smiled faintly.
Then stepped back.
The commissioner watched her return toward the sidewalk.
He wondered how many people had previously witnessed misconduct outside that building.
How many had been too frightened to speak.
And how many had never discovered that recording an encounter could help preserve the truth.
He turned toward the chief.
โLet's go inside.โ
The chief nodded.
As they approached the revolving entrance, the commissioner paused.
Then looked back at the sergeant.
โOne more question.โ
The officer straightened.
โYes, sir?โ
โWho told you I'd be arriving at this entrance?โ
The sergeant's face drained of color.
He glanced toward the building.
Then toward his pocket.
For one brief moment, he seemed ready to answer.
But instead, he whispered, โI was just following my assignment.โ
The commissioner held his gaze.
โThen we'll need the assignment records.โ
He turned.
And walked through the glass doors.
Inside headquarters, the atmosphere was worse than the commissioner expected.