“The pouch was concealed legally on my person.”
Silence.
“The officer initiated contact based on an unverified complaint.”
Maddox interrupted.
“There was a real call.”
“Yes.”
That mattered.
The call existed.
A convenience-store employee had reported a man arguing with customers near the pumps.
Security video later showed that man was white, mid-twenties, red baseball cap, green hoodie.
Nothing like Adrian.
Rourke had not asked the store employee for a description before approaching him.
Adrian continued:
“He selected me instead.”
Maddox said, “Mistakes happen.”
“Then he searched me without articulating cause.”
“Officer safety.”
“He threw my wallet.”
“Unprofessional.”
“He shoved me twice.”
“Potential force-policy issue.”
“He removed my phone.”
“Depends on context.”
“He opened a sealed pouch.”
Maddox hesitated.
Then:
“Search incident.”
“I wasn’t under arrest.”
Silence.
Adrian looked toward the city attorney.
The attorney looked down.
Harmon said, “Chief, this is no longer about debating the stop.”
Maddox turned.
“What is it about?”
She opened a folder.
“Historical complaints.”
His expression hardened.
“I’ve reviewed complaints.”
“Yes.”
“Most unfounded.”
“By whom?”
“My supervisors.”
“Including Captain Reeves?”
One of the men beside Maddox stiffened.
Harmon noticed.
So did Adrian.
Maddox said, “Reeves runs patrol standards.”
Harmon opened another file.
“Six complaints involving Rourke were closed by Captain Reeves.”
“So?”
“Three were closed within forty-eight hours.”
“Efficient investigation.”
“One complainant was never contacted.”
Reeves spoke.
“That isn’t accurate.”
Harmon slid a page across the table.
“Phone logs.”
Reeves looked at it.
His face changed.
Maddox said, “We’re not turning one officer’s misconduct into an attack on command.”
Adrian leaned back.
Interesting phrasing.
One officer.
Before Internal Affairs had concluded anything.
Maddox had already isolated Rourke.
Distance.
Protection.
Harmon closed the folder.
“Nobody is attacking command.”
Maddox looked at her.
“We are auditing it.”
That ended the meeting.
At least verbally.
Chief Maddox left furious.
Captain Reeves followed.
The city attorney remained.
He closed the door.
Then said:
“You need to look at vehicle searches.”
Harmon looked up.
“What?”
The attorney sat.
Adrian watched.
His name was Peter Lang.
Mid-forties.
Conservative suit.
Sweat forming near his hairline.
He looked toward the door.
“Not just complaints.”
Harmon said, “Explain.”
Lang swallowed.
“There are civil claims.”
“How many?”
“Eight in two years.”
Adrian frowned.
“That many?”
“Informal notices. Most settled before filing.”