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Sheriff OK's officer after Taser investigation
Editor in Chief
Issue date: 7/9/08 Section: Front Page
A Butler County Sheriff Department report says Oxford Police Department (OPD) officer Geoff Robinson did not violate OPD policy when he tasered a Miami University alumnus in April.
The tasering, which happened after an altercation outside of Brick Street Bar April 19, caused health complications which led Miami alumnus Kevin Piskura to be life-flighted to University Hospital in Cincinnati. Piskura passed away April 24.
The sheriff department's investigation found that the actions of Patrolman Geoff Robinson the night of April 19 "did not violate the OPD's Policy or Procedures."
The investigation took into account documents, videos, statements and interviews conducted by the sheriff's office. It was initiated at the request of OPD Chief Steve Schwein.
Spokesperson Monte Mayer previously said the department would await the Hamilton County Coroner report before finalizing the investigation, but the coroner has yet to disclose its findings. The only information released from the coroner's office so far is Piskura's BAC, which was .319 at the time of the incident.
Butler County Prosecutor Robin Piper will now conduct and independent investigation of the incident and release his findings.
The tasering, which happened after an altercation outside of Brick Street Bar April 19, caused health complications which led Miami alumnus Kevin Piskura to be life-flighted to University Hospital in Cincinnati. Piskura passed away April 24.
The sheriff department's investigation found that the actions of Patrolman Geoff Robinson the night of April 19 "did not violate the OPD's Policy or Procedures."
The investigation took into account documents, videos, statements and interviews conducted by the sheriff's office. It was initiated at the request of OPD Chief Steve Schwein.
Spokesperson Monte Mayer previously said the department would await the Hamilton County Coroner report before finalizing the investigation, but the coroner has yet to disclose its findings. The only information released from the coroner's office so far is Piskura's BAC, which was .319 at the time of the incident.
Butler County Prosecutor Robin Piper will now conduct and independent investigation of the incident and release his findings.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 15
Nate Brunk
posted 7/10/08 @ 1:05 AM EST
What a sad state of affairs for the OPD. Though the "investigation" by the IA section leaves the officer with a job, the ridiculous exercise of authority herein showed completely undermines the police department's responsibility to "Serve and protect. (Continued…)
Miami Alum
posted 7/10/08 @ 8:51 AM EST
The article states the OPD officer did not violate OPD policy. My question is "Is the policy appropriate, and what type of evaluation is being conducted by OPD, the Oxford community and Miami University administration?" The consequences of executing the OPD policy have been tragic and demand a review. (Continued…)
Former Miami Staff
posted 7/10/08 @ 10:25 AM EST
I've read all of the postings regarding this article as well as the others when the incident first occurred. And I am absolutely fascinated that no one stops to think that had the victim shown more responsibility in his actions, then this entire thing may not have happened. (Continued…)
Interested Alumnus
posted 7/10/08 @ 11:53 AM EST
I remember the feeling of Us vs. Them when I was a student many years ago. What I do not remember, though, is the feeling that we had the right to break the rules (or laws) without fear of recourse or responsibility. (Continued…)
David C. Loveland
David C., Loveland
posted 7/10/08 @ 12:00 PM EST
What an incredibly weak and embarrassingly effortless article for a college student paper, with a subject so important to Miami University and the community: An alum's tragic death by the hands of the hometown cops. (Continued…)
Mary
posted 7/11/08 @ 6:56 PM EST
Robinson's "career" is over. Watch what happens when he does it again, this next time though it will be the child of the "elites" and he will find himself in a orange jumpsuit. (Continued…)
Miami Alum
posted 7/14/08 @ 7:08 PM EST
This is such a sad situation. I know and understand that Butler County believes that Officer Robinson followed the OPD's Policies and Procedures. I cannot personally believe, though, that officers are taught to TASER (twice) intoxicated, even belligerent, students. (Continued…)
Pony Up, Mr. Matthews
posted 7/15/08 @ 6:14 PM EST
Mr. Matthews,
Why the suddent change of heart in regard to your "post a comment". Seem like a good idea at the time, eh?
Bennett
posted 7/18/08 @ 5:21 PM EST
Re: Miami Alum's comments about Officer Robinson...
The shame this officer will feel is sufficiently terrible and likely outweighs losing a job but that does not mean he should not be fired or kept of the streets. (Continued…)
this is lovely
posted 8/05/08 @ 9:21 PM EST
I'm sad that they no longer have tasers. Now when I go out and get drunk and fight with the cops I guess they will just shoot me with there gun. Or maybe because i'm a big girl I should do what is asked of me by cops or bouncers at a bar. (Continued…)
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