Chief O'Hara disputes MPD union's claims he knew of Tyler Timberlake's controversial history prior to hiring
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minneapolis Police Federation says Chief Brian O'Hara knew about an officer's controversial past history before that officer was hired.
Tyler Timberlake was hired in January, but questions arose surrounding his status after video emerged of the officer putting a knee on a the neck of a Black man at his prior job in Fairfax, Virginia. The incident happened just days after George Floyd's murder. Timberlake was charged but later acquitted of assault.
To be hired by the Minneapolis police, recruits must pass extensive physical, medical, and phycological exams, along with written and oral tests. They must also pass a background check and what are known as POST standards, which means they've never been convicted of a crime.
According to the city of Minneapolis, Timberlake joined MPD in January, but as of July 5, Timberlake is no longer on the force.
Officials told WCCO the reason employees separate from the city are not public information. The police union meanwhile put out a statement in Timberlake's defense.
"Chief O'Hara was in the final interview of [Tyler] Timberlake and was fully aware of his history," the statement reads. "During his final interview, he was assured by Chief O'Hara he would be okay, if he did good work. This is clearly not the case. By all Minnesota POST standards, nothing precludes Timberlake from being a peace officer in the state of Minnesota. Releasing an officer with nearly 1,800 hours of training, years of prior experience and is qualified to work in the state of Minnesota, seems counterproductive."
WCCO has filed several public records requests, including for the Chief's calendar. Whatever the reason for Timberlake's departure, there's now yet another opening at MPD . . . one of about 140.
Chief O'Hara declined WCCO's request for an interview, and union leaders would also not go on camera. A spokesman initially said the chief had no further comment, but on Sunday, O'Hara released the following statement:
"I understand from talking with the City Attorney that my ability to discuss personnel matters publicly is very limited under Minnesota law. But this is what I can say: The MPD hiring process involves a background investigation and also screening by a hiring roundtable. Candidates who advance past those steps of the process are eligible for an interview as the last step of the process. On my second day of employment with the MPD, I observed Mr. Timberlake's interview. He was hired thereafter. I did not know of the existence of video capturing a use of force incident involving this individual until after receiving a media inquiry. Upon learning of the existence of video and seeing it myself, I immediately ordered an investigation into MPD's hiring processes. I was hired to become the MPD chief in order to reform the department and restore faith and pride in the MPD patch. To imply that I had known about this video at the time of hire and later lied is false."
WCCO has obtained what appear to be emails and communications between Timberlake and city officials, and is working to confirm their authenticity. We've also filed public records requests for relevant communications.