South Holland Police Chief Unhappy With Officer's Conduct During Traffic Stop
SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (CBS) -- The actions of a south suburban police officer during a traffic stop has left many wondering if he crossed the line or if he was just rude.
CBS 2's Jim Williams reports South Holland police stopped a car looking for a suspect. An officer directed profanity at the driver and the police chief is unhappy about it, but there is more to the story.
On cell phone video, a South Holland police officer is heard cursing at a young driver, Rodney Wilson, trying to get him to leave his car.
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South Holland Police Chief Greg Baker said the officer, described as young and inexperienced, used inappropriate language, violating the town's code of conduct.
"You have to do what's right," Chief Baker said. "We are trained as police officers to become involved in volatile, disturbing situations and it's up to us as experienced police officers to defuse the matter."
Still, Chief Baker insisted the traffic stop last Friday was justified because another man in the car, sitting next to Wilson, was wanted for a crime in nearby Lynwood.
The driver Wilson later had harsh for words for the South Holland police.
"At the end of the day there were just crooked cops trying to abuse some teenagers who they thought didn't know their rights," Wilson said.
CBS 2 asked the police chief to describe the relationship between his officers and the community, especially young men like Rodney Wilson
"We have an excellent relationship with our community," Chief Baker said. "Our bond is better than most agencies. I'm proud to say that."
The officer is not suspended now. There is an internal investigation under way.He said the cellphone video is only 45 seconds of a 37 minute stop.
The man police were looking for was arrested.
