City of Del Rio Press Release
The City of Del Rio Administration issues this press release regarding the status of the investigation into the police incident on February 8, 2021. Since February 12, 2021, when the Chief of Police learned of the incident involving law enforcement personnel where alleged excessive use of force was used, three Del Rio Police Officers were placed on Administrative Leave with pay pending further investigation into the matter. Since the investigation began, one of the officers involved has since retired from the Department. As previously noted, the matter remains under active investigation by the City Police Department Internal Affairs Office and is being conducted with due regard to the procedural and substantive provisions of Texas Local Government Code Ch. 143 pertaining to Civil Service.
In addition to the Department’s Internal Affairs Investigation, Police Chief Knoll turned over information to the FBI for an independent and separate review of the incident. As of Monday, April 19, 2021, Chief Knoll was informed that the US Attorney has turned the file over to their civil rights division to further review the case. The City and the officers are fully cooperating in the FBI investigation. The City’s Internal Affairs investigation, while open, has been dependent on receiving the results of the current investigation being conducted by the FBI.
The subjects of the Internal Affairs investigation remain on administrative leave with pay until the resolution of both investigations, and if applicable, the Police Chief, City Manager, and/or Civil Service Board ruling. The Internal Affairs investigation is focused on policy compliance with relevant operation rule and regulations by the City’s law enforcement personnel involved in the incident. The Internal Affairs investigation shall remain confidential as required by law and not subject to public disclosure.
If at the conclusion of the City’s Internal Affairs investigation, or the FBI investigation, the Chief determines that disciplinary action is warranted, that action, if any, will be filed with the Civil Service Commission pursuant to state law, rules and regulations. Such charges are subject to public disclosure.
At this time, the City of Del Rio also awaits a response from the Attorney General, regarding public information requests that have been submitted. Upon receipt of those rulings, the City will release the information accordingly as directed by such ruling.
The City understands the community and those who are aware of this incident have questions and seek answers about this incident, however, it is also important to remember that all legal and other substantive procedures and timing must be followed, based on the status of the City of Del Rio’s First Responders (Fire and Police) who are recognized as Civil Service employees, under the Texas Local Govt. Code, Ch. 143. The City will continue to provide updates to the community throughout the process.
