FW Police Chief Issues Rainbow Lounge Report

By BJ Austin, KERA News

Dallas, TX –

Fort Worth Police Chief Jeff Halstead says allegations of excessive force by police during a "bar check" of the Rainbow Lounge are "unfounded." KERA's BJ Austin says two officers who participated in the June raid - and their Sergeant - have been disciplined for violating procedures.

The three received a total of five days unpaid suspension for failure to complete required police reports, and bringing unfavorable criticism on the department. Jon Nelson, with Fairness Fort Worth, says that sends a very bad message to the gay community.

Nelson: It is in fact like a kid being told to go to the principal, and the principal saying don't do that but have a nice day.

Nelson wants an independent investigation to address what he calls failure to provide proper discipline. Fort Worth Police Chief Jeff Halstead says he's already taken it to another level.

Halstead: I did the highest thing I can do in my position. I provided this entire investigation three weeks ago when it came to be as a completed draft to the Department of Justice.

The Chief says there hasn't been a response. And he says a suspension is very serious discipline: a permanent, negative mark on your record.

Randy Norman, manager of the Rainbow Lounge, wants more.

Norman: I think they should be severely punished more than that. And I also think they should be made to give a public apology to the Rainbow Lounge, its patrons, and the GLBT community.

The Chief says he has suggested that but will not "order" it. He also says he has received authorization to make the new Gay and Lesbian community liaison a permanent police department job.

Email BJ Austin