"I think the lack of training and leadership in the department is very critical," said Jim Diamond.
Serious allegations have arose from Police Benevolent Association Director, Jim Diamond against the Zephyrhills Police Department.
It stems from a tasing incident last September. Zephyrhills Police were investigating a shoplifting case when the suspect refused to come out of his house. The officer who tased him was fired for excessive use of force. Another officer was let go due to inconsistent statements in the report.
Now, he is fighting to get his job back.
Diamond says this one case raises a bigger issue.
10News WTSP uncovered in a 2014 independent review of the department, that officers had to show proficiency with tasers and firearms only. The report said, this could be a concern if the department and/or city were ever sued for inappropriate use of these weapons.
Fast forward a little more than a year after this report, the city settled with the taser victim for $190,000.
"I'm very concerned for my membership for the leadership or the lack of leadership their receiving," said Diamond.
The city manager had this to say about those accusations: "Well that's part of what we're doing now, but I don't think that's the case," said Steve Spina, Zephyrhills City Manager.
We also took those concerns to Zephyrhills Police Chief, David Spears.
"I would prefer not to comment at this time," said Spears.
Diamond is disappointed by the lack of cooperation by the department.
