JOHN SHIPMAN

NEA Report says that Jonesboro Police Officer John Shipman has been suspended for 30 days without pay for commenting on Facebook that 80 percent of rape reports are false. He also said Christine Blasey Ford was lying in her allegations about Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

NEA Report, which broke the story about Shipman’s comments, said Police Chief Rick Elliott had disciplined Shipman after an internal investigation concluded Shipman had violated city and police department policy on use of social media.

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“Law enforcement employees bear the responsibility of maintaining their own conduct and the integrity of the government entity they represent,” Jonesboro Police Chief Rick Elliott said. “They are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not bring discredit upon them.”

“I expect the officers of this department to maintain the highest standard of integrity by working diligently to maintain the community’s trust. Employees must recognize that they are held to a higher standard than the private citizen. In addition to representing the department, they also represent the law enforcement profession.”

“Conduct, on and off duty, must be beyond reproach and meet the highest degree of professionalism and personal accountability. Employees of the Police Department are to respect the rights of individuals and not engage in or tolerate discrimination, oppression or favoritism.”

“Officer Shipman’s comments compromised the integrity of the department and the public’s confidence and trust.”

In addition to his suspension, Shipman will receive further training in dealing with victims of sexual assault.

The review included a check of Shipman’s handling of sexual assault complaints. In 10 years, he took four reports on rapes and also served a warrant for sexual assault. The four rape cases were initial reports and were turned over to the detective division.

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