Law to deter false reports takes effect

3/22/2001

A new state law takes effect today making it a misdemeanor offense to file false administrative complaints against peace officers alleged to have engaged in misconduct while on duty.

The bill was introduced in the Senate in July, 2000. It was signed into law by Governor Taft in December.

If found guilty of the misdemeanor charge - dubbed making a false allegation of peace officer misconduct - the complainant could face up to six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.

Lt. Kevin Keel, of the Toledo police department's internal affairs section, said he believes the law will be beneficial and may deter people from making false complaints.

Since assigned to the section in January, 2000, the lieutenant said no one has been prosecuted for filing false complaints, even though “there are times when the statements don't match the facts after the investigation.”