Frankfort Police Chief Scott Shoemaker said an officer recently charged with a crime has been placed on unpaid leave, emphasizing that state law strictly limits how departments can respond while a criminal case is pending.
Speaking Friday on WILO/Boone 102.7 FM’s “Party Line,” Shoemaker said the decision followed formal charges filed in Boone County related to an off-duty incident. “Once charges are filed, that was the only point that we could go to an unpaid status,” Shoemaker said. “They don’t lose their job… but they go to an unpaid status while the criminal trial plays out.”
Officer Status and Legal Limits
Shoemaker said the situation is unprecedented during his six years as chief and highlighted the constraints imposed by Indiana law. He explained that police officers are protected by statutes designed to prevent politically motivated firings, but those same protections can slow disciplinary action.
“It is very hard to do anything to somebody that… I may not agree with them, but I can’t fire them,” Shoemaker said. “If you don’t like it, call your legislator. It’s a statute.”
The chief also pushed back on public perception that the officer had effectively been on “paid vacation” during the investigation. “If anybody was facing charges… this has not been a vacation for him,” Shoemaker said.
Community Reaction and Department Impact
Shoemaker acknowledged public frustration but urged residents not to judge the entire department based on one incident. “Don’t judge the entire department… for one decision by this officer,” he said. He also noted the operational challenges created by the situation, including staffing gaps. “We have an open shift to fill… a supervisor spot to fill that we can’t even fill,” Shoemaker said, noting the position remains protected until the legal process concludes.
The chief said social media criticism has intensified the situation, including messages from outside the community. “We get people from all over the country,” he said. “People don’t read… and then they react.”
K-9 Program Changes
Shoemaker said the department is also making changes to its K-9 program following the incident. The involved police dog, K-9 Taz, will likely be reassigned. “We believe K-9 Taz is fine… but it’s in the best interest of everybody that we get Taz a chance to go somewhere else,” Shoemaker said.
The dog will be evaluated by the original vendor in Michigan. If cleared, the dog will be rehomed for continued service; if not, the department will seek a suitable private placement.
Frankfort Police will continue operating with two K-9 units but will pause adding a new dog for now.
Positive Developments and Community Engagement
Shoemaker also highlighted positive developments within the department, including Officer Rob Hession being named a district School Resource Officer of the Year. “To have Rob… be one of nine or 11 recognized out of hundreds is pretty cool,” Shoemaker said.
Shoemaker also pointed to ongoing youth engagement efforts, including a summer “mini police academy” hosted in partnership with the Learning Network. “I really hope… there’s a future police officer in that group,” he said.
Festival Safety Preparations
With major summer events approaching, including the Fourth of July and the Hot Dog Festival, Shoemaker said the department is increasing staffing and continuing proactive safety measures.
“We’ve increased our staff… and we’re prepared for… a tactical situation response,” he said.
Security efforts include drone surveillance, strategic officer placement, and vehicle barriers to prevent potential vehicle attacks.
Despite rising security concerns nationally, Shoemaker said many of these practices have already been in place locally for years. “We’ve been doing that… not just talking about it,” he said.