RPD internal investigation into alleged gay bashing released

Rochester Police Chief David Moore says some officers may have acted inappropriately in connection with an alleged gay bashing attack last month.  The internal investigation was launched shortly after New 8 first broke this story.

"The internal investigation has determined that there is perhaps sufficient concern as far as I'm concerned with possible violations in rules and regulations of more than one officer that responded to the incident," said David Moore, Rochester Police Chief.

On June 1st, six people say they were attacked by four others who used anti-gay slurs before kicking them and beating them with a metal pipe. They say officers who responded to the scene, did not allow them to file a report and physically abused them. The victims say they were mistreated because officers thought they were gay.
The police department launched an internal investigation shortly after we first broke the story days after the attacks. The investigation lasted from June 5th to July 9th.

The Professional Standards Section found, “there are sufficient areas of concern relative to possible violations of departmental rules and regulations by more than one officer responding to the scene."

"I am very proud of the officers of this department and will stand by them, but I will not tolerate inappropriate behavior," said Moore.

Four sergeants conducted the investigation where a total of more than 40 statements were taken involving 21 officers and 20 people. Their findings will be turned over to a Civilian Review Board made up of three members.

The officers could face a fine, demotion, suspension or even termination or nothing at all. For now, the officers are still working.  Chief Moore will ultimately decide what happens to the officers.

The Police Union will also be responding to the investigation. News 8 will bring you that information Thursday.

As far as the criminal investigation relating to the alleged attackers, that is over and it's been referred to the district attorney's office, which will then determine whether or not to seek charges. At this point, those four suspects have not been charged.