CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — The termination of former Circleville Police Officer Ryan Speakman has sparked controversy and raised concerns over the conduct of Police Chief Gary Shawn Baer.
Speakman, who was fired on Wednesday following his involvement in a July 4 incident where a black man was attacked by a police canine while surrendering, is setup in a position to potentially get his job back due to a series of unsettling events that unfolded within the police department.
The Guardian uncovered information that Speakman was allowed to continue working without any repercussions immediately after the July 4 incident. In fact, the town’s mayor confirmed to news media this week that Speakman was not placed on leave until July 20 — 17 days after the K9 attack and only after the news media brought the matter to light, which gained international attention. The lack of immediate action and failure to place Speakman on leave came about when the Guardian requested a copy of a ruling that initially cleared Speakman of any wrongdoing in the incident earlier in the month.
The initial paperwork
On July 17, the Guardian asked from the police department for a copy of “the report that ruled out excessive use of force in the K9 pursuit on 23 Southbound that occurred on July 4, where CPD backed up OSP (the highway patrol) for a fleeing semi driver.” Initially, Chief Gary Shawn Baer instructed his records clerk to provide the requested documents, but then reversed his decision, leaving the news and the public in the dark.
It was only after the news of the incident and the subsequent lack of transparency gained international attention that the chief seemingly realized the gravity of the situation. Amid growing public scrutiny and mounting pressure, Speakman was belatedly placed on paid leave, 17 days after the initial incident. Simultaneously, the police department convened a “use of force review board,” raising suspicions of a deliberate attempt to manage the narrative.
“Our investigation included the Circleville Police Use of Force Review Board determination that the department’s policy for the use of canines was followed in the apprehension and arrest.” Despite saying Speakman followed policies when he unleashed the dog, he was fired anyway.
The termination of Speakman, as stated in a press release written by Baer on Wednesday, indicated that Speakman properly followed all department policies and procedures. Critics argue that the chief’s handling of the entire situation warrants a thorough investigation into his conduct. The timing of events and the reluctance to disclose essential public records have raised suspicions about potential attempts to cover up the incident or protect certain individuals within the police department.
Many call for more investigations
One chief law enforcement officer told the Guardian in an interview on Wednesday that Baer should be placed on leave immediately and investigated.
“If the matter has already been reviewed and determined, it should have already been presented to the prosecutor for review and presentation to the grand jury,” the longtime law enforcement officer said. “The chief should be immediately placed on leave pending a full internal and criminal investigation so he has no influence on either. The suspensions should include those who conducted the initial investigation and advised the chief erroneously. Their efforts to cover up has already been exposed and they too, could influence any investigation. If the mayor was advised and or involved, he too should step aside.”
The recent turn of events has laid the foundation for Speakman to seek reinstatement through arbitration in the coming months, according to members of the Black Lives Matter movement. Arbitration is a process laid out in the department’s contract with the police officer’s union.
“Our focus now shifts to Chief of Police, Gary Shawn Baer, and the concerning circumstances surrounding Speakman’s initial employment status. We question why Speakman was not placed on leave until the video of the attack garnered national attention in the news media. It has come to our attention that Chief Baer ruled internally before the story was shared in the news that there was initially no wrongdoing,” members of the movement released in a statement. “It was only after the intervention of the news media that Speakman was placed on leave nearly 20 days after the incident, and then, suddenly a new review was opened. Chief Baer must be investigated now as to why he concealed the initial finding of no wrongdoing, and the initial ruling must be brought to light as Speakman stands a very good chance of winning reinstatement through a union grievance process. He has paperwork in his hand that says, “You did nothing wrong,” only to be given termination paperwork that says, “you’re being fired because the news media picked this up and now we are catching heat.” The termination will not stand in an appeal process.”
The town’s mayor, Don McIlroy did not return a request for an interview for this story.
How Speakman could be re-hired in a few months
Community leaders, civil rights activists, and concerned citizens are calling for an impartial and external investigation into Baer’s actions during the aftermath of the July 4 incident. They believe that the chief’s conduct has shaken the public’s trust in the police department and that a thorough examination is necessary to restore confidence in law enforcement. They also said the announcement of the termination on Wednesday clearly says Speakman was in the right “but too bad.” The group added that they are concerned that in six months, when the the media cycle has moved onto other stories that Speakman will get his job back due to Chief Baer’s actions. The group has a protest scheduled for this weekend in downtown Circleville.
“We are deeply concerned that this initial ruling — which has been concealed from the public — may result in Speakman being reinstated through a union grievance, which is unacceptable given the severity of the situation. The protest will continue to send a powerful message demanding transparency, accountability, and criminal charges for any wrongdoings. We call upon those in power to investigate Chief Baer and to get a copy of the initial ruling that Speakman will be using to get his job back.”
As the story continues to gain traction in the media and public interest remains high, pressure mounts on city officials to take swift action and address the concerns raised.
“The Circleville Police Department must address the serious allegations of mishandling and lack of transparency to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future,” said retired police chief Greg Jeffery.
The case has become a focal point for larger discussions about police accountability and transparency, highlighting the need for reform and unbiased oversight within law enforcement agencies after Ohio Governor Mike DeWine weighed in, along with White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.