Months after a Cincinnati police officer was fired and others were suspended for using a racial slur on duty, WLWT has learned of two other officers investigated for using the slur.The incidents of officers using the slur became one of the biggest public controversies concerning the department in 2022 and led to a new policy for all city workers. Through a public records request, WLWT learned Officer Daniel Carter, who is white, and Officer Willie Coman, who is Black, were both accused of using the racial slur on duty last year.CPD internal documents show while Carter was investigating an assault in August, a man repeatedly used the slur while speaking to the officer.Carter responded to the man, "First of all, I ain't your ."The Cincinnati police department tells WLWT Carter retired before an internal investigation was completed. FOP President Dan Hils said Carter feared he was going to be fired and did not think he would get a fair shot during the investigative process."This officer didn't think he was gonna get it because he's a white dude, ok? His case and Joehonny's case, they're exactly the same. Pull the tapes," Hils said. "Now he has to look back and realize that if he would have just hung in there, he could have worked for a few more years."Hils referred Detective Joehonny Reese, who was suspended for using a racial slur on a call in September.A drunk 19-year-old called Reese a racial slur at a night club. Reese responded to the man, repeating the slur.His police powers were initially suspended and then reinstated. The city considered starting a no tolerance policy for use of the slur in the fall but opted for a more flexible policy.The updated policy reads, "For usage of the , the presumptive penalty is termination, except in those very rare circumstances where mitigating circumstances are evident."That wording is likely why Officer Willie Coman is still employed by the department. CPD internal documents show a woman experiencing a mental health crisis and making bizarre claims repeatedly used a racial slur and called Coman the slur. It happened as Coman was responding to a call in October.The investigation by internal affairs found "Officer Coman's BWC captured him using the word" two separate times. The report went on to say Coman's use of the slur "was not directed at any person, nor was it used in a demeaning or discriminatory manner."Further, the report stated Coman "remained calm and professional, even after being insulted."Ultimately, he received a write-up in his personnel file for the incident. "When I say you can't find a finer gentleman than Joehonny Reese, Willie Coman would give him a run for the money," Hils said. He said he believes officers should not use slurs under any circumstance. At the same time, he said good officers should not be punished when there are extenuating circumstances. A review of Coman's performance reviews found he consistently "exceeds standards."A review of Carter's file shows he consistently "meets standards," but the last several years, he was marked as "needs improvement" in the category of complying with policies and procedures.
Months after a Cincinnati police officer was fired and others were suspended for using a racial slur on duty, WLWT has learned of two other officers investigated for using the slur.
The incidents of officers using the slur became one of the biggest public controversies concerning the department in 2022 and led to a new policy for all city workers.
Through a public records request, WLWT learned Officer Daniel Carter, who is white, and Officer Willie Coman, who is Black, were both accused of using the racial slur on duty last year.
CPD internal documents show while Carter was investigating an assault in August, a man repeatedly used the slur while speaking to the officer.
Carter responded to the man, "First of all, I ain't your [expletive]."
The Cincinnati police department tells WLWT Carter retired before an internal investigation was completed.
FOP President Dan Hils said Carter feared he was going to be fired and did not think he would get a fair shot during the investigative process.
"This officer didn't think he was gonna get it because he's a white dude, ok? His case and Joehonny's case, they're exactly the same. Pull the tapes," Hils said. "Now he has to look back and realize that if he would have just hung in there, he could have worked for a few more years."
Hils referred Detective Joehonny Reese, who was suspended for using a racial slur on a call in September.
A drunk 19-year-old called Reese a racial slur at a night club. Reese responded to the man, repeating the slur.
His police powers were initially suspended and then reinstated.
The city considered starting a no tolerance policy for use of the slur in the fall but opted for a more flexible policy.
The updated policy reads, "For usage of the [racial slur], the presumptive penalty is termination, except in those very rare circumstances where mitigating circumstances are evident."
That wording is likely why Officer Willie Coman is still employed by the department.
CPD internal documents show a woman experiencing a mental health crisis and making bizarre claims repeatedly used a racial slur and called Coman the slur. It happened as Coman was responding to a call in October.
The investigation by internal affairs found "Officer Coman's BWC captured him using the word" two separate times. The report went on to say Coman's use of the slur "was not directed at any person, nor was it used in a demeaning or discriminatory manner."
Further, the report stated Coman "remained calm and professional, even after being insulted."
Ultimately, he received a write-up in his personnel file for the incident.
"When I say you can't find a finer gentleman than Joehonny Reese, Willie Coman would give him a run for the money," Hils said.
He said he believes officers should not use slurs under any circumstance. At the same time, he said good officers should not be punished when there are extenuating circumstances.
A review of Coman's performance reviews found he consistently "exceeds standards."
A review of Carter's file shows he consistently "meets standards," but the last several years, he was marked as "needs improvement" in the category of complying with policies and procedures.
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