WEST SENECA, N.Y. (WKBW) — A West Seneca police officer, suspended by the department after an incident at the town's Planned Parenthood clinic, has resigned.
The West Seneca Police Department says it was still in the process of completing its internal investigation when the officer resigned.
Planned Parenthood says last Friday, police were called after an individual showed threatening behavior when trying to gain access to the building to see his partner. The clinic says the responding officer from West Seneca Police Department berated staff after seeing a Black Lives Matter sign in the window.
Following the officer's resignation, the police department released a statement that says in part:
The officer in question has resigned from the police department prior to the completion of the investigation.
Although this is the case, we can say the portion of the investigation that was undertaken did reveal the officer’s response was well outside the scope of training, and expectations of conduct for our officers. The West Seneca Police Department strives to serve all members of the public equally and impartially, with the highest ethical and professional standards. It appears that we missed the mark in this particular case.
We appreciate the continued cooperation of Planned Parenthood throughout this process. We are working with them to rebuild our relationship and restore confidence in our Department moving forward.
The department added that it would not be commenting further on the incident. The police officer involved has not been identified.
Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York released the following statement:
We understand that the officer under investigation for his response to an incident that took place at our West Seneca Health Center has resigned before a full investigation into his conduct could be completed. We thank the West Seneca Police Department for handling this issue with the seriousness it deserves.
Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York remains committed to the Movement for Black Lives and stands in solidarity with those working to dismantle the systemic racism that touches every aspect of our lives. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with the West Seneca Police Department.
