The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has expanded its investigation into Belle Isle’s police chief.
The investigation started last month over allegations Chief Tom Jackson ordered a sergeant to revoke the arrest of a man accused in a domestic violence incident.
The suspect’s father is a friend of the city manager.
He denied the allegations regarding the revocation of an arrest, and asked FDLE to investigate.
Now, FDLE is investigating whether Jackson also told his staff not to do full background checks on new officers.
Jackson retired after the allegations surfaced.
Jackson would not comment about the FDLE investigation into the records, but WFTV found out the three officers who were hired used to work for the Longwood Police Department, where Jackson used to be chief.
Sgt. Bill Parsell, who did the background investigations, said over the phone he was asked not to document the information.
“I couldn’t do it with these guys. I was told by the police chief not to send job verifications or check their records,” he said.
He said with all other officers, he verified their employment and checked their discipline histories.
Parsell said he’s going to be interviewed by FDLE Thursday.
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