The City of Seminole will seek an independent investigation into allegations against Police Chief David Hanson, following a special meeting of the City Council Friday afternoon in the Goldie Barnett Room of the Seminole Public Library.

Following the opening of the meeting and a roll call, the Council entered executive session. Councilmembers discussed the issue for over 90 minutes before returning to regular session. A motion was then unanimously passed to solicit an independent investigation into the allegations against Chief Hanson.

“The Mayor and City Council have exercised their right of inquiry as to the allegations regarding Chief Hanson. Specifically, they have requested the City Manager conduct a thorough investigation of the matter through an independent external source,” said City Attorney Brad Carter. “I anticipate the scope of the investigation will not be limited to just this incident, but rather to the internal operations of the Department.”

Hanson recently had allegations of inappropriate conduct towards citizens levied against him and also saw a harassment complaint filed against him by a member of the Seminole Police Department. The Chief has disputed both claims.

“Let me emphasize that our Department is staffed by professional law enforcement officers that are dedicated public servants. Transparency and accountability are priorities to our City leadership,” said Carter. “Any deficiency, regardless of its origin, should be readily identified and corrected.”