HENDERSON (KTNV) — The Henderson Police Supervisors' Association, which represents the city's police leadership, had officially withdrawn its endorsement of Henderson City Councilwoman Monica Larson.
In a statement, the HPSA wrote that the decision was based on Larson's treatment of a police sergeant at an investigative scene.
"The Councilwoman’s conduct was documented on police body camera and is not disputable," the statement continues. "It is the HPSA's position that no police officer or supervisor should ever be subjected to verbal abuse while they are performing their lawful duties and such conduct is particularly egregious when it is perpetrated by an elected official."
Channel 13 anchor Tricia Kean invited Larson to respond to the HPSA pulling its endorsement. In a sit-down interview, Larson claimed the union's action was politically motivated.
You can see more of Tricia's conversation with Larson here:
Larson tells Channel 13 the issue referenced by HPSA dates back to a June 28 incident where she argued with a police officer responding to a reported crime at her neighbor's home. She also points to the recent censure of Councilwoman Carrie Cox, who is at the center of a criminal investigation based on allegations that she recorded Larson without her consent.
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When probed on what makes her think this stems from political motivations, Larson pointed to the timing.
"This happened June 28. Why would you call December 11 if this was an issue?" she asked. "Don't you think you would have had a conversation with me, in all this time, until now?"
Andrew Regenbaum, who speaks for the National Association of Public Safety Officers, told Channel 13 the HPSA's decision to pull its endorsement came after a private meeting between Larson and the HPSA's president.
You can read the HPSA's full statement below:
The Henderson Police Supervisors Association ("HPSA") can confirm that the union has pulled its endorsement of Monica Larson as a Henderson City Councilwoman. To be clear, the decision to rescind Councilwoman Larson's endorsement was not based upon the ongoing issues within the Henderson City Council, nor was it based upon any news reporting about her background and credentials. Rather, the HPSA's decision was based upon the Councilwoman’s treatment of a Henderson Police Sergeant at a police investigative scene. The Councilwoman’s conduct was documented on police body camera and is not disputable. It is the HPSA's position that no police officer or supervisor should ever be subjected to verbal abuse while they are performing their lawful duties and such conduct is particularly egregious when it is perpetrated by an elected official.
As a resident of Henderson, Tricia Kean is committed to covering issues in her community. If you have questions, concerns, or story ideas you think she should know about, reach out to her by email here.
