The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) has suspended its entire police department due to concerns about the department.
The school district said they had “verifiable evidence” that caused them concern.
The Uvalde CISD issued a statement for immediate release on October 7:
“The District remains committed to resolving issues with verifiable evidence. Decisions concerning the UCISD police department have been pending the results of the Texas Police Chiefs Association and JPPI investigation. Recent developments have uncovered additional concerns with department operations.
As a result of the recent developments, Lt. Miguel Hernandez and Ken Mueller have been placed on administrative leave, and the District has made the decision to suspend all activities of the Uvalde CISD Police Department for a period of time. Officers currently employed will fill other roles in the district. Ken Mueller has elected to retire.”
The statement continues: “The District will continue to engage with the Texas Police Chiefs Association who is conducting a Management and Organizational Review. The results of this review will guide the rebuilding of the department and the hiring of a new Chief of Police. We expect to have a report later this month. Also, as previously stated, JPPI is conducting an investigation into the UCISD police officers’ response to the May 24, 2022 tragedy. Results of the investigation will inform future personnel decisions.”
It adds:
“The District has requested the Texas Department of Public Safety to provide additional troopers for campus and extra-curricular activities. We are confident that staff and student safety will not be compromised during this transition.”
Uvalde CISD made the announcement just one day after the firing of a recently hired school officer, who is a former state trooper and who was part of the response to the Robb Elementary School shooting in May.
Crimson Elizondo was fired after CNN identified her as one of the troopers under investigation for her response to the school shooting.
The network reported that Elizondo was on the scene within two minutes of the gunman entering Robb Elementary School in May, and could be seen in uniform with a handgun drawn outside the school building and then in the hallway from another officer’s body camera footage.
According to CNN, Elizondo was later heard on footage talking in response to the question of whether she had children at the school: “If my son had been in there, I would not have been outside. I promise you that.”