Following the murder of Rayshard Brooks, an Atlanta oversight board has ordered the reinstatement of Garrett Rolfe. Rolfe was charged with murder in the death of Rayshard Brooks in June of 2020.
Following the death of Brooks at a Wendy’s parking lot, the APD filed paperwork to dismiss Rolfe. Rolfe was a seven-year veteran of the department. He was subsequently fired and charged with murder, although his criminal case has continuously been delayed by procedure.
Following his termination, Rolfe appealed to the Civil Service Board, who ruled that “due to the City’s failure to comply with several provisions of the Code and the information received during witnesses’ testimony [Rolfe] was not afforded his right to due process.”
The Board ruled this on the basis that Rolfe had not received a 10-day notice of his termination.
According to the city’s code, “An employee against whom an adverse action is to be taken shall be given a written notice of proposed adverse action, signed by the appointing authority or designee, at least ten working days prior to the effective date of the proposed adverse action.”
According to the Atlanta Police Department, Rolfe will remain on administrative leave until his criminal charges are resolved.
Lance LoRusso, Rolfe’s lawyer, applauded the ruling, “I think his role is to get back to his chosen profession, to serve the public, which is what he decided to do when he raised his hand and took an oath at 20 years old to be an Atlanta police officer.”
“We find it mind-boggling our elected officials and former chief weren’t aware of the proper procedure to fire an officer,” attorneys for the Brooks family commented.
Surveillance footage of the incident showed Brooks being chased by the police officers. Brooks allegedly attempted to use the Taser that he had taken from Rolfe. Rolfe then unholstered his firearm and shot Brooks, who died from his gunshot wounds in the hospital.
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Atlanta police officer fired after fatally shooting Rayshard Brooks has been reinstated
