Last chance agreement outlines conditions for Superior police officer's continued employment

A Superior police sergeant stripped of his rank also has been removed from collateral assignments within the Superior Police Department, according to disciplinary documents released Friday to the Superior Telegram.

Daniel E. Hawkin II, 44, pleaded guilty to a disorderly conduct charge in Carlton County on Monday in connection with the Jan. 23 incident involving his then-girlfriend. Hawkin was accused of punching her and leaving her on the side of the road after the couple left Black Bear Casino.

Following the internal investigation that started when Hawkin was arrested in January, Superior Police Chief Floyd Peters determined that Hawkin’s actions constituted a violation of the Standards of Conduct of the Superior Police Department.

Specifically cited by the chief was a general order that states: “No officer shall engage in any personal conduct which, if brought to the attention of the public, would result in justifiable unfavorable criticism of the officer or the department.” The disciplinary letter also noted Hawkin violated the standards code that disallows officers from being personally involved in disturbances or police incidents to their discredit.

While the original charge of fifth-degree domestic assault was dismissed by the Carlton County prosecutor, Peters wrote in the disciplinary letter signed by Hawkin that leaving the woman on the side of Interstate 35 in the early morning hours of Jan. 23 constituted “an act that placed her in danger and brought discredit to (Hawkin) and the Superior Police Department.”

Under the terms of his last-chance agreement with the city, Hawkin was reduced in rank to master police officer, suspended for 10 days without pay, and referred for a mandatory employee assistance program alcohol assessment with the condition he comply with any recommendations. The alcohol assessment may be done in conjunction with the alcohol assessment ordered Monday in Carlton County District Court. He must also meet all the terms of his sentence in Carlton County on time, under the last chance agreement.

According to the agreement Hawkin signed, any incidents involving alcohol, domestic violence or violations of the law — whether on or off duty — could result in Hawkin’s immediate termination and would not be subject to review by the Police and Fire Commission. Violations of the agreement are also subject to discipline up to and including termination depending on the seriousness of the breach.

The last-chance agreement expires June 22, 2013.

Other conditions include complying with the conditions of a domestic abuse injunction issued Feb. 3 in Douglas County until it’s dismissed or expires Feb. 3, 2015, and relinquishing all collateral assignments that included serving on the department’s emergency response team and honor guard, as well as various instructor positions.

Hawkin served as an armorer, and instructor in emergency vehicle operations, vehicle contacts and firearms. Those assignments could be restored in 2012, but that will be determined by the city’s next police chief, according to the last chance agreement.

Tags: carlton county, news, police, crime, superior