Melbourne Police Chief David Gillespie: Four-Year Veteran Officer Resigns After Internal Investigation

'Melbourne Police Department will not tolerate racially divisive comments, bias, or insensitivity'

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Melbourne Police Chief David Gillespie announced that four-year veteran Justin Simmons has resigned from the department after an internal investigation.

Gillespie said that the department initiated an investigation into the alleged use of a racial slur by Simmons after a pursuit of a suspect wanted for a felony domestic battery.

“As the pursuit was ending, the officer was heard on his ‘in-car’ audio making a racially derogatory comment,” said Gillespie in a release.

“The officer is identified as four-year veteran Justin Simmons. He has since resigned from the department.”

Gillespie said that the investigation resulted in sustained findings for Professional Conduct and Responsibilities: Conduct Unbecoming and Professional Demeanor.

“The Melbourne Police Department will not tolerate racially divisive comments, bias, or insensitivity,” said Gillespie.

“It is critical we have a police department that shows respect for all members of our community. The Melbourne Police Department works very hard to build trust with those we serve and comments like this are divisive.

“We are committed to working with our African American leaders to make positive change. We will continue to be transparent and work together to build an agency that all segments of our community are proud of.”

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