The Arizona State University police officer whose arrest of a professor went viral and drew national criticism has resigned following an independent investigation into his conduct.
Earlier this week, Ferrin announced his resignation in a “scathing” letter.
“The lack of support, cooperation, and downright bias, coupled with an agenda to ruin my career, has become unbearable and I will not subject my family to this any longer,” he said in the letter sent to ASU.
In January, the university had sent Officer Stewart Ferrin a letter notifying him of its intent to terminate him. Though Ferrin appealed the decision, he eventually resigned, citing the stress of the media attention.
ASU issued this statement Monday:
This review was never about a single incident or a single issue. Law enforcement officers in any jurisdiction are given the tremendous responsibility of helping to keep the community safe. They also are expected to exercise good judgment in the performance of their duties and, when given direction after missteps, are expected to follow that guidance.
In the letter sent to Ferrin in January, ASU Police Chief Michael Thompson said that Ferrin had “multiple acts of noncompliance and misconduct” and that his “rigid, power-based approach to law enforcement and unwillingness to exercise discretion and sound judgment culminated in you arresting Dr. Ore without a lawful basis. In doing so, your actions brought discredit to yourself and ASUPD.”
The professor whose arrest went viral, Ersula Ore, filed notice for a claim of $2 million in November. While Ore said she was glad the investigation was over, she was dissatisfied with Ferrin’s statements.
“My only disappointment is that Officer Ferrin didn’t take personal responsibility for his unjustified brutal actions and disregard for the truth. His resignation will ensure that no one on the ASU campus will ever again be the victim of his lawlessness and violence,” she said.