Police Union Chief Says He's Being Illegally Investigated

The chairman of the D.C. police union has filed a federal lawsuit accusing police officials of launching an illegal internal investigation of him because he has publicly challenged "numerous policies and practices of [the department] and its leadership."

Kristopher Baumann, chairman of the D.C. police labor committee for Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 1, said police officials were also "monitoring" what he said at public meetings. The suit asks a judge to block the internal investigation from proceeding. A spokeswoman for the police department could not be reached. Baumann did not return an e-mail seeking comment.

The suit centers on a barricade situation May 30 between police and a man suspected of shooting at officers. More details about the incident could not be determined. In the lawsuit, filed in the District's federal court Monday, Baumann alleges that he referred questionable command decisions about the incident to the union's safety committee for investigation.

The suit alleges that commanders improperly ordered tear gas to be shot into the house and approved the use of deadly force against the suspect.

Soon after the incident, Baumann was accused of disclosing "protected information" about the incident and hauled before an internal affairs lieutenant, the suit alleges.

Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier launched the investigation, Baumann alleges in the suit. Baumann also accuses police of sending uniformed officers to monitor a talk he gave at a public meeting.

The union head and Lanier have repeatedly butted heads over police strategies, training and other internal matters. In mid-May, Baumann questioned Lanier's decision to disband the force's hostage negotiation team.

In the suit, Baumann alleges that the former hostage negotiators were called upon for help at the May 30 barricade situation.

The suit said Baumann had the authority to refer the barricade situation to the union's safety committee. He also accused the department of violating internal rules and his free speech rights.