By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-853634.mp3
Dallas, TX –
Two Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Agents violated more than half a dozen policies in the June raids on three Fort Worth bars, including the Rainbow Lounge. KERA's BJ Austin says the agents, and their Sergeant, are now awaiting disciplinary action.
The two agents and their sergeant violated from four to 8 policies: including participating with Fort Worth Police WITHOUT permission; failing to report use of force on Chad Gibson, a patron at the Rainbow Lounge; and failure to report injury to Gibson, who was hospitalized with head trauma. The report also says both agents failed to follow basic procedure for bar inspections. Carolyn Beck, with the TABC, says they are trying to correct things.
Beck: We know that there were mistakes made by our agency. And we want to do the right thing. There's been some damage done with the Gay and Lesbian community, and with the community as a whole. And, we're trying out best to make that right, too.
The gay-community group "Fairness Fort Worth" commends the TABC for the initial report, and urges "real and significant consequences" for the officers involved.
Beck says a decision on discipline could come late next week, at the earliest. The use-of-force investigation "may" be completed by the end of the month.