Juneau Police Chief Defends Hiring of Officer Now Resigned Amid Controversy

October 1, 2025

Juneau, Alaska – The Juneau Police Department (JPD) is actively revising its operational procedures in response too an incident that transpired in July, where a civilian was forcefully taken into custody by a now-former officer. The case ignited public debate and prompted an internal examination, with findings presented to the Juneau Assembly on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Internal Review Reveals Policy Discrepancies

Police Chief Derek Bos detailed the results of the internal review to Assembly members, asserting that the actions of the former officer, Brandon LeBlanc, did not align with the department’s overall standards. Bos expressed his belief that leblanc, while a generally capable officer, committed a significant error in judgment during the arrest.The incident involved LeBlanc slamming the civilian, identified as Christopher Williams, Jr., to the ground during an attempted handcuffing.Mr. Williams, Jr. later required medical evacuation to Seattle for treatment.

Video Evidence and Public Outcry

The arrest gained widespread attention after video footage circulated online, sparking considerable public concern. the JPD responded by releasing body-worn camera footage of the encounter late last month.Prior to its release, LeBlanc tendered his resignation from the department. An independent investigation is currently underway to assess the use of force employed by LeBlanc during the arrest,with findings anticipated for review by the state’s Office of Special Prosecutions.

Policy Updates and Training Concerns

Following the July incident, the JPD has already implemented changes to its protocols regarding the immediate provision of medical assistance when an individual loses consciousness during an arrest. Chief Bos further highlighted a divergence between the training received by officers at the state’s Basic Training Academy and the JPD’s own established guidelines. The department is developing plans to address these discrepancies and ensure consistent application of its policies.

Despite criticism, Chief Bos stood by the department’s hiring processes, defending the standards used to vet prospective officers.This assurance came in response to questions raised by Assembly members regarding LeBlanc’s prior legal issues. Court records indicate that LeBlanc was previously named in a lawsuit alleging excessive force and battery during his tenure with a Louisiana police department, though a jury ultimately found him not guilty.

Date of Incident	Officer Involved	Civilian Involved	Outcome
July 30, 2025	Brandon LeBlanc (Resigned)	Christopher Williams, Jr.	Civilian medevacked to Seattle; Officer resigned; Investigations ongoing

“Our standards are very high, and we – and me specifically – are not going to accept a warm body, just to accept a warm body,” Bos stated, emphasizing the department’s commitment to thorough vetting procedures.

The Juneau police Department has pledged to foster transparency and rebuild trust with the community in the wake of this event.The department intends to collaborate with community stakeholders and other agencies to achieve this goal.

Understanding Police Use of Force and Accountability

The incident in Juneau is part of a broader national conversation regarding police conduct and accountability. According to a 2023 report by the National Police Foundation, approximately 93.2% of all police encounters do not result in the use of force. Though, when force is used, it frequently enough attracts significant public attention and scrutiny. Independent investigations, body-worn camera footage, and revised training protocols are increasingly being employed as tools to enhance transparency and improve police practices.

Did You Know? Body-worn cameras are now utilized by over 80% of large city police departments across the United States, reflecting a growing emphasis on documentation and accountability.

Pro Tip: If you encounter law enforcement, remain calm, clearly state your understanding of the situation, and document the encounter if possible (where legally permissible).

Frequently Asked questions about the Juneau Police Incident

• What is the current status of the investigation into the arrest? An independent investigation is ongoing, and the findings will be reviewed by the state’s office of Special Prosecutions.
• What changes has the JPD made to its policies? The department has updated its policies regarding medical assistance for individuals who lose consciousness during arrest.
• Was the officer fired or did he resign? Brandon LeBlanc resigned from his position with the Juneau Police Department.
• What were the concerns raised about the officer’s past? Assembly members questioned the officer’s prior involvement in a lawsuit alleging excessive force.
• How is the JPD working to rebuild trust with the community? the department is committed to transparency and collaboration with community stakeholders.
• What is use of force policies in the Police Departments? Use of force policies govern the level of force that law enforcement officers are authorized to use in various situations, aiming for proportionality and de-escalation.
• What is the role of body-worn cameras in police accountability? Body-worn cameras provide a visual and audio record of police interactions, increasing transparency and providing evidence for investigations.

What are your thoughts on the police department’s response to this incident? Do you believe the changes being implemented are sufficient to address community concerns?

To what extent does the JPD’s current hiring process adequately balance due process for candidates with the need to ensure public safety, considering the Robert Wagner case?

Background of the Hiring and Resignation

The recent resignation of former Juneau Police Department (JPD) officer, Robert Wagner, has ignited a public debate regarding the department’s hiring practices. The controversy stems from Wagner’s prior employment with the Anchorage Police Department and allegations of misconduct that surfaced after his hiring in Juneau. Juneau Police Chief,Bryce Johnson,is now actively defending the initial decision to hire Wagner,citing a thorough vetting process and a lack of conclusive evidence regarding the previous allegations at the time of recruitment. The case highlights the complexities of police officer recruitment, background checks, and the challenges of balancing due process with public safety concerns.

Details of the Allegations Against Robert Wagner

The core of the controversy revolves around complaints filed against Wagner during his tenure with the Anchorage Police Department. Thes complaints, initially reported by the Juneau Empire, included accusations of:

* Excessive Force: Allegations that Wagner used more force than necessary during arrests.

* Professional Misconduct: Claims of inappropriate behavior towards civilians during routine interactions.

* Policy Violations: Accusations of failing to adhere to established Anchorage PD protocols.

While an internal investigation by Anchorage PD did not result in criminal charges, the complaints remained on Wagner’s record. Chief Johnson maintains that the Juneau PD was made aware of these complaints but deemed them insufficient to disqualify wagner from consideration. He emphasized that the investigation findings were not conclusive and did not indicate a pattern of egregious misconduct.

Chief Johnson’s Defense of the Hiring Decision

Chief Johnson addressed the public concerns in a press conference on September 28th, 2025. he stated that the JPD’s hiring process is rigorous and includes:

1. Extensive Background Checks: These checks encompass criminal history, driving records, credit history, and verification of employment.
2. Psychological Evaluations: Candidates undergo psychological assessments to evaluate their suitability for the demands of police work.
3. Multiple Interviews: A panel of JPD officers and community members conducts multiple interviews to assess a candidate’s character and qualifications.
4. Reference Checks: Thorough verification of references provided by the applicant.

“We were aware of the complaints filed in Anchorage,” Johnson explained. “However, the investigations did not result in any disciplinary action or criminal charges. We believed Mr. Wagner deserved a fair prospect, and we were confident in our ability to provide him with the training and support he needed to succeed.” He further stated that the JPD’s legal counsel reviewed the Anchorage PD investigation files and advised that the complaints did not present a legal impediment to hiring Wagner.

Timeline of Events Leading to wagner’s Resignation

* March 2025: Robert Wagner applies for a position with the Juneau Police Department.

* april – May 2025: JPD conducts background checks, interviews, and psychological evaluations.

* June 2025: Wagner is hired by the JPD and begins training.

* September 2025: The Juneau Empire publishes a report detailing the allegations against Wagner from his time in Anchorage.

* September 29th, 2025: Following public outcry and internal review, Robert Wagner submits his resignation from the JPD.

Public Reaction and Calls for Increased Clarity

The situation has sparked critically important debate within the Juneau community. Local advocacy groups, such as the Juneau Coalition for Justice, have called for greater transparency in the JPD’s hiring process and stricter vetting procedures. They argue that the department should have given more weight to the allegations against Wagner, even in the absence of criminal charges.

“This incident raises serious questions about the JPD’s commitment to accountability and public trust,” said Sarah Miller, a spokesperson for the Juneau Coalition for Justice. “We need to ensure that officers with a history of misconduct are not given a second chance to serve in our community.”

Impact on Police-Community Relations in juneau

The controversy surrounding Wagner’s hiring and resignation has undoubtedly strained police-community relations in Juneau. Rebuilding trust will require open dialog, increased transparency, and a demonstrated commitment to accountability. The JPD has announced plans to host a series of town hall meetings to address community concerns and discuss potential improvements to the hiring process.

Potential Changes to JPD Hiring Practices

In response to the controversy, Chief Johnson has indicated that the JPD is reviewing its hiring procedures.Potential changes under consideration include:

* autonomous Review of Background Checks: Engaging an independent third party to conduct background checks and assess candidate suitability.

* Expanded Psychological Evaluations: Implementing more thorough psychological assessments to identify potential red flags.

* Community Involvement in hiring Process: Increasing community representation on hiring panels.

* Strengthened Reference Checking Procedures: Implementing more rigorous procedures for verifying references.

These changes aim to enhance the JPD’s ability to identify and screen out candidates who may pose a risk to the community, while also ensuring fairness and due process. The goal is to strike a balance between thorough vetting and the need to attract qualified applicants to serve and protect the city of Juneau.