NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — New York State Attorney General Letitia James released a Law Enforcement Misconduct report that found a Niagara Falls police officer used excessive force while arresting a woman in 2022.
The reporter from the NYS Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office (LEMIO) reviewed an incident that occurred on May 11, 2022. The woman whom Niagara Falls Police had arrested filed a complaint that NFPD officers used excessive force when arresting her on a disorderly conduct charge outside of her home.
The LEMIO investigation included interviews with the woman who filed the complaint, home security footage from her house, and interviews with the officers involved in her arrest. The investigation found that the woman was arrested without probable cause by Officer Travis Maggard. He was found to have arrested her in retaliation for protected speech and used excessive force while making the arrest.
Niagara Falls Police Superintendent John Faso issued a statement to 2 On Your Side, saying, "I just received the report today. This case will now be turned over to our Office of Professional Standards, where a complete and thorough investigation will be done."
The NYS Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office concluded that the NFPD supervisor for the officer also had failed to fulfill his duty and responsibilities as a supervisor under that policy.
The LEMIO recommended disciplinary action and an update in policies and training for officers on the Niagara Falls police force.
Officer Maggard has since left the Niagara Falls Police Department and is now an officer with the Town of Niagara.
The Niagara Falls Police Club issued a statement Friday afternoon, saying that it disagreed with the results of the Attorney General’s investigation.
"Officer Maggard was responding to a complaint when another individual, who was not involved in the police call, deliberately injected herself into a potentially dangerous situation in order to bother the officers while they were conducting an investigation," the statement said.
"The Niagara Falls Police Club believes that Officer Maggard acted in accordance with the protocols and safety of all involved. Travis Maggard is a dedicated law enforcement officer with eight years of exemplary service who has received multiple commendations. He consistently upholds the highest standards of professionalism."
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