Second Kaufman officer suspended


Tommie Matthews placed on administrative leave
Kaufman police officer Tommie Matthews is “on administrative paid leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation into a possible policy violation,” according to Capt. Ed Black of the Kaufman Police Department.
Black declined to provide further information as to what prompted the suspension and when.
Matthews is one of two Kaufman police who may face discipline. His status was brought to the Herald’s attention just one week after Kaufman police officer Juan Hernandez, an eight-year veteran, was arrested in the city of Dallas on suspicion of family violence.
Hernandez has been on administrative leave since his Sept. 12 incident. He is due for a court appearance on Nov. 7.
The Herald has submitted a public records request to obtain Hernandez’ arrest report.
The Kaufman City Council did not directly address the issue at its meeting Monday, although during an unrelated discussion, Councilmember Patty Patterson rhetorically asked “Do we do background checks on police before we hire them?” and City Manager Curtis Snow responded affirmatively.
Interim Police Chief John Laney has not publicly commented on either case.