Police Officer Fired, Claims Racism

(Daytona Beach, Florida) In September 2009, a 17-year veteran of the Daytona Police Department, Janet Hawkins, was arrested for reckless driving, resisting arrest and other charges.

The police report says she called officers rednecks and corrupt. According to the police report, Hawkins is also facing charges of running a stop sign, speeding and resisting arrest with violence.

Hawkins resisted arrest. When the incident escalated, officers tried using the Taser on her.

"They actually started grappling over this Taser between the two of them. She never actually gained physical control over this Taser," said Holly Hill Police Chief Mark Barker.

During the struggle, a Holly Hill police officer was taken to the hospital with wrist injuries.

Officers say she’ll be out of commission for three days.

It took three officers to subdue Hawkins and arrest her.

Hawkins was booked into custody at the Volusia County Jail and released on bond.

Last Friday, Janet Hawkins was fired from the Daytona Police Department. She responded by claiming she was fired due to racism on the job. Hawkins contention is that both the Holly Hill and the Daytona Beach Police Department actions to fire her were due to a racial bias.

Tip: slwlion