Mason's name still hadn't been made public. Joshua entered the room looking frustrated they're dragging their feet Mike the investigation should have been moving by now but harland's people are tying it up in red tape they're trying to run out the clock. Michael clenched his jaw his fingers tapping the desk I knew they'd stall but this is worse than I expected the community is getting restless. Joshua nodded you're right I've had calls from reporters and local leaders all day asking for updates people are asking why the officer's name hasn't been released. Michael leaned back in his chair weighing the options he had wanted to let the official investigation take its course but it was clear now that the department was doing everything it could to slow things down if he waited any longer the Public's trust already fragile would evaporate entirely I'm not waiting anymore.
Michael said his voice firm if they won't move we will it's time to release the officer's name. Joshua's eyes widened slightly you're sure about that you know what kind of blowback you'll get. Michael stood up pacing the room the people deserve to know who was responsible for what happened to me the Department's trying to protect him and that's exactly why we're stuck in this mess they think they can hide behind procedure but not anymore. Joshua nodded already pulling out his phone I'll set up a press release the media will be all over this good. Michael said let them be I'm not going to let Harlen or the union keep stalling while this city Waits For Justice within an hour.
Michael was standing at a Podium outside City Hall the Press gathered once again reporters crowded in close microphones thrust toward him the air buzzing with anticipation. Michael looked out at the crowd his face set with determination good afternoon as many of you know we have been working on reforms to address the issues within our police department but despite the commitments made by the department and the city council the investigation into the actions of Officer Greg. Mason has been repeatedly stalled enough is enough the crowd quieted the tension palpable I've waited patiently for the police department to move forward with this investigation. Michael continued but the delays have gone on long enough today I'm releasing the name of the officer involved in the incident that occurred last week his name is Greg. Mason and he is the officer who wrongfully detained and assaulted me a murmur rippled through the crowd as reporters began scribbling notes and snapping photos this isn't just about me.
Michael said his voice Rising with conviction this is about accountability the people of this city deserve transparency and they deserve to know who is responsible when misconduct occurs officer. Mason's actions were unacceptable and the public has a right to know his name we will not allow the department to Shield him or delay Justice the questions from the reporters came fast and furious but. Michael wasn't done yet I want to make something else clear he said his eyes locked on the cameras this is not just about one officer this is about a system that has allowed officers like. Mason to act without consequences for far too long we are pushing for real reform and I will not stop until this city sees the changes it deserves as. Michael stepped away from the podium the buzz from the Press intensified.
Joshua caught up with him as they walked back into City Hall that was bold. Joshua said but necessary. Michael nodded his mind already racing ahead it was the only move we had left harlon and the union won't be able to hide behind the investigation anymore they'll have to answer for this within hours of the press conference the media was flooded with stories about officer. Mason his name splashed across every major Outlet the community response was immediate protests began forming outside the police station and calls for Action grew louder but the biggest shock came later that afternoon. Joshua burst into.
Michael's office breathless harlon just stepped down. Michael looked up surprised what Chief Harlen resigned. Joshua repeated the pressure must have been too much he just made a statement saying he's stepping down effective immediately he didn't want to be at the center of this anymore. Michael leaned back in his chair processing the news he had expected resistance not retreat but this was a victory even if it came sooner than anticipated the Department's in chaos right now. Joshua continued the unions scrambling and the community's demanding answers.
Michael nodded slowly good now we move forward even faster no more stalling the resignation of the police chief was a turning point and. Michael knew it with. Harland gone the department was vulnerable and the momentum for reform was finally in his favor the road ahead was still long but for the first time it felt like real change was Within Reach with Chief harland's resignation still Rippling through the city. Michael wasted no time pushing forward the police department was under scrutiny like never before and now more than ever the city needed decisive action the next major step would be the internal review board's decision on officer Greg. Mason but this time.
Michael wasn't content to sit on the sidelines as. Michael stood in his office reviewing the latest reports. Joshua entered with an update the review board's meeting is set for next week he said handing. Michael a folder they're going to decide on. Mason's future with the Department.
Michael barely glanced at the folder I want in on that meeting. Joshua blinked taking a back you want to sit on the review board they're not going to like that the board's supposed to be internal just the department and Union reps that's exactly the problem. Michael replied his voice sharp I've seen how internal investigations go they drag it out debate the consequences and then slap the officer on the wrist not this time I want to be in that room I want to see how they justify keeping a man like. Mason on the force. Joshua hesitated you're the mayor you've got the influence to push for this but you know they'll push back the union especially they'll see it as you overstepping.
Michael nodded already moving toward his desk to make the call let them push but I'm going to be in that room and. Mason's days in this department are over by the next morning. Michael had formally requested to sit in on the review board meeting the backlash was immediate the union president as expected went on the offensive calling Michaels request a violation of the Department's procedures and an unprecedented political overreach several high-ranking officers within the department echoed the sentiment but. Michael didn't care the public was on his side and so were the City's community leaders the pressure to reform was stronger than ever and if there was one thing. Michael was sure of it was that this was the moment to strike the day of the review board meeting arrived quickly.
Michael entered the conference room where the board had already gathered it was a small private space with a long table at the center around it sat members of the police review board senior officers a union representative and a legal adviser Greg. Mason sat at the end of the table his face pale but defiant. Michael could feel the tension in the air as he took his seat the head of the review board. Captain. Reynolds cleared his throat and spoke his tone measured mayor Trent I understand you've requested to observe the proceedings today.