As Columbus Police officer Zachary Rosen remains on non-patrol duties, a look at his history with the department reveals both accolades and previous controversies over recordings and use of force.
Police and city leaders are currently investigating circumstances surrounding a video that shows Rosen kicking a suspect. Columbus Police reassigned Rosen following the incident, which he self-reported before the video emerged.
According to Rosen's 74-page personnel file, which was provided to WOSU, Rosen was awarded the Columbus Division of Police's Medal of Valor and the Distinguished Service Medal in 2012 for rescuing a driver who was trapped between fallen power lines.
The file also notes he received "documented constructive counseling'"earlier this year after failing to wear or turn on a body microphone while exiting a marked police car last November.
Most notably, in late March, Rosen and fellow officer Jason Bare were spared an indictment by grand jury over the shooting death of Henry Green. According to the Franklin County Prosecutor's office, Rosen and Bare were undercover in plain clothes as part of the Summer Safety Initiative when they encountered Green.
Witnesses provided conflicting information about whether they announced their status as officers, and which of the three shot first. The grand jury ultimately decided the use of deadly force was reasonable.
Columbus Police is currently undergoing an "administrative process" of its own, related to the shooting, following the grand jury decision.
"The firearms review board will rule as to whether it is in or out of policy," said police spokesperson Rich Weiner in an email. "The process has started and could take 6-8 months until it's complete."
In a press conference Tuesday, police chief Kim Jacobs said she hopes the investigation on the video involving Rosen will conclude in a couple of weeks. She says the department will not take any disciplinary actions against Rosen until that investigation wraps up.
