Michael Brelo: What Did Officer Paul Box Say in His Interview?

TL;DR

Officer Paul Box told investigators that he was very stressed, had lost 18 pounds, and wanted to finish the interview before speaking with someone else. Investigators described the interview as part of a criminal, not internal, investigation, read Box his Miranda rights, and asked for his personal perceptions from that night. Read on for details about the interview process, his assignment, and his state of mind.

Transcript

when they play the part where I'm walking in negative yes I'm going to come running up well they didn't they showed anyone ever walk again but they was yeah I don't like to to come across like they're running after you and your money away from me up so I know how came across i hope it okay no Jenna here near this about during this up with a tripod ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💀 The officers involved in the shooting felt that their lives were in danger and believed they were being fired upon.
• ❓ There were no reports of racial remarks made during the incident.
• 😚 The officers described feeling stressed and losing weight due to the intensity of the situation.
• 💁 The interviews were conducted to gather information about the officers' actions and perceptions during the incident.
• 👮 The officers discussed their interactions with other officers and their use of force training.
• 👮 The officers mentioned the importance of mental health resources for law enforcement personnel.
• 👮 There was no mention of any injuries sustained by the officers during the incident.

Questions & Answers

Q: What did Officer Paul Box say in the Michael Brelo interview?

Paul Box said he was very stressed and had lost 18 pounds. He also said he wanted to complete the interview before moving forward and talking to someone else.

Q: Was Paul Box’s interview part of a criminal or internal investigation?

Investigators explicitly described it as a criminal investigation, not an internal one. They said Box had the same rights and privileges as anyone else involved in such an investigation.

Q: Why was Officer Paul Box given Miranda warnings?

The lead investigator said Miranda warnings were provided because the inquiry was a criminal investigation. He clarified that the warnings did not mean investigators believed Box had done anything wrong.

Q: What rights were read to Paul Box before questioning?

Box was told that he had the right to remain silent and that his statements could be used against him in court. He was also told that he could consult with an attorney, have one present during questioning, and receive one at no cost if he could not afford one.

Q: What perspective did investigators ask Paul Box to provide?

Investigators asked Box for his unique point of view and interpretation rather than an account shaped by his partner’s statements. They specifically wanted him to describe his perceptions and mindset at the time of the incident.

Q: How was Paul Box coping at the time of the interview?

Box answered that he was stressed and emphasized that he was very stressed. He reported losing 18 pounds and said the incident was running through his head.

Q: Did investigators encourage Paul Box to seek mental health support?

Yes. An investigator acknowledged the stigma surrounding mental health professionals in law enforcement and encouraged Box to use the available resources.

Q: What was Paul Box’s work assignment and normal schedule?

Box said his current assignment was the midnight shift in the 2nd District. He normally worked from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Police officers are interviewed following an officer-involved shooting, discussing their perspectives and actions during the event.

• Officers describe their stress levels and the weight of the situation, with one officer losing 18 pounds due to the stress.

• Officers discuss their interactions with other officers and their use of force training.