By Katie Moore
The Kansas City Star
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – An Overland Park police officer who posted photos of evidence on social media has been stripped of his Kansas police license, records show.
Former officer Thomas Bangert was employed by the Overland Park Police Department from January 21, 2020, to July 19, 2021. He had been an officer in Kansas since 2016, according to records from the Kansas Commission on Police Standards and Training. peace officers (CPOST). The commission issues licenses allowing police officers to be employed in Kansas.
The police department launched an investigation after learning that photos and videos from the department were being shared on Snapchat.
Bangert was questioned and denied recording videos from the service on his phone.
According to CPOST, investigators obtained information that “contradicts” Bangert’s statements, and in a second interview he said he twice sent videos to Snapchat. He also said he sent photos of evidence.
In a third interview, Bangert admitted to posting several videos and photos from the department.
The police department concluded that Bangert had been dishonest throughout the internal investigation. He resigned.
When the commission questioned Bangert, he was “evasive” and “dodged questions,” CPOST said.
His license was revoked in March.
The Overland Park Police Department and a Bangert attorney listed in CPOST filings did not respond to requests for comment.
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