Bozeman Police Chief Mark Tymrak was called as an expert witness Monday in a trial to determine whether the department’s leaders retaliated against Officer Steve Feuerstein when he complained about mishandled drugs. Feuerstein’s lawsuit also claims the city violated state employment laws by failing to properly supervise him and provide him with a safe workplace. Law enforcement and police procedures expert witness Tymrak said he believes Feuerstein did not like the outcome of his complaint about mishandled drugs in the K-9 unit. Tymrak could find no evidence to support Feuerstein’s claim that he was not properly supervised. BillingsGazette.com reports:
Feuerstein filed a lawsuit in March 2006 alleging officials in the Police Department violated his state and federal civil rights by retaliating against him…. Feuerstein alleges command officers denied him special assignments and duties after he reported fellow K-9 officers Brian Korell and Dave Punt gave illegal drugs to a civilian dog trainer. Feuerstein claims he was then ostracized by some officers who refused to respond to calls as backup to Feuerstein. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages from the city.