A Monmouth Police Department officer was disciplined after they lost a loaded pistol more than two years ago, officials announced Friday.
The Monmouth Police Department issued a news release Friday regarding an incident that occurred in mid-December 2022, in which an officer lost a department-issued service pistol with a single loaded magazine while en route to an emergency call.
Monmouth Police officials said in Friday’s statement that “no public statement has been made to date as it is not standard protocol for law enforcement agencies to release information about on-going internal investigations.”
According to Monmouth Police, upon discovering that the pistol was missing, officers initiated a thorough search of the surrounding area within minutes. The exhaustive effort continued over multiple days and covered more than two miles. Despite the intensive search, the firearm remains unrecovered.
The firearm’s serial number has been entered into federal databases,
Alderpersons and Mayor were notified immediately and relevant federal agencies were notified to facilitate any further tracking or recovery efforts.
Following an internal review, the officer involved received the maximum discipline permitted under both the governing union contract and the Illinois Officers’ Bill of Rights. Monmouth Police say for legal reasons, the officer’s name is being withheld, and the department is respecting the officer’s privacy and legal protections.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information that may assist in locating the missing firearm is urged to contact Warren County CrimeStoppers at 309-734-9363.
