Where is detective jeff payne now?

Where is Detective Jeff Payne Now?

Detective Jeff Payne, a former Utah police officer, made headlines in 2017 for his controversial actions during a traffic stop. The incident sparked widespread outrage and led to a federal lawsuit against him. So, where is Detective Jeff Payne now?

The Incident

On September 4, 2017, Detective Jeff Payne was involved in a traffic stop that turned into a violent confrontation. Payne, who was a 25-year veteran of the South Jordan Police Department, pulled over a nurse, Alex Wubbels, who was on her way home from work. Wubbels was accompanied by a patient, William Gray, who was under her care.

Payne became aggressive and demanded that Wubbels draw blood from Gray, who was unconscious and not a suspect in any crime. Wubbels refused, citing hospital policy and Utah state law, which requires a warrant or consent from the patient or their legal guardian to draw blood.

The Confrontation

The situation escalated when Payne handcuffed Wubbels and dragged her out of the car. He then pinned her to the ground, with his knee on her back, while his partner, Detective James Tracy, held her arms behind her back. The entire incident was captured on body camera footage.

Consequences

The incident led to widespread outrage and criticism of Payne’s actions. He was placed on paid administrative leave and eventually resigned from the South Jordan Police Department. The Utah Department of Public Safety also launched an investigation into the incident.

Federal Lawsuit

Wubbels filed a federal lawsuit against Payne, Tracy, and the City of South Jordan, alleging that they violated her Fourth Amendment rights and committed battery. The lawsuit sought damages for emotional distress, loss of income, and medical expenses.

Resolution

In August 2020, the lawsuit was settled for $500,000. As part of the settlement, the City of South Jordan acknowledged that Payne’s actions were "unreasonable and unconstitutional."

Where is Detective Jeff Payne Now?

After resigning from the South Jordan Police Department, Payne has kept a low profile. There is no public information available on his current employment or activities.

What Happened to the Other Officers Involved?

• Detective James Tracy: Tracy was also involved in the incident and was criticized for his role in holding Wubbels’ arms behind her back. He was not fired, but was demoted and placed on probation.
• Sergeant Brett Boney: Boney, who was the supervisor on duty, was also criticized for his handling of the incident. He was placed on administrative leave, but was later reinstated.

Key Takeaways

• The incident highlighted the importance of police accountability and the need for officers to follow proper procedures during traffic stops.
• The case highlighted the need for better training on de-escalation techniques and crisis management.
• The settlement demonstrates the importance of holding officers accountable for their actions and the need for cities to take responsibility for the actions of their employees.

Table: Timeline of Events

Conclusion

Detective Jeff Payne’s actions during the 2017 traffic stop sparked widespread outrage and led to a federal lawsuit. The incident highlighted the importance of police accountability and the need for officers to follow proper procedures during traffic stops. While Payne is no longer employed by the South Jordan Police Department, the case continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of holding officers accountable for their actions.