Kissimmee, Florida – A grand jury investigation has unearthed significant operational flaws within the Kissimmee Police Department, revealing a pervasive culture of silence and inadequate handling of officer misconduct. This probe was triggered by a troubling incident on April 22, 2023, involving Officer Andrew Baseggio, whose aggressive handling of a suspect has since led to multi-faceted criminal charges, including felony battery and tampering with a witness.
In August, Baseggio faced indictment on a roster of offenses which, beyond the direct accusations, have cast a long shadow on the department’s ability to police its own. The grand jury’s insights, stemming from this particular case, have motivated a broader inquiry into the Kissimmee Police Department’s (KPD) policies, procedures, and leadership.
Despite recognizing the dedication of numerous KPD officers who faithfully serve the community, the grand jury voiced deep concerns about systemic issues that appear to shield wrongdoers within the ranks from appropriate repercussions. These issues include a reluctance among officers to report misconduct, compromised investigations, and a recurrent minimization of serious infractions as mere policy violations.
One stark revelation was the mistreatment of a use of force incident by former Police Chief Betty Holland, who allegedly withheld critical information from necessary oversight bodies and obstructed justice by prepping the accused officer prior to external reviews. This misconduct prompted the grand jury to doubt the current capability of KPD’s leadership and recommend a thorough evaluation of its command staff.
The audit also criticized the department’s Internal Affairs Section for being under-resourced, which has severely hampered effective oversight. The grand jury has advised a restructure of this unit to ensure thorough and unbiased investigations into officer misconduct are conducted.
Moreover, further evidence indicated a failure in adequately training officers, with specific flaws in handling situations involving mental health issues, proper search and seizure procedures, and basic investigative protocols. This deficiency notably came to the forefront during the incident that initiated the inquiry, where officers inadequately managed a situation involving a mental health crisis and improperly entered a residence without a warrant.
The grand jury has recommended significant reforms to address these training and procedural inadequacies, emphasizing the need for rigorous training in crisis management, legal compliance in search and seizure, and investigative integrity.
Additionally, the investigation spotlighted approximately ten instances where sustained policy violations were not reported to the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, a critical step in ensuring such offenses have broader implications for an officer’s career. Corrective measures in this process have been urged to ensure continuous compliance with state laws.
Following the grand jury’s findings, the City of Kissimmee has acted swiftly, accepting resignations from two top command staff, including former Chief Holland, and initiating a comprehensive overhaul of policies and procedures. An interim chief from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office has been appointed, signaling an earnest attempt by city officials to restore integrity and public trust in its police operations.
As these reforms take shape, the State Attorney’s office has pledged ongoing support to ensure these recommendations translate into real change. For public transparency, the grand jury’s complete findings and recommendations have been made available online.
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