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A Gary police officer with a 17-year tenure has been placed on unpaid leave after his domestic battery arrest in Portage, the department announced Wednesday.

“Integrity is the foundation of public safety. While this news is disappointing, I want to reassure the public: the alleged actions of one individual do not define the character of this department,” Chief Derrick Cannon said in a Wednesday statement. “The men and women of the Gary Police Department show up every single day with professionalism, courage, and a genuine heart for service to this city. We are building a culture of accountability and excellence, and we will not let this isolated incident distract us from our mission to protect and serve our community.”

Sgt. Jamaal Joseph, 40,

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