A Louisville Metro Police officer fired for poor job performance last month has been reinstated by Police Chief Robert White.
Queen Deborah Ca'Mel was fired March 4 based on poor performance evaluations, according to police statements at the time. She was listed as a probationary officer, so no specific information about her performance was released.
But on March 18, Ca'Mel's termination was rescinded by White. However, the letter reinstating her says she will remain on paid administrative leave during an investigation by the department's Professional Standards Unit. That unit is charged with investigating violations of department policies and procedures.
No specific details of what she is accused of have been released, as the department does not comment on pending cases.
David Leightty, Ca'Mel's attorney, said Ca'Mel's probationary period had not been properly extended by the department, prompting an appeal to the police Merit Board over her termination. But the department rescinded the firing before the appeal could be advanced, Leightty said.
"She's very happy to be back to work," Leightty said, adding that he believes Ca'Mel will be cleared by all pending investigations and return to work as an officer.