Public Complaint No. 1743534701 - 675255026

Complaint Subject: Officer J. Martin, Edina Police Department, Badge #157 Allegation: Police Misconduct – False Statements Date of Complaint: April 1, 2025 To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to report an incident of police misconduct involving Officer J. Martin, Badge #157, of the Edina Police Department. Specifically, Officer Martin is alleged to have deliberately made false or misleading statements in his official capacity as a law enforcement officer. False statements by a police officer constitute a serious form of misconduct that undermines the credibility of the police department and the criminal justice system as a whole, potentially leading to wrongful accusations or convictions based on fabricated or misleading evidence. The incident in question occurred on November 30, 2024, at approximately 8:04 PM on Highway 100, during which Officer Martin provided a false pretense for initiating a traffic stop. He claimed I had not used my turn signals, despite there being no factual or evidentiary basis for this justification. These false statements were documented and I was cited for it. This statement was made with intent to misrepresent the circumstances, violating the standards of honesty and integrity required of law enforcement officers. This misconduct unjustly subjected the individual to a traffic stop and potential legal consequences based on fabricated grounds. The Edina Police Department and the broader criminal justice system depend on the truthfulness of officers to uphold public trust and ensure justice. Officer Martin’s alleged false statements on November 30, 2024, if substantiated, represent a breach of that trust and necessitate immediate investigation and accountability. This type of misconduct not only jeopardizes the fairness of the specific incident but also damages the reputation of the department as a whole. I respectfully request a thorough investigation into this matter, including a review of any available evidence such as body camera footage, dashcam recordings, the incident report, witness statements, or the citation issued during the traffic stop. Should these allegations be confirmed, I urge the Edina Police Department to impose appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination, and to document this misconduct for future legal proceedings where Officer Martin’s credibility may be at issue, such as through inclusion on a Brady List. Additionally, any citations or actions resulting from this false traffic stop should be reviewed to address potential injustices. Please provide confirmation of receipt of this complaint and updates on the status of the investigation. I am available to provide additional information or evidence as needed to support this matter.