On January 30, Brookline, Massachusetts, Detective Duane Danforth was involved in a confrontation at EPCOT’s United Kingdom Pavilion. The altercation began when a Disney World cast member informed Danforth that he was not permitted to enter a private event.
Witnesses reported that Danforth exhibited signs of intoxication and displayed belligerent behavior, refusing to follow the instructions provided by the cast member.
The situation escalated when Danforth allegedly threatened security personnel and attempted to push past them into the event space while carrying a young girl. Observers described the atmosphere as tense, noting that the actions taken by Disney World cast members and security were primarily defensive.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department later stated that Danforth’s refusal to leave prompted swift security measures.
Legal Charges and Their Dismissal
In the aftermath of the incident, Detective Danforth was arrested and charged with battery and resisting arrest. Reports indicated that he had struck two Disney World cast members and a police officer during the confrontation. However, the Orange County prosecutor’s office subsequently dismissed all charges against him.
The decision to drop the charges stemmed from various factors, including Danforth’s established community standing and his entry into a residential program designed to address issues related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use. These mitigating circumstances made the prosecutor conclude that legal action was unnecessary.
Disciplinary Measures Imposed
The Brookline Police Department responded to the situation by initiating disciplinary actions against Danforth. He was suspended for 30 days, with 12 days served immediately and the remainder held in abeyance pending any future incidents. Deputy Superintendent Paul Campbell indicated that the suspension’s length was determined after thoroughly reviewing the incident and Danforth’s past conduct within the department.
Danforth’s prior commendable service record, which included being named “Police Officer of the Year” in 2021, was considered during the decision-making process. Crucially, this suspension is to be served without pay, reflecting the situation’s seriousness.
Future Steps for Officer Danforth
For Danforth to return to his position within the Brookline Police Department, he must be reviewed by the POST Commission, which is responsible for certifying police officers in Massachusetts. His certification remains suspended until this critical evaluation is completed.
The implications of this incident reach beyond a temporary suspension. The POST Commission’s assessment will consider Danforth’s actions at EPCOT and his 14-year overall service history. Depending on the outcome of this review, Danforth’s future in law enforcement may be significantly affected, raising essential questions about accountability and the perceptions of public safety within the Brookline community.
The incident raises broader concerns regarding the conduct of law enforcement officers in public spaces and the extent to which community ties may influence legal outcomes. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how such events will shape law enforcement accountability policies and the treatment of officers involved in altercations, particularly in family-friendly environments like Disney World.
