Father says it’s now up to police chief to let his son back on the force

A Fort Myers police officer won’t face criminal charges after four years of investigation, and his father is fighting for him to get back on the force.

Officer Jason Jackson’s father, Henry Jackson, spoke to us and during public comment Monday at the Fort Myers City Council meeting to tell council how the investigation changed his son’s life, impacting the family as well.

Henry hopes the next step for his son is going back to work at Fort Myers Police Department. Jason has been on paid leave that past four years.

Henry says, now that his son has been cleared, the ball is in Chief Derrick Diggs’ court.

“That’s the only time I got emotional, and I was very happy for him,” Henry said. “Finally, justice prevailed.”

However, Officer Jackson is still not back actively working at FMPD. His father has fought for his son’s reputation for the last four years.

“We had to just endure all this pain, this hurt,” Henry said. “His name drug through the mud. Jason’s not perfect, but … he’s a good law enforcement officer.”

It all started after allegations surfaced at FMPD that four officers, including Jackson, were leaking information to drug dealers.

FMPD put Jackson and fellow officers on paid administrative leave in February of 2017 during a federal criminal investigation. The other three have since retired amid the investigation, but Jackson is still hoping to fulfill his role back on the force.

“We had friends that didn’t believe in Jason,” Henry said “It’s sad, but we just had to. We kept our heads up as a family, and everything worked out for the good.”

Recently, The U.S. Attorney’s office for the Middle District of Florida said it concluded its investigation and would not pursue charges against any of the officers.

“We have to continue to go forward, and one thing we can’t have no hate in our heart, at least I don’t,” Henry said. “It was hurt, but now it’s healing.”

The Gulf Coast Police Benevolent Association sent a letter to FMPD Monday requesting Jason Jackson be returned to full duty immediately.

We reached out to FMPD to ask when Officer Jackson would return, and we were told, until the department is formally notified, which it has not been, it won’t be making a statement.

Henry Jackson hopes his son will be able to return to being an officer with FMPD soon.

“The ball is in Chief Diggs’ court now,” Henry said. “He has to make a decision.”