Police officers have sworn to uphold the law. This doesn’t mean, though, that they don’t make the same mistakes that other private citizens do. For an example, you can look toward Colorado, where a sergeant on the Denver Police Department in late May was arrested for a suspected second DUI.
According to Colorado’s 9News.com, the sergeant crashed his car while driving drunk. The police officer was not on duty when the accident occurred. This reportedly isn’t the first time that this particular officer, who expressed remorse when interviewed by sources, has faced a DUI charge. In 2004, the sergeant was also arrested for driving under the influence and careless driving, according to reports.
The sergeant has served with the Denver police force since 1987. He works in the department’s property bureau. According to the news story, the officer could face a suspension of up to 42 days without pay as a result of his arrest. In his job, if he is convicted of this repeat DUI, he not only faces legal consequences; he faces a professional punishment as well.
The city’s district attorney’s office is now reviewing the incident. Sources report that it could be several months until the police department announces the punishment that the sergeant will suffer should he be found guilty of drunk driving.
We tend to be surprised when we see police officers make the headlines for breaking the law. But it’s important to remember that the men and women of the force are human, too. They face the same temptations that all of us struggle to overcome.
Also, however, they have to answer to the same sometimes faulty legal system as the average person. This police officer could certainly be innocent of the suspected repeat offense. He deserves a vigilant defense against the charge. His reputation and career are on the line.
Source
9News.com: “Denver sergeant arrested, accused of DUI a 2nd time,” Jeffrey Wolf, 25 May 2011