Drinking, guns don't mix for police--Combination violates department rules

FamilyBadge ^ | 4-28-04 | JOHN DIEDRICH

[SJackson]

Off-duty Milwaukee police officers can carry guns any time, anywhere in the city, but not if they have been drinking alcohol, a spokesman said Tuesday.

Officer Brandon S. Erdmann, 23, was carrying his personal handgun when he was arrested Saturday morning after allegedly pointing the weapon at a bouncer outside Brew City Barbeque, a popular N. Water St. bar and restaurant, according to the arrest report.

"Erdmann displayed his .40-caliber, off-duty handgun, a semi-auto Glock, and pointed it at a security officer who had previously asked him to leave the premises," the report says.

The bouncer, Jeff Jackson, 32, said he saw Erdmann drinking beer in the club prior to the alleged gun incident at 2 a.m. Saturday, according to the report.

Jackson, who is African-American, also alleged Erdmann used a racial slur as he pointed the gun at Jackson's head. Erdmann then flashed his badge, said he was a police officer and fled, Jackson said, according to the report. Officers found Erdmann a block away.

Erdmann faces two investigations.

The Police Department Monday recommended two charges: disorderly conduct while armed and endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon. The Milwaukee County district attorney's office continued its investigation Tuesday and is expected to decide whether to charge him this week.

Additionally, the Police Department's Internal Affairs Division will investigate to see whether Erdmann broke departmental rules.

Police Chief Nannette Hegerty declined to comment, pending the outcome of the investigations, said Sgt. Ken Henning, department spokesman.

Internal Affairs detectives took Erdmann for questioning to their offices at the police academy, 6680 N. Teutonia Ave. He was arrested there at 10:25 a.m. Saturday and booked into the jail, according to the arrest report.

Erdmann was put on paid leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Because he has been with the department less than a year and is a probationary employee, Erdmann doesn't have the same appeal rights as other police officers under the labor contract between the police union and the city, according to the contract. Officers with less than 16 months with the department aren't subject to the grievance or arbitration process, the contract says.

"Because of his probationary status, he can be fired for anything," said Bridget Boyle, Erdmann's attorney.

Erdmann declined to comment, Boyle said.

While Milwaukee police officers may carry their weapons off-duty, including in a bar, they cannot carry the weapon if they are drinking alcohol, Henning said. The gun must be in a "secure location," he said.

Jackson said Erdmann and another man, both white, were blocking patrons from moving through the bar near closing time. Erdmann's companion became abusive to Jackson and called him a racial slur, Jackson alleged. Jackson said he bear-hugged the man and carried him out of the bar. Another bouncer removed Erdmann.

Outside, Erdmann complained Jackson and the other bouncer had "manhandled" the men, which Jackson denied.

Erdmann then pulled out his gun, pointed it at Jackson's head from about five feet away and uttered a racial slur, Jackson said, according to the report.

It is unclear from the report whether his companion is a police officer or was arrested.

[Buffalo Head]

Unfit for duty.

[weegee]

Interrupt a sheriff's deputy's beer? Prepare for a hailstorm of lead!

[SJackson]

Great thread. Of couse that's Texas, I wouldn't count on LEOs in Wi missing 40 times, even drunk.

[thoughtomator]

So a police officer abuses his power and it's the gun's fault now?

Next thing you know, they'll be circulating copies of "The Protocols of the Elders of Smith & Wesson"

[elmer fudd]

I've always felt that this is one of the only forms of gun control that is justified. Drunks shouldn't be around guns, cars or chainsaws.

[fourdeuce82d]

all the shots missed. The truck was shot up like Swiss cheese, but neither the driver nor the trigger-happy passenger was hit.

Okay sweet pea...let's run you down to the range and see how you do. Granted, most LEOs can't shoot for shit...but suggesting that the LEOs in question can't shoot because they didn't hit the occupants of a moving vehicle makes me think the only "firearm" experience you have is playing with your peashooter whilst whacking away at your keyboard.

If you're an IDPA or IPSC stud, I apologize. If you ranked top in your class at gunsite, thunderranch, Yavapai, DTI, etc., I rescind my comments. Something makes me think your are none of those things.

[paul51]

The punk has no business on the force or carrying a weapon.