Posted on 10/07/2004 10:03:13 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
A lieutenant with the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety is facing a possible drunken-driving charge after he was allegedly stopped with guns and a dead wild pig in the back of his pickup truck, refused to submit to a field sobriety test and asked a CHP officer to let him go because ``we're on the same team.''
Lt. Douglas Michael Sims, who supervises a fire station but is also on the city's Special Weapons and Tactics Team, was released without being booked into jail. He refused to submit to a blood-alcohol test or answer any questions about whether he had been drinking. Assistant District Attorney Karyn Sinunu said the incident report from the California Highway Patrol says Sims identified himself as a lieutenant on the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety and asked the CHP officer to overlook the incident.
``You're doing the wrong thing,'' Sims allegedly said. ``We're on the same team.''
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
They're all on a team that's all above the laws. Dontcha know that!!!
Ain't it amazing -- another double standard.
Where's the double standard? They've referred the case for prosecution, just like they would for you and me.
And this is notable...why?
The double standard lies in the fact the officer thought, because he was a peace officer, that the other office should let him skate. If it were you or I, no chance.
Drunk, armed, with a dead boar in the back of his pick-up? Hell, that boy's living in the wrong part of the country.
This lieutenant is one the people that the gun control crowd believe should be the only persons to have guns because regular citizens are "dangerous".
I have to disagree w/ you. The officer may have thought he was entitled to a double standard according to the story and it's clear that ain't happening. Hopefully he'll get the max penalty and learn something from this. BTW I know several officers w/ DUI convictions and many citizens who have gotten breaks from officers in the field.
For all of you that think law enforcement gets a pass if stopped or in a crash, and found to be DUI--Think again!
After a case in 1996, the CHP gave an officer 30 days off without pay--a month's suspension--for not arresting a law enforcement person involved in a crash, and not arrested. The CHP then informed ALL of its officers that this is the standard penalty. If it occurs a second time, the officer is immediately terminated.
He shouldn't be disappointed...he got his special treatment right there.
See reply.
There are a lot of borderline lawbrekers on this Board, and a lot who think no law should be imposed on them.
If you are a police officer in California, you live in a glass house,and you WILL Be criticized anytime you do anything.
I know that if I, a civilian, were to refuse a blood test, I would NOT be "released without being jailed"...
Each agency has their own POA.
The statewide one is Peace Officer's Research and Action Committee.
The Highway Patrol has their own: Association of Highway Patrol Officers.
Yes, you are right. I sent my Association ( I'm retired CHP) a blistering letter about endorsing candidates. Five Directors in our last election, the recall, hadd endorsed Bustamante, simply because they thought he would pay them better.
The only acceptable standard of behaviour for a LEO when interacting with a suspect LEO in the course of his duties is to avoid ANY perception of favouritism. The LEO must use all legal means to investigate the incident and secure evidence against the accused. Failure to do so sabotages the credibility and respect due LEO's.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.