JEFFERSON CITY, April 19, 2005—The Missouri Department of Public Safety’s Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Program today released their annual disciplinary report. A summary shows that 42 peace officers throughout Missouri had their licenses revoked or probated, or surrendered their licenses voluntarily while under investigation.

Gov. Matt Blunt said the report’s findings indicate both good news and bad news for Missourians.

“It is unfortunate to learn that the very people entrusted with protecting the citizens of this state face disciplinary action,” Blunt said. “However, I am pleased to report that the Department of Public Safety is taking the appropriate action to ensure that only honest, law-abiding, individuals are allowed to remain in the policing profession.”

The report showed that between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2004 there were 89 peace officer investigations initiated by the POST program. The completed investigations resulted in 14 license revocations, 14 license probations, and the permanent surrender of 14 licenses. Investigations into basic training applicants resulted in the denial of 16 entries.

This year, as of April 1, there are 52 active peace officer cases and two basic training applicant cases being investigated by the POST program. There are an additional 50 cases that have been filed in the Administrative Hearing Commission by the Attorney General’s office. If it is determined these officers have committed a violation, they will subsequently appear in front of Director of Public Safety Mark James.

Peace officers are subject to disciplinary action in many different circumstances. If they are unable to perform their duties because of mental condition including alcohol and substance abuse, they commit any criminal offense, they commit an act of moral turpitude or reckless disregard for the safety of the public or any person while under the color of law, they cause a material fact to be misrepresented while obtaining or retaining a peace officer commission, or if they violate an order of probation from the director of Public Safety, the officer will be appropriately disciplined.

Director Mark James said the department is acting responsibly by getting these officers off the streets.

“Peace officers are not above the law,” James said. “One of the department’s duties is to ensure those in power do not abuse that power.”

The disciplinary process for a peace officer starts with a complaint from any source that a licensed peace officer may be subject to disciplinary action. POST Program officials then gather all available information to determine if a licensed peace officer has committed a violation. If the officer is found to be subject to disciplinary action, a complaint is filed with the Administrative Hearing Commission (AHC) detailing the violation. Notice is then given to the officer of the proceedings. Then the AHC holds a hearing to determine whether the director of Public Safety has cause to discipline the officer. The director must hold a hearing within 30 days to determine the form of discipline to be imposed, after which the director may probate, suspend or permanently revoke the peace officer’s license.

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