News Release
Public Safety
Matt Blunt, Governor
Mark James, Director


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


For more information, please contact:
Terri Durdaller
Communication Director
Work:(573) 751-4819
Cell: (573) 301-2023

   

James Releases Missouri Law Enforcement Disciplinary Report

JEFFERSON CITY, April 11, 2007-Director of Public Safety Mark James today released the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) 2007 disciplinary report. The report shows that 37 peace officers statewide had their licenses revoked or probated, or surrendered their licenses voluntarily during investigations from October 1, 2006 to April 1, 2007.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that officers throughout the state are individuals of good, law-abiding character,” James said. “No law enforcement officer found to have broken any laws will be shielded from disciplinary action.”

Disciplinary action for peace officers may result from a variety of different circumstances including the presence of any mental condition including alcohol and substance abuse that prevents them from performing their duties, criminal offenses, or if a violation of an order of probation from the director of Public Safety occurs.

During the same six-month period, 12 applicants were denied entry into the basic training program and one peace officer was denied an application for a license. The report showed that in this time frame 45 officers were investigated by the POST Program.

The process for disciplinary action for a peace officer starts with a complaint from any source that a violation or cause for action has occurred. POST Program officials then review all available information to determine whether further action should be taken. If the officer is found to be subject to action, a formal complaint is filed with the Administration Hearing Commission (AHC). The AHC will then hold a hearing to determine if the director of Public Safety has cause to discipline the peace officer. The director is required to hold a hearing within 30 days of this notification to determine disciplinary action including the probating, suspension or permanent revoking of the peace officer’s license.

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