IMPERIAL VOIDS ALL
DISCIPLINE
ACTION AGAINST OFFICERS
In a recent edition of PORAC News it
was reported that Imperial Chief of Police Avis Moore was reinstated to
her chief's job after an outpouring of public support during a City
Council meeting. Chief Moore has been back on the job since June 12,1996.
She was represented by LDF panel attorney Everett Bobbitt. At the
same time that Moore was placed on administrative leave, a captain,
sergeant and two officers were also disciplined by the city manager. As
previously reported the city manager was forced from his position after
Chief Moore was reinstated.
The Personnel Committee
(two members of the City Council) approved discipline for three of the
remaining officers. One of the officers had received his discipline
package just before Chief Moore was reinstated.
One of Moore's first acts
upon reinstatement was to overturn the discipline on this officer. This
officer had never been identified in the media and therefore will not be
identified here. The remaining three officers have received extensive
news coverage.
Captain Gary Cox was
demoted to sergeant. Sergeant Joe Bielma was demoted to officer and
officer Ray Valensuela was suspended for three working days.
The three officers were
represented by attorneys Brad Fields and Sandy Toyen of the Law Office
of Everett L. Bobbitt in San Diego. The attorneys strongly asserted that
the procedural protections provided for pre-discipline hearings
guaranteed in the police association contract and department policy had
been ignored. Chief Moore never had an opportunity to review the
recommended disciplines or make her own recommendations.
After threats of
litigation, the City Council at a special meeting on August 14, 1996,
rescinded all disciplinary actions and awarded back pay to all of
the officers. After the dust had settled, no officer suffered any
discipline or last any pay or benefits.
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