Posted by Paul Q. Goyette The arbitrator’s decision to reinstate Chamberlain should mark the end of a two-year battle that illustrates how vulnerable law enforcement employees can be to false accusations. In April 2000, Chamberlain was placed on administrative leave following allegations that he had been involved in a sexual […]
Hearing Officer Lou Zigman wrote the words we love to hear after presiding over the hearing in the termination of San Bernardino County Deputy Sheriff Chris Leahy. Those words were, “That the imposition of disciplinary action, i.e. termination, was clearly inappropriate and not justified” and, “That the appellant is reinstated […]
Ventura County Sheriff’s Department called “penny-wise and pound-foolish”, actions described as “inexplicable” The California Court of Appeal, Second District, called Ventura County “penny-wise and pound-foolish” and described its devious behavior as “inexplicable” in connection with its handling of Deputy Sheriff Mark Jurisic’s proposed disciplinary action. In so doing, the Court […]
Posted by Rockne A. Lucia, Jr. Arbitrator Christine Knowlton recently rendered an arbitration award in the disciplinary appeal of Oakland Police Officer Frank Morrow. Morrow, represented by this author of the firm of Rains, Lucia & Wilkinson LLP, challenged the City of Oakland’s decision to impose a one-day suspension, based […]
It is not always the degree of penalty, but the nature of the charges that damage one’s career. Too often departments feel that they can impose a relatively light penalty with relatively serious charges and it is no big deal. Officers who take their career seriously should be vigilant in […]