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 Bielema was demoted to officer and officer Ray Valenzuela 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After threats of litigation, the City Council at a special meeting on August 14, 1996, rescinded all disciplinary actions and awarded back pay to all of the officers.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.