Police Chief Art Acevedo of the Austin Police Department just revealed a new and shocking employee policy. I say shocking because the effect is alarming, but it is not surprising. According to this new policy, police officers and employees who are arrested and charged with DWI will be fired. This policy applies for First Time DWI. Here is story from the Austin American-Statesman.
This Zero Tolerance Policy Applies even if Your Charges are Dismissed
If an Austin police officer is arrested for DWI, his or her job is in jeopardy regardless of the disposition of the case. Even if the officer’s charges are dismissed—a feat that is not easy to do in today’s DWI climate—he or she will then have to survive an investigation by the police department’s internal review board. Often police will arrest first and ask questions later when it comes to DWI. Just ask this Austin man.
Acevedo said:
“If our investigation shows through an abundance of evidence that someone at our department… committed a violation of DWI, drove and put people at risk without excuse or justification, we’re not gonna tolerate it.”
It is unclear what an “abundance of evidence” could mean in a case that the Travis County D.A. has seen fit to drop.
It stands to reason, however, that recent events have only emboldened Acevedo’s strict zero tolerance approach to drunk driving. Last month, the city of Austin confronted tragedy when a drunk driver broke through downtown barriers, colliding with pedestrians. The incident killed three and injured several more. The driver was charged with several counts of intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault. After the incident, Acevedo told the media that law enforcement would pursue capital charges.
This Policy Underscores the Great Costs of DWI
DWI can cost you a lot. These days, the Costs of DWI have never been higher. Besides the fees, penalties, and actual costs of bonding out, losing your driver’s license, and defending the charge, there can be an even more devastating price to pay. If you are employed by the Austin Police Department, getting a First Time DWI could destroy your career.
Contact my law office to discuss your DWI. Develop a gameplan to attack your charges. You can call me, and I will schedule a convenient time to meet with you. Our office is downtown at 108 Main Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102.