LEO get's a DUI?

[titus75]

Is this an automatic "you're fired" or can it be survived and still keep your job? Does it depend on the county, dept, and so on? What if the officer is very well regarded by everyone in the dept, has a great rep, maybe has a juice card to play? By LEO I mean a patrol officer, not corrections etc.

[Spanky8601]

I have been out of the business for 12 years. But, in years past it was time on the beach along with whatever the courts did. A lot depends on how it is viewed by the employing agency and if the employee was willing to get into a substance abuse program.

[tnlrat37]

I know several that have them, held up promotions and desk duty for a bit. Get 2 and your done most places.

[Sir Toast]

San Diego, problematic, but not terminable.

Smaller cities, El Cajon, Carlsbad, Escondido, terminated.

Talk to your POA rep.

[RickD427]

It depends on the agency.

A felony DUI is a career-ender regardless of the agency's view, primarily due to the prohibition on firearms possession.

Most agencies that I'm familiar with, as well as the agency I retired from were tolerant of a misdemeanor DUI, but all of the collateral effects of the conviction come into play. The Sheriff imposed a policy that any deputy having a "Take-Home" car lost it upon having a DUI (that policy came about when a department executive sought to have a court-ordered ignition interlock fitted to his county car) and that deputies with any driving restriction had to work non-patrol assignments.

It was also an evaluation issue. One of the annual performance evaluation dimensions was "Obedience to Laws" and that required narrative following a conviction. That subsequently has an impact on promotion and transfer.

[CBR_rider]

Where I worked (and surrounding agencies) it was basically as above: one and you could overcome it in time; two and you were done for misdemeanor DUI. I know a few guys who got a DUI; wound up costing them all the court fees plus thousands in lost OT, promotions in some cases, the taxi cab rides to/from late night shifts in light duty for months on end, etc. unfortunately, I also know a couple of folks who decided to self medicate to deal with life instead of asking for help and tested the whole “two DUI” unwritten law... all are still terminated to this day/are no longer in law enforcement of any sort.

[CaptMike]

Same as above, one costs you and holds up promotions but you can overcome it with time and good choices. Two and your done.

[caliprep]

Is this an automatic "you're fired" or can it be survived and still keep your job? Does it depend on the county, dept, and so on? What if the officer is very well regarded by everyone in the dept, has a great rep, maybe has a juice card to play? By LEO I mean a patrol officer, not corrections etc.

Negative on first and even second offenses. Credentials are usually pulled temporarily because of it then given back.
As for promotions and speciality assignments, that all depends on how well youre liked. I can go on and on

[Che762x39]

Is this an automatic "you're fired" or can it be survived and still keep your job? Does it depend on the county, dept, and so on? What if the officer is very well regarded by everyone in the dept, has a great rep, maybe has a juice card to play? By LEO I mean a patrol officer, not corrections etc.

From what I saw in 25 years as a LEO. It depends on who you are, the good old boy thing. Dad is a Captain, Lieutenant, etc, etc you get a pass.

"Well regarded" depends on your point of view. No individual is liked 100%.

[Che762x39]

Same as above, one costs you and holds up promotions but you can overcome it with time and good choices. Two and your done.

Well connections can be a big help to overcome multiple DUIs and multiple sexual harassment complaints. Like some of the DUIs were plea bargain to "wet reckless" or Reckless Driving 23103 VC.

[M8R]

[TrailerparkTrash]

Maybe you all should be less worried about what happens IF….and just don’t. In this day and age it’s too easy to get an Uber or Lyft to get your *** home. If you drink & drive you’re being an asshat. Maybe find some maturity and make better decisions.

I believe what you stated is already “given” and understood today by the mature cops. But, your answer doesn’t stay on topic nor does it answer the OP’s original question.

[Bigdawg90]

[CaptMike]

I remember when I was the ramrod in the academy, we were down to the last weekend before graduation. This young recruit was going to be our top recruit and he had a friend of his come in from out of town. The friend was proud of him and took him out and said for the recruit to drink because he would be the designated driver. Well his friend decided to forget about being DD and got plastered. The recruit felt like he was ok to drive and he was definitely better than his friend. Needless to say, he got a DUI on the drive home. When I asked him why he did that, he said that he was in better shape and had no alternative. I looked him in the eye and asked why he did not call a cab, the recruits face dropped and he said, sir, I didnt even think about that. I had to let him go and never saw him again. No grace in the academy.

[canman]

DUI....

Pretty much like most have said here.

1st time offense misdemeanor DUI is not likely to end a career. There will likely be some loss of rank, delays in promotions or special assignment, and maybe modified duty assignment depending on what happens with your license. There will probably be some unpaid admin time off as well. It's gonna sting, but you and your career will survive it.

Felony DUI or 2nd offense misdemeanor, I'd anticipate the organization will move to terminate. You might fight it and "win." By win, I mean you'll keep your job, but your career is finished.

Oh yeah, a misdemeanor conviction can land an officer on the "Brady" list. It won't preclude you from testifying in court, but it does open up some possibilities when you do.

Canman