WASHINGTON, D.C. - 34 members of the D.C. police department were arrested this year on assault, fraud, drunken driving and other charges, the largest number in at least five years.
Although the percentage of officers arrested on the 3,800-member force is small, this year's total is 10 more than last year's. At least five cases involve on-duty conduct, but the majority stem from off-duty activities. Thirteen officers were arrested on domestic violence charges, 10 for drunken driving.
Officer Elijah Shahid was accused of shooting his wife, also an officer, in the leg in August 2006. That case was dropped after his wife declined to testify against him, prosecutors said.
"Once you've embarrassed the department or shown me you don't have integrity, I don't want you back," said Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier, who took office a year ago. In most cases, when officers are arrested, their badges and guns are taken away and they are put on desk duty until the charges are resolved. In cases involving drugs or sexual assault, officers typically are barred from the workplace. In traffic offense cases, including drunken driving, officers could be returned to the streets pending outcomes.
Assistant Police Chief Peter Newsham, who is in charge of the internal affairs bureau, said the department will start a training program to educate officers about domestic violence and alcohol abuse.
"We are bothered by the fact that there are so many domestic violence and alcohol-related arrests," Newsham said. "The department will take action and have a campaign to inform and train our people to avoid these types of things."
He said all arrested officers are ordered to an employee assistance program for an evaluation. "We anticipate improvement next year," Newsham said.
Commentary - Notice the piece does not directly a address what happens to those charged with DV offenses, despite them compromising ~38% of the arrests, more than any other offense.
D.C. Police Force Has 34 Arrests of Members This Year
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