Chief Dodd answers
questions after cop accused of drinking on job
CHATTANOOGA -
(WRCB) - Chattanooga
Police Chief Bobby Dodd is addressing concerns after one of his officers was
accused of being drunk on the job.
Officer Steve Jones, a
25-year veteran of the force, was accused of drinking while on duty on Saturday
while on motorcycle patrol during Riverbend.
The CPD relieved Jones
from duty after suspecting that he was under the influence of alcohol around
10:30 p.m., about five hours into his shift. His blood was drawn and sent to
the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations to see whether Jones was drunk with a
badge.
The investigation is
still on-going and he is facing possible internal policy violations as well as
criminal charges. The CPD reports concerns with how the preliminary
investigation was handled which is being reviewed by the Internal Affairs
Division.
Officer Jones has been
placed on administrative leave with pay while the incident is being
investigated.
Chief Dodd says Jones
is a great traffic officer and a friend. He adds that Jones would be able to
retire this Thursday. Dodd says that if Jones opts to retire, discipline is
moot, however if the state crime lab determines he was intoxicated at the time,
he could face criminal charges.
Officer Jones has been
a wreck reconstructionist, but his Riverbend assignment was to prevent parking
on overpasses/off ramps.
Dodd says he can't
comment as to how fellow officers suspected Jones had been drinking, whether he
had altered behavior or alcohol on his breath. Chief Dodd says at least six
officers within Jones' unit were on scene at time. Internal Affairs will question
them, and supervisors. Those officers could face discipline if IA determines
they acted inappropriately during the investigation.
Police Department
policy is no alcohol at least 8 hours prior to duty. Even if not legally drunk,
ANY BAC means discipline if Jones on force.