An officer with a lengthy record of impropriety and complaints in a police force notorious for misconduct was arrested late last month for DUI charges.
History of Misconduct
Despite myriad allegations of improper conduct in his past, Major Peter Cruz was hired to join the oft-maligned Opa-locka police force in 2013. However, his questionable conduct goes back further than that. Among complaints and charges filed against him before becoming a member of the Opa-locka court were perjury, conduct unbecoming, sexual harassment, insurance fraud, and now, drunk driving.
Intoxicated officer taken into custody
Off-duty Cruz crashed his city truck into a jogging path early in the morning. Officers who responded found him smelling strongly of alcohol and unable to keep himself upright. He refused a field sobriety test. When taken into custody, Cruz stripped naked in his cell before proceeding to pass out and urinated on himself.
Pattern of Police Misconduct
Opa-locka Police Chief Jeffrey Kay had originally wanted Cruz to be his second in command. Though public scrutiny prevented that when details of Cruz’ history were revealed, he was given a lesser position, but still promoted. The Opa-locka force is notorious for lax policies regarding officer’s illegal activities. Previous incidents include a drug-dealing ring led by an officer, false imprisonment and witness tampering, and now Cruz’ questionable conduct. Prior to his DUI arrest, an anonymous letter alleging harassment of female officers was brought to light.
No matter what side of the law you’re on, DUI allegations are serious and can impact your career must be treated as such. A trusted criminal attorney will make sure that you receive fair representation under the law.
Source:
Opa-locka police major charged with DUI, www.miamiherald.com, Katie Lepri, 31 Aug 2015