San Jose's mayor and police chief are promising swift action following reports that a police officer was caught drunk on the job last week.
San Jose officials have confirmed that an officer has been placed on administrative leave after a breathalyzer test showed a blood-alcohol level of 0.139, almost twice the legal limit, a source told KNTV.
The officer was allegedly intoxicated while aiding in the investigation of last week’s high-profile baby Brandon abduction case.
The San Jose Police Department has issued an apology to the child's family and Police Chief Anthony Mata said he will not tolerate inappropriate conduct on the force.
"When an officer violates the public's trust it will be held accountable," Mata said. "As these incidents are further investigated we will share those details with the Santa Clara District Attorney's Office."
This incident follows the recent news of a rookie San Jose police officer who died of a fentanyl overdose at his home. Prompting some to question how widespread the issues of substance abuse might be on the force.
The chief and San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo are proposing that the department broaden its alcohol and drug testing efforts to include all officers.
"Doing so will enable the department to identify those officers who need help, need to get treatment and critically keep those officers off the street," Liccardo said.
Police officials said that further inquiry into these incidents will aim to uncover what other challenges might be at play in the department.
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