Also see Arbitration Procedures, Disciplinary Punishment - Disparate Treatment and Disciplinary Punishment - Fines & Extra Duty.

     Monthly Law Journal Article: Disciplinary Consequences of Peace Officer Untruthfulness Part I - Job Applications, 2008 (9) AELE Mo. L. J. 201.
     Appellate court upholds the termination of a corrections officer who failed to search a laundry truck leaving the jail; an inmate was hiding in a laundry basket and escaped. Malinowski v. Cook County Sheriff's Merit Board, #1-08-1828, 2009 Ill. App. Lexis 1065 (1st Dist).
     Federal labor board concludes that a private prison operator did not violate federal labor relations laws when it discharged a nurse, who had engaged in the protected concerted activity of pursuing discrimination grievances, after she exhibited antagonistic behavior that provoked two registered nurses to resign. Corrections Corp. of America and Nelson, #26-CA-23180, 354 NLRB No. 105, 2009 NLRB Lexis 359 (NLRB 2009).
     In upholding the demotion of a male police corporal for the inappropriate touching of female officer, the arbitrator found no basis to disturb the penalty. “The mere fact that management has imposed a somewhat different penalty or a somewhat more severe penalty than the arbitrator would have, if he had had the decision to make originally, it is not justification for changing it. The minds of equally reasonable men differ.” City of Mission, Texas and G, Individual Grievant. AAA Case #70-390-00110-09, 126 LA (BNA) 1372 (Jennings, 2009).
     Arbitrator finds just cause to discharge an employee of a mental illness facility. Although she had diarrhea, she failed to notify supervisors before leaving the workplace for an hour-long toilet break, and she had been warned about absences on three prior occasions. Ohio Dept. of Mental Retardation and Civil Serv. Empl. Assn. L-11, Case #24-06-(2008-03-07)-0011-01-04, 125 LA (BNA) 1616 (Murphy, 2008).
     Louisiana appellate court rejects a fire chief’s attempt to demote a captain because of a Mardi Gras photo posted on the Internet, showing him with females wearing only body paint and pasties. The civil service commission imposed only an 18-hour suspension. The Court noted that management had not disciplined firefighters for similar past conduct. “Though we do not condone appellant’s bad judgment, we are not convinced that the disciplinary step of demotion was commensurate with appellant’s misconduct.” Hennessey v. Dept. of Fire, #2009-CA-0590, 2009 La. App. Unpub. Lexis 547.
     Federal Circuit vacates a Merit Board decision terminating an employee with a mental impairment. When mental impairment or illness is reasonably substantiated, and is shown to be related to the ground of removal, it must be taken into account when taking an adverse action against an employee. The court noted that “mental impairment” is included among the Douglas factors that must be considered in assessing the reasonableness of the penalty Malloy v. U.S. Postal Service, #2008-3117, 2009 U.S. App. Lexis 19000 (Fed. Cir.).
     Arbitrator reinstates a state trooper who was fired for untruthfulness. The grievant “was under extreme stress from his workload, from his family, [and] from a racial profiling charge.” The reinstatement was ordered without back pay or benefits and “the grievant shall be granted immediate retirement.” State of Ohio and Ohio State Troopers Assn., Grievance No. 15-03-080122-0004-04-01, 125 LA (BNA) 428 (Feldman, 2008).
     Appellate court overturns a civil service commission ruling that reduced the demotion of a sergeant to deputy rank, replacing it with a 30-day suspension without demotion. After a sexual harassment complaint had been filed he told her not to tell anyone about the meeting, and then lied to his supervisor. Dishonesty by a sergeant is a breach of public trust and his interference with the internal investigation exposed the county to litigation. County of Santa Cruz v. Civil Service Cmsn. (Jack), #H032222, 171 CaL.App.4th 1577, 90 Cal.Rptr.3d 394, 2009 Cal. App. Lexis 408 (6th Dist.).
    Ohio arbitrator sustains disciplinary action against a firefighters’ union president for distributing a rap song that was critical of his superiors. "... there is sufficient case law for the proposition that internal harmony of a fire department may be adversely effected by a firefighter undermining supervisory authority by such adverse public criticism." The punishment was reduced from termination to a one-month suspension. Union Twp. and Prof. Firefighters L-3412, FMCS Case #08/02678, 125 LA (BNA) 1638 (Rosen, 2008).
    Appellate court sustains the termination of an officer who, while off-duty, engaged in a high-speed pursuit and failed to report that another officer had discharged his weapon. He "stood mute as L__ lied about firing his gun. … When police officers fail to correct misinformation from their fellow officers, and lie to obstruct investigation into official misconduct, they have forsaken their central duties to protect the citizens of the community." Remus v. Sheahan, #1-06-0756, 2009 Ill. App. Lexis 18 (1st Dist.).
     Eleventh Circuit upholds the termination of two police union officials who attempted to put financial pressure on government by initiating a citation-writing slow-down campaign, and also violated a policy against secretly audio-taping others. Douglas v. DeKalb Co., #08-10052, 2009 U.S. App. Lexis 1266 (Unpub. 11th Cir.).
     Although a personnel board, civil service commission, or hearing officer has discretion to reduce the discipline imposed on a public employee, the exercise of that discretion has to be reasonable. It was reversible error to reduce a demotion to a 30-day suspension where a sergeant berated a subordinate who had filed a harassment complaint against him and then was untruthful about his conduct. County of Santa Cruz v. Civil Service Cmsn. of Santa Cruz, #H032222, 2009 Cal. App. Unpub. Lexis 1090 (6th Dist.).
     Appellate court affirms a 10-day loss of vacation time for not promptly following a superior’s order. She intentionally delayed reporting to an assignment. Clifford v. Kelly, #4391, #103179/07, 2009 N.Y. App. Div. Lexis 85, 870 N.Y.S.2d 317, 2009 N.Y. Slip Op. 42 (1st. Dept.).
     Arbitrator sustains disciplinary action against a city worker who downloaded and printed racial and ethnic jokes while on duty, but the city's suspension of 20 work-days is reduced to 5 days, because he did not intend to distribute the written matter but inadvertently failed to remove four pages that had jammed in a copier. "His luck may eventually run out, and stupidity will not be a defense." City of Fort Lauderdale and Teamsters L-769, 125 LA (BNA) 1249 (Abrams, 2008).
     Arbitrator sustains the termination of a private sector chemical worker who brought a Taser® to work and used it for horseplay in a break room. Zeon Chemicals and UFCW L-72D, 125 LA (BNA) 1281, FMCS Case #080729/58162-A (Heekin, 2008).
     Federal appeals panel vacates a 342-day "time served" disciplinary suspension as arbitrary and capricious, because it was based solely on the length of time that elapsed between the date of the termination and the date of the arbitrator's decision. "There are many factors that a reviewing authority may and should take into account when determining the appropriate length of an employee's suspension. But it may not set the length of a suspension based solely on the time that it takes the reviewing authority to reach a decision. To permit the length of a suspension to be based solely on "time served" would make the penalty depend not on the Douglas factors, which reflect the individual employee's particular situation, but on the speed with which (1) the employee or his representative handled the case, and (2) the tribunal rendered its decision." Greenstreet v. Social Secur. Admin., #2007-3312, 2008 U.S. App. Lexis 20155 (Fed. Cir.).
    Arbitrator sets aside the termination of a state trooper who lied about following his agency's policy. This was the first apparent instance of untruthfulness, and he was under extreme stress at work and at home. The arbitrator ordered the grievant to be reinstated without back pay or benefits and granted immediate retirement. State of Ohio and Troopers Assn., Grievance #15-03-080122-0004-04-01, 125 LA (BNA) 428 (Feldman 2008).
     Appellate court confirms the termination of a deputy sheriff that attempted to stop a speeding vehicle by firing 14 rounds at its tires, in violation of a regulation that prohibits the discharge of a firearm at a moving vehicle unless the occupant of the vehicle was asserting deadly physical force. "... considering the seriousness of petitioner's misconduct, we do not find that the penalty of dismissal was so disproportionate to the offenses as to shock our sense of fairness." Clarke v. Cleveland, #503699, 2008 N.Y. App. Div. Lexis 6166 (3rd Dept.).
     Arbitrator upholds a three-day suspension of an emergency dispatcher that failed to reporting to work on time and to maintain performances standards, where she had been warned of the consequences of these problems. City of Tampa and ATU L-1464, FMCS Case#06/00364-3, 125 LA (BNA) 294 (Terrill, 2007; rptd. 2008).
     Arbitrator upholds discharge of an insubordinate worker, where management offered after-acquired evidence that the grievant had falsified his employment application to hide criminal conduct. Bi-State Development Agency and Amal. Transit Union L-788, FMCS Case No. 0830/59822-A, 125 LA (BNA) 54 (Daly, 2008).
     Independent Hearing Examiner sustains a nine-day suspension for an officer's retaliation against a citizen who had lodged a non-formal, verbal complaint against the officer. "Seldom does a police officer issue parking tickets, without someone complaining, at 2:00 a.m. on New Year's Day to a vehicle parked on a residential street in a dead-end cul-de-sac." City of Houston and Grievant S, AAA Case #70-390-00434-07, 125 LA (BNA) 116 (Moore, 2008).
     Under New York law, the summary termination of a police officer after a conviction of a misdemeanor is justified in circumstances where the offense "involves a willful deceit or a calculated disregard for honest dealings." Matter of Feola v. Carroll, #83, 2008 N.Y. Lexis 1476.
      Federal appeals court sustains a 30-day suspension of a deputy U.S. marshal for not cooperating with other officers seeking to apprehend an escaped fugitive. Stewart v. Dept. of Justice, #2008-3137, 2008 U.S. App. Lexis 11985 (Fed. Cir.).
     In light of the grievant's thirty years of service, an arbitrator reduces the penalty from a three-day, to a one-day suspension, for requesting a fellow police officer to electronically send her pornographic materials. City of Dayton and FOP L-44, 124 LA (BNA) 1655, AAA Case #52-390-00443-07 (Bell, 2008).
     Swearing at another officer does not merit termination. Harder v. Vil. of Forest Park, #05-C-5800, 2008 U.S. Dist. Lexis 36892 (N.D.Ill.).
     Overturning a 90-day suspension imposed by an Administrative Law Judge, the Federal Merit Board sustains the termination of a TSA supervisor who repeatedly degraded his subordinates. Kamahele and Dept. of Homeland Security, #SF-0752-06-0866-I-1, 2008 MSPB 106.
     Federal court affirms an arbitration award that sustained the termination of a correctional officer that had refused to obey an order to provide a copy of the Koran to an inmate, and had threatened a coworker with a knife. Webb v. Fed. Bur. of Prisons, #2007-3085, 2008 U.S. App. Lexis 5913 (Unpub. Fed. Cir.), affirming arbitration award, FMCS #05-05272.
     Federal merit board sustains the termination of an ICE agent who unplugged a camera while processing aliens, and falsely told his supervisor that the machine was not functioning. One of the prisoners had been severely injured while being taken into custody. Rodriguez v. Dept. of Homeland Security, #DA-0752-07-0091-I-1, 2008 MSPB 25.
     Arbitrator upholds the termination of a corrections officer for insubordination; he refused to comply with a sergeant's order to turn over a cell phone, possession of which was in violation of agency rules. Discharge was appropriate because the grievant had signed a last chance agreement. Multi-County Correctional Center and FOP Ohio, FMCS Case #07/03923, 124 LA (BNA) 1519 (Bordone, 2007; rptd. 2008).
     Arbitrator sustains a 15-day suspension of an off-duty police officer that used profanity while at hospital. Although not in uniform, she had identified herself as an officer, and threatened hospital security officers. City of Houston and Individual Grievant, AAA Case #0-390-00282-06, 124 LA (BNA) 1508 (Moore, 2008).
     Progressive discipline: Arbitrator affirms a five-shift suspension of a fire captain for negligence, where it was the fifth incident leading to disciplinary action in the prior few months. City of Livingston and IAFF L-630, 124 LA (BNA) 1516 (Calhoun, 2008).
     Arbitrator reduces a termination for use of excessive force to a 90-day suspension. The grievant, a jail officer, was criminally convicted of dereliction of duty for abusing a handcuffed inmate. Although the inmate was swearing at the officer, the use of a pressure point hold was unnecessary punishment. The termination was reduced in light of the grievant's 14 years of service, but a substantial suspension was imposed in light of a prior disciplinary action for excessive force. Fairfield County Sheriff's Office and FOP, FMCS Case #07/01667, 124 LA (BNA) 1066 (Chattman, 2007).
     Pennsylvania arbitrator reduces a five-day suspension of a corrections officer who brought a video game to work. Although the rules forbid "magazines, newspapers, etc." at duty posts, there was no written directive specifically prohibiting video games. More importantly, supervisors staffing security checkpoints routinely permitted officers to bring in video games. Co. of Allegheny and Allegheny Co. Prison Employees, Case #L-KAD-07-G-39, 124 LA (BNA) 1013 (Franckiewicz, 2007).
     Eighth Circuit sustains a five-day disciplinary suspension of a corrections officer that failed to report the use of force against an inmate, and rejects the officer's claim of unlawful retaliation. Barker v. Mo. Dept. of Corrections, #07-1422, 2008 U.S. App. Lexis 1328 (8th Cir.).
     Arbitrator reduces the termination of a transit police officer to 21-day suspension; he unintentionally had forwarded a racist joke that he had received on his mobile phone. Washington Metro Area Transit Auth. and Frat. Order of Police, FMCS Case #07/56574-A, 124 LA (BNA) 972 (Evans, 2007).
     Federal appeals panel sustains an arbitration decision removing a DHS employee for failing to report for work on multiple occasions without justification. Removal was appropriate because of prior warnings. Hawkins v. Dept. of Homeland Security, #2007-3213, 2007 U.S. App. Lexis 26368 affirming 228 Fed. Appx. 998, 2007 U.S. App. Lexis 16042 (Fed. Cir. 2007).
     Management had just cause to discipline the grievant for misuse of computer resources when he accessed a law enforcement database for personal reasons. Because he did not misuse or disseminate the information, his termination is ordered reduced to a 20-day suspension. Franklin Co. Sheriff's Office and FOP L9, 124 LA (BNA) 654, FMCS #070625/57876-8 (Bell, 2007).
     New York appellate court affirms a decision to end the pension benefits paid to a disabled police officer, following his conviction for a misdemeanor. Furrer v. Suffolk Co. Police Dept. & WCAB, #501460, 2007 N.Y. App. Div. Lexis 11177 (3rd Dept.).
     Federal appellate court upholds the termination of a Customs officer that sexually assaulted a coworker and abused others. The panel rejected a claim that the agency was legally bound to follow a table of offenses and penalties, which was only a guide and was not binding on the agency. Rosado v. D.H.S. Bur. of Customs, #2007-3116, 2007 U.S. App. Lexis 18775 (Unpub. Fed. Cir.).
     LAPD officers obtain a consent decree against a woman that chronically abused the agency's IA complaints process. Jones v. Andrade, #BC355541 (Los Ang. Super. 2007).
     Appellate court confirms arbitration award that reversed the termination of an off-duty corrections officer that allegedly called a coworker to tell him he planned to kill his ex-wife and sent a cellular text message to another coworker warning him to watch his back. The arbitrator found no evidence that grievant was a violent person or that his conduct had an adverse effect on the Dept. of Corrections. Dept. of Corrections v. Penna. St. Corr. Officers Assn., #2132 C.D. 2006, 2007 Pa. Commw. Lexis 198.
     Although a city employee saved, forwarded and transmitted e-mails that contained nudity and a racially themed cartoon, termination was an excessive penalty. City of Fort Worth and Individual Grievant, 123 LA (BNA) 1125 (Moore, 2007).
     Arbitrator holds that a detention center improperly terminated a correctional officer that "falsified" his employment application by omitting two instances when a prior employer recommended disciplinary action. "From the time the grievant falsified his pre-employment application, a period of 44 months elapsed until he was terminated [and] the misrepresentations of the grievant on his pre-employment application were not material to the employer at the time of his termination." Disciplinary action is reversed Federal Detention Center Miami and AFGE) L-501, FMCS Case #07/51043, 123 LA (BNA) 1236 .(J. Wolfson, 2007).
     Arbitrator sustains disciplinary action against a fire captain who secretly had accepted employment as a paid sales representative of American La France while acting as the city's agent for the purchase of a $432,000 ALF fire engine, including inspecting and accepting the final product in violation of city policies and a Washington state conflicts law. The grievant's termination is reversed, because under the city's progressive discipline policy the appropriate penalty is a demotion from Captain to firefighter and a six month suspension without pay. City of Sumner and IAFF L-2877, Case #20755-A-06-1436, 123 LA (BNA) 1249 (Coss, 2007).
     Management had just cause to discipline a deputy for dishonesty about his failure to receive K-9 certification, but the grievant's conduct was not serious enough to warrant discharge for first offense; penalty reduced to a one-day suspension. Union County Sheriff and Ohio FOP, 123 LA (BNA) 1101, FMCS Case #07/00069-8 (Sellman, 2007).
     Appeals court upholds MSPB's decision to sustain the termination of a sergeant after revocation of her security clearance; because all Secret Service positions require a security clearance, removal was the only option. Jwanouskos v. Dept. of Treasury, #2007-3123, 2007 U.S. App. Lexis 13793 (Fed. Cir.).
     Appellate court affirms an arbitration decision to change a termination to an eight-month suspension, for a firefighter that downloaded personnel data onto a personal computer at home. The conduct was isolated and not egregious, and the employer failed to prove that the reinstatement award was contrary to public policy. Brantley v. City of New Haven, #AC 27255, 100 Conn.App. 853, 920 A.2d 331, 2007 Conn. App. Lexis 194.
     Arbitrator upholds a three-day suspension of an employee who called a manager a "fucking bitch." Greater Dayton Reg. Transit Auth. and ATU L-1385, AAA Case #52-390-00517-06, 123 LA (BNA) 948 (Bell, 2007).
     Arbitrator sustains a charge of misusing government property, where a police sergeant worked on documents for his personal business while on duty; due to his long discipline-free service, a 40-hour suspension is reduced to 24-hour suspension. City of El Paso and POA, 123 LA (BNA) 691, AAA Case #70-390-00727-05 (Greer, 2006).
     Alaska Supreme Court upholds the termination of a police sergeant that called female dispatchers at their homes, used lewd language and made sexual propositions. Jurgens v. City of North Pole, #S-11847, 2007 Alas. Lexis 21.
     Arbitrator upholds the termination of a firefighter for a DUI offense, where he had earlier suspension and had failed a drug test before his arrest. "It is tremendously disappointing and baffling that a Firefighter/EMT would engage in conduct involving 'road rage' and driving while under the influence of intoxicants, not to mention drug use. Such immature and dangerous behavior is not in keeping with the calling of a Firefighter/EMT." City of Houston and Houston IAFF, AAA Case #70-390-00476-06, 123 LA (BNA) 293 (Allen, 2007).
     Arbitrator confirms a demotion from sergeant to patrol officer after the grievant failed to report that he struck a curb with his cruiser. His recent disciplinary record consisted of one suspension and five written reprimands, which was more than the entire police force combined. Instead of competently supervising others, the grievant was in need of close supervision. City of Richmond Heights and FOP L-57, 123 LA (BNA) 232 (Lalka, 2006). [N/R]
     Arbitrator sustains the termination of a state college worker that falsified his work time. Cincinnati St. T&C College and IUOE L-20, 122 LA (BNA) 1473 (Murphy, 2006). {N/R}
    Arbitrator upholds a five-day suspension of an officer that shot a dog without adequate justification. Warren Co. Sheriff's Office and Deputy Sheriff's Benevolent Assn., 122 LA (BNA) 1451, AAA Case #52-390-00229-06 (Wren, 2006). [2006 FP Dec]
     Arbitrator sustains disciplinary action against an off-duty officer who greeted utility employees at his home with profanity and a firearm. FOP L-127 and City of Newark, Ohio, FMCS #061026-00360-8 (Brundige, 2006). [2006 FP Dec]
     Arbitrator rules that a transit agency did not have just cause to discharge a driver who falsely reported that he was sick when he was absent because of alcohol abuse. This was his first violation. Kitsap Transit and Transit Union L-134, 122 LA (BNA) 1361. (Yoshitomi, 2006). {N/R}
     Arbitrator overturns a termination of a deputy who engaged in repeated instances of horseplay with a loaded firearm. He was not disciplined for prior deportments, and should have been progressively disciplined. Co. of Washington and Law Enf. Labor Services, BMS #05-PA-599, 122 LA (BNA) 725 (Befort, 2006). [2006 FP Oct]
     Arbitrator rules that formal counseling is disciplinary action, even if counseling is not mentioned in the agency's disciplinary system. City of Newark and FOP L-12, 122 LA (BNA) 242, N.J. Bur. Med. #04-0534 (Smith, 2006). {N/R}
     Judge concludes that the termination of a public employee for Internet surfing, after being warned against the activity, was too harsh a punishment. Management failed to prove that the worker failed to satisfactorily perform his official duties in a timely manner. Dept. of Educ. v. Choudhri, N.Y.C. Trials & Hearings # 722/06, 44 (2156) G.E.R.R. (BNA) 508 (2006). [2006 FP Jul]
     Arbitrator reinstates a firefighter who swiped a lieutenant's ATM card as a joke; punishment reduced to a more than three-year suspension. City of Philadelphia and IAFF L-22, 122 LA (BNA) 277, AAA 14-390-00964-02 (Lang, 2005). [2006 FP Jul]
     Federal Merit Systems Protection Board upholds the 20-day disciplinary suspension of a Supervisory Border Patrol Agent who failed to make a criminal record check. Velez v. Dept. of Homeland Security, #DE-0752-04-0407-I-1 (MSPB 2006).{N/R}
     Termination of a public employee for repeated personal use of his government computer during work time was for just cause. Dept. of Veterans Affairs and AFGE L-1594, 122 LA (BNA) 106, FMCS Case #0503101 (Hoffman, 2006). {N/R}
     A divided appellate court affirms the termination of a police appellant that lied under oath to help a fellow officer who killed an arrested man. In a 2-to-1 holding, the court set aside the arbitrator's award reducing the punishment to a three-day suspension because a penalty matrix used in deciding disciplinary punishment was not referenced in the bargaining agreement. City of Cincinnati v. Queen City Lodge (Spellen), #C- 040454, 2005 Ohio 1560, 2005 Ohio App. Lexis 1522 (2005); #A0509129 (Cm.Pl. Hamil. Co. 2005). [2006 FP May]
     Louisiana appellate court reinstates the demotion of a police sergeant for neglect of duty and other misconduct arising from a call for assistance. There was sufficient evidence of neglect. Absent compelling reasons, courts and civil service board members should not undermine the penalty decisions of management. Pope v. New Orleans Police Dept., 2004-1888, 903 So.2d 1, 2005 La. App. Lexis 1308 (2005). [2006 FP Apr]
     Five-judge appellate court sustains a penalty of suspension without pay for 22 days and a forfeiture of 20 vacation days as not unreasonable for an act of insubordination. The appellant, a police officer, had failed to comply with a lawful order to attempt firearm qualification procedures. A police physician had determined that the appellant was medically capable of attempting firearm qualification Murillo v. Kelly, #6217, 19 A.D.3d 105, 795 N.Y.S.2d 590, 2005 N.Y. App. Div. Lexis 5909 ( N.Y. 3rd Dept. 2005). {N/R}
     Arbitrator finds insufficient evidence of just cause to terminate a police officer for a willful failure to follow investigative procedures; the penalty was reduced to a written reprimand. City of Raymond and Teamsters L-252, 121 LA (BNA) 1168, Case #18979-A-04-1406 (Romeo, 2005). {N/R}
     Arbitrator reduces punishment for making several remarks of a sexual nature from termination to an 8-month suspension. Though offensive, the language did not create a hostile or abusive workplace. City of Oklahoma City and AFSCME L-2406, 121 LA (BNA) 1048, FMCS Case #05/01502 (Shieber, 2005). [2006 FP Feb]
     Arbitrator sustains the demotion of a sergeant who berated a dispatcher. A supervisor may be held to a higher standard of behavior because the chief "had lost confidence in the grievant's ability to serve as a shift supervisor." City of Bartow, Fla. and W. Central Fla. PBA, 121 LA (BNA) 798, FMCS Case # 05/52254 (Greenberg, 2005). [2006 FP Jan]
     Arbitrator sustains a misconduct complaint against an officer who had sexual relations with an Explorer Scout. A ten-day suspension is reduced to a written reprimand because management failed to communicate the fraternization prohibition in writing as required under the bargaining agreement. City of Bremerton and Bremerton Police Officers Guild, 121 LA (BNA) 915 (Reeves, 2005). [2006 FP Jan]
     California appellate court holds that a civil service commission abused its discretion when it reduced a termination to a 90-day suspension, imposed on a deputy sheriff who lied to cover up a fellow officer's physical abuse of an inmate. Kolender v. San Diego Co. Civ. Serv. Cmsn. (Berry), #D045268, 132 Cal.App.4th 716, 34 Cal.Rptr.3d 1, 2005 Cal. App. Lexis 1421 (4th Dist. 2005). [2005 FP Dec]
     California appellate affirms a civil service commission to reduce a termination to a 90-day suspension for a sergeant who turned in a factually inaccurate internal investigation report. The sergeant had received no formal training, was inexperienced in I-A report writing, and did not intend to deceive his superiors. Kolender v. San Diego County Civil Service Commission (Salenko), #D045266, 132 Cal.App.4th 1150, 2005 Cal. App. Lexis 1492, 2005 WL 2002283 (4th Dist. 2005). [2005 FP Dec]
     Arbitrator sustains the termination of a water dept. worker for falsifying records. AFSCME C-8, L-101 and City of Dayton, AAA #52-390-00330-04 (Graham, 2005). {N/R}
     Arbitrator reduces a suspension of six months to three days for drawing his firearm on a motorist, resulting in the accidental discharge of the weapon and damage to private property. City of Birmingham and Birmingham Educ. Assn., 121 LA (BNA) 398, FMCS Case 05/00504 (Singer, 2005). [2005 FP Nov]
     N.H. Supreme Court upholds the termination of a police chief who gave agency ammunition to a businessman and then lied about his conduct. His "lack of candor was a violation of the police dept's policy of truthfulness in an investigation and fell below the standard of behavior appropriate for his position." Yoder v. Middleton, #2004-122, 876 A.2d 216, 2005 N.H. Lexis 101, 23 IER Cases (BNA) 90 (N.H. 2005). {N/R}
     Arbitrator upholds the termination of a private sector employee for extreme and repeated profanity combined with verbal threats and gestures ("I'm going to kick your ass," and "I'm going to knock the f--- out of you," etc.). Bell Helicopter Textron and UAW L-218, 120 LA (BNA) 1819, FMCS #04/55638 (Allen, 2005). {N/R}
     Maryland's Court of Appeals affirms the termination of a paramedic that punched a deranged person, to secure his compliance during his transport to a mental hospital. Violation of an employer's workplace violence policy, whatever the motivation, is could be grounds for termination, and courts must not interfere with the reasonable exercise of executive branch discretion by individually weighing alternative punishment. Maryland Aviation Administration v. Noland. #2003-15, 873 A.2d 1145, 2005 Md. Lexis 252 (2005). {N/R}
     Federal appeals court affirms the decision of the MSPB and DEA to fire an intelligence analyst after she repeatedly provided sensitive agency information to an outside attorney. Neal v. Dept. of Justice, #04-3093, 2004 U.S. App. Lexis 27177 (Unpub. Fed. Cir. 2004). {N/R}
     Appellate court sustains termination of an officer who failed to report that he used his knee on the back of a resisting driver. Reviewing courts should not set aside penalties without a showing of bias or bad faith. Brown v. City of Bossier City, #38,915-CA, 887 So.2d 731, 2004 La. App. Lexis 2779 (2nd App. Dist. 2004). [2005 FP Apr.]
     Appeals court declines to overturn the termination of a police officer that violated agency policy and was untruthful about his conduct. Honesty is critical to an officer's performance of duty. Huemiller, v. Ogden Civil Service Cmsn., #20010968-CA, 2004 UT App 375, 101 P.3d 394, 2004 Utah App. Lexis 414 (2004). [2005 FP Mar]
     Seven tests of "just cause" for termination restated by an arbitrator:
     1. Did [the employer] give the employee forewarning or foreknowledge of the possible or probable disciplinary consequences of the employee's conduct?
     2. Was [the employer's] rule or managerial order reasonably related to (a) the orderly, efficient, and safe operation of [the employer's] business and (b) the performance that [the employer] might properly expect of the employee?
     3. Did [the employer], before administering discipline to an employee, make an effort to discover whether the employee did in fact violate or disobey a rule or order of management?
     4. Was [the employer's] investigation conducted fairly and objectively?
     5. At the investigation, did the "Judge" obtain substantial evidence or proof that the employee was guilty as charged?
     6. Has [the employer] applied its rules, orders and penalties evenhandedly and without discrimination to all employees?
     7. Was the degree of discipline administered by [the employer] in a particular case reasonably related to (a) the seriousness of the proven offense and (b) the record of the employee in his service with [the employer]? If one or more of these questions is answered in the negative, then normally the just cause requirement has not been met. Palm Beach County and Commun. Wrkrs. of Amer., 120 LA (BNA) 405 (Almenoff, 2004), quoting Enterprise Wire Co., 46 LA (BNA) 359 (1966). [2005 FP Feb]
     The penalty of dismissal of a corrections officer who tested positive for cocaine use was "not shocking" to an appellate court's "sense of fairness." Singleton v. Commissioner, NYC Dept. of Correction, #4337, 782 N.Y.S.2d 742, 2004 N.Y. App. Div. Lexis 12163 (2004). {N/R}
     Arbitrator sustains the termination of a campus police officer that accessed porn sites in the college chapel office instead of making security checks. Univ. of Chicago and Policemen's BPA L-185, 120 LA (BNA) 88 (Briggs, 2004).[2005 FP Jan]
     Appeals panel affirms the termination of a Bureau of Indian Affairs employee for credit card misuse. Tom v. Dept. of the Interior, #DE-0752-02-0364-I-1 (MSPB 2004). {N/R}
     Federal Merit Protection Board sustains the termination of a Treasury employee who, due to no fault on her part, received a $2,400 travel advance after submitting a claim for only $470. She knew the amount was wrong, she failed to repay the difference for ten months. The opinion noted that a supervisor should be held to a higher standard of responsibility. Garner v. Dept. of the Treasury, #AT-0752-03-0064-I-1, 2004 MSPB Lexis 1260 (MSPB 2004). {N/R}
     Arbitrator reduces the punishment of a city investigator from termination to a one-month suspension for refusing to lower her voice when speaking to her superior. The superior had "stoked the coals" by calling the grievant a liar and telling her that she should quit. Similarly, he ordered the grievant to modify her loud and defiant behavior under penalty of dismissal. City of Gary Human Relations Cmsn. and AFSCME C-62, L-4009, 120 LA (BNA) 244, FMCS #030808/52220-6 (Deitsch, 2004). {N/R}
     Federal Administrative Law Judge rejects a lieutenant's claim that he had not been drinking prior to reporting for duty, and that the alcohol test was invalid because he had taken a double dose of NyQuil for a cold. A demotion was sustained, because it was the third time in a few months the officer had reported for duty under the influence of alcohol. Taul v. Dept. of Justice, #CH-0752-04-0507-I-1, 2004 MSPB Lexis 1764 (MSPB 2004). [2005 FP Jan]
     Arbitrator affirms the termination of a school employee who threatened to kill four coworkers and his union representative. The grievant "named the people he was going to kill and apparently was only troubled by the logistical problem of getting around throughout the school district in the shortest period of time to expeditiously kill all of his targets. That chilling information ... provided ample justification for [management's] immediate concerns and subsequent actions." Anchorage School Dist. and Alaska Public Employees Assn., 119 LA (BNA) 1313, FMCS Case #03/51414-7 (DiFalco, 2004). {N/R}
     Federal appeals court sustains an arbitration decision upholding the termination of a deputy sheriff for a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction. Morrison v. Warren, #02-3672, 1375 F.3d 468, 2004 U.S. App. Lexis 14291, 2004 FED App. 0223P, 175 LRRM (BNA) 2197, 21 IER Cases (BNA) 902 (6th Cir. 2004). {N/R}
     Where an appellate court overturns some, but not all disciplinary counts, the penalty of termination must be reversed, and the matter must be reconsidered by the Board that imposed the discharge, especially when the nonsustained offenses were the more serious charges. Hathaway v. Dept. of Justice, #03-3288, 2004 U.S. App. Lexis 19367 (Fed. Cir. 2004). {N/R}
     Michigan appellate court refuses to set aside an arbitrator's decision to reduce the punishment from demotion from corporal to a one-day suspension. The officer did not follow agency policy relating to a DUI traffic stop. Clay Twp. v. Montville, #248293, 2004 Mich. App. Lexis 1635 (2004). {N/R}
     MSPB judge overturns the firing of a public employee because she had body odor, and reduces the penalty to a 90-day suspension. Her punishment was lightened because she suffers from depression. Heilpern v. Dept. of the Army, #PH-0752-03-0271-I-1, 42 (2067) G.E.R.R. (BNA) 687 (MSPB-AJ 2003). [2004 FP Oct]
     Arbitrator reduces penalty from 3 days to 1 day for violating a rule prohibiting more than two marked cars parked at the same restaurant. A prior disciplinary incident occurred 5 years earlier and was not for related conduct. City of Elgin Police and PBA 54, 119 LA (BNA) 517, Arb. #02/074 (Goldstein, (2003). [2004 FP Jun]
     Appeals court upholds termination of an officer for soliciting a prostitute. The evidence was based on surveillance and questioning of the woman. Weir v. Bratton, #2862, 772 N.Y.S.2d 38, 2004 N.Y. App. Div. Lexis 1660 (2004). {N/R}
     West Virginia Supreme Court holds that the failure of management to consider the 15-year excellent work record of the chief investigator for the state medical examiner's office when it discharged him is sufficient reason to restore him to his original position or an equivalent one. The investigator established a prima facie case of reprisal and was made a scapegoat for the actions of several employees. Sloan v. Dept. of Health, #31374, 2004 W. Va. Lexis 6, 20 IER Cases (BNA) 1788 (W.Va. 2004). {N/R}
     Massachusetts appellate court concludes that arbitrators do not need specific authority to modify disciplinary punishment, where the bargaining agreement requires "just cause." Boston Police Patrolmen's Association v. City of Boston, #02-P-883, 60 Mass. App. Ct. 672, 805 N.E.2d 80, 2004 Mass. App. Lexis 298 (2004). [2004 FP Jun]
     A divided appeals court in Kansas reinstates a police officer that allowed an unlicensed motorist to drive home after a traffic stop, filed a false incident report, and prematurely deactivated his in-car recorder to cover up the procedural impropriety. The statute required "gross" misconduct, and the majority found the officer's errant behavior did not rise to that level. Jones v. Kansas St. Univ., #90,475, 81 P.3d 1243, 2004 Kan. App. Lexis 2, 20 IER Cases (BNA) 1380 (2004). [2004 FP May]
     Arbitrator upholds the termination of a public employee who, under the influence of alcohol, left a profane voice mail message for his supervisor. His "stress defense" failed because he lacked any medical substantiation. City of Anaheim and Municip. Empl. Assn., 119 LA (BNA) 270 (Gentile, 2003). {N/R}
     Appeals court rejects claims of retaliation, national origin and age discrimination. Postal service properly "concluded that reinstating an employee who had been terminated because of an arrest for selling drugs inside a post office facility was not in the best interest of USPS even though the criminal charges were subsequently dismissed following a mistrial." Sarullo v. U.S. Postal Service, #01-4203, 2003 U.S. App. Lexis 25847 (3rd Cir. 2003). {N/R}
     Arbitrator upholds a 10-day suspension of a male county employee who asked a woman coworker, "When are you going to let me squeeze the Charmin?" County of Sacramento and United Public Employees L-1, 118 LA (BNA) 1702 (Bogue, 2003). {N/R}
     California appeals court affirms the termination of an off-duty officer who slapped a girlfriend and then called a male detective a faggot and a woman detective a lesbian. Soldo v. City of Los Angeles, #B161186, 2003 Cal. App. Unpub. Lexis 7260 (2nd Dist. 2003). [2004 FP Jan]
     Ohio appellate court concludes that an arbitrator should not have reinstated an officer who notified a colleague that his family was under investigation. Summit County Sheriff v. FOP, #21303, 2003 Ohio 1133, 2003 Ohio App. Lexis 1062, 173 LRRM (BNA) 2174 (Ohio App. 9th Dist. 2003); rev. gtd. #2003-0737, 99 Ohio St.3d 1471, 2003 Ohio 3801, 791 N.E.2d 985, 2003 Ohio Lexis 1850. [2004 FP Jan]
     Arbitrator sustains the termination of an officer, who had a prior disciplinary offense, of neglect of duty and false reporting. He was sitting in a remote area outside his patrol zone on the graveyard shift, did not see his sergeant arrive for 20 minutes, and then falsely claimed he was only there a short period while on a meal break. City of Cooper City and Broward Co. PBA, 118 LA (BNA) 842, FMCS Case #020814/04630-3 (Hoffman, 2003). [2003 FP Nov]
     Supreme Court declines to review a ruling that upheld the termination of a police officer who had violated the deadly force policy when, unable to see clearly either his target or his surroundings, he fired one or more shots at a vehicle that was moving away from him and was no longer a threat to either him or bystanders. Joseph v. Salt Lake City Civil Serv. Cmsn., #20010399, 2002 UT App. 254, 53 P.3d 11, 2002 Utah App. Lexis 72; cert. den. #02-1211, 71 U.S.L.W. 3666 (2003). {N/R}
     Arbitrator finds that the demotion of a sergeant for allowing another officer to take a test for him was excessive punishment. Management is ordered to restore the grievant's rank, subject to a 30-day disciplinary suspension. Reno Police Dept. and Police Supervisory and Employees Assn., 118 LA (BNA) 926, FMCS Case #020503/09716-1 (D'Spain, 2003). {N/R}
     Although the chief could modify the punishment recommended by an Accident Review Board, he must justify any increase in penalty with good reasons. Arbitrator reduces the suspension from 7 to 4 days, as originally recommended. City of Houston and Indiv. Grievant "G", 118 LA (BNA) 702, AAA #70-390-00829-02 (Moore, 2003). [2003 FP Oct]
     Arbitrator holds that management had just cause to issue a written reprimand to a firefighter who failed to return to work for a scheduled shift. Although his daughter had disappeared, foul play was not suspected and management considered extenuating circumstances in setting the penalty. City of Hallandale Beach and Metro Broward Prof. F/F L-308, AAA Case #32-390-00385-02, 118 LA (BNA) 646 (Smith, 2002). {N/R}
     Rhode Island court sets aside an arbitration award reinstating a corrections officer that had threatened a coworker with physical harm. Officer had received five disciplinary suspensions in six years. The judge found that the safety of the institution is a "narrow circumstance" where an arbitration award can be set aside. Rhode Island DoC v. R.I. Bro. of Corr. Off. (Giles), #01-6344, 2003 R.I. Super Lexis 53 (2003). {N/R}
     Terminations of officers, who failed to get insulin for a prisoner who was found dead in his cell, are overturned. Appeal of Miles, et al., Detroit Police Trial Board (2003); also see Thomas v. City of Detroit, #00-CV-72899 (E.D. Mich., 2003). [2003 FP Aug]
     California appeals court affirms the termination of an LAPD officer who submitted a false daily field activities report. Haney v. City of Los Angeles, No. B153530, 2003 Cal. App. Lexis 763 (2d Dist. 2003). {N/R}
    Rhode Island Supreme Court reverses an arbitrator and upholds the termination of a corrections officer. The officer had been fired because a missing handcuff key was found in the possession of an inmate, with whom the officer had formed a personal friendship. State v. Rhode Island Bro. of Correctional Officers (Ryan), 819 A.2d 1286, 2003 R.I. Lexis 94 (R.I. 2003). [2003 FP Jul]
    Arbitrator rejects a "shop talk" defense and affirms a ten-day suspension of a corrections officer who screamed profanity in the presence of an inmate. County of Blair (PA) and AFSCME Dist. C-83, FMCS Case #99/16996, 118 LA (BNA) 238 (Miller, 2002). [2003 FP Jul]
    Texas appellate court affirms the termination of a sheriff's deputy who was fired for having sex with an inmate. Bexar Co. Sheriff's Dept. v. Sanchez, #04-02-00251, 2003 Tex. App. Lexis 813 (4th Dist. 2003). {N/R}
     Arbitrator sustains the termination of a state worker with 28 years of service who had frequently visited "violent" and bondage porn sites while at work, using a state computer. State of Minn. Dept. of Admin. and AFSCME C-6, Case 302-PA-1156, 117 LA (BNA) 1569 (Neigh, 2002). [2003 FP May]
     Arbitrator sustains the charges that an off-duty police officer assaulted his brother and cursed in a public place. The punishment was reduced from termination to a 295-day suspension. City of Fort Worth and Individual Grievant, AAA Case No. 71-390-00207-2, 117 LA (BNA) 1621 (Goodman, 2002). [2003 FP May]
     An appeals court in Pennsylvania concludes that an arbitrator properly reduced a termination to a disciplinary suspension; a female jail clerk had a copy of Playgirl magazine in her desk drawer. Bedford County v. Penn. Soc. Servs. Union L-668, #1621 C.D. 2002, 814 A.2d 866, 2003 Pa. Commw. Lexis 24, 171 LRRM (BNA) 3038 (1/13/03). {N/R}
     Arbitrator reduces the penalty, from termination to a 30-day suspension, imposed on a contract Air Force facility security officer who failed to have his firearms license renewed within the deadline time period. Pyramid Services and IBOT L-986, 117 LA (BNA) 1687 (Cloke, 2002). {N/R}
     Federal court rejects a retaliation suit brought by a state trooper who had been fired two weeks after he sued the agency for FLSA overtime violations. The court found that the trooper was lawfully dismissed for not returning his patrol vehicle, improperly claiming overtime pay, and refusing to produce a report about possible overtime abuse. Hill v. Manning, 2002 U.S. Dist. Lexis 24672 (M.D. Ala. 2002). {N/R}
     Appeals court upholds the demotion of a correctional sergeant for sexual harassment of two women officers. Lewis v. N.C. Dept. of Correction, #COA01-1386, 570 S.E.2d 231, 2002 N.C. App. Lexis 1168, 19 IER Cases (BNA) 372 (N.C.App. 2002). {N/R}
     Arbitrator rejects the defense that a terminated jail officer was only a high school graduate and could not be expected to understand a rule prohibiting association with current and ex-inmates. A disparate punishment claim also was overruled. El Paso County Sheriff's Dept. and Individual grievant, 117 LA (BNA) 1304, AAA Case #70-390-00110-01 (Moore, 2002). [2003 FP Apr]
     Federal court concludes that a state trooper was lawfully dismissed for not returning his patrol vehicle, improperly claiming overtime pay, and refusing to produce a report about possible overtime abuse. Hill v. Manning, 2002 U.S. Dist. Lexis 24672 (M.D. Ala. 2002). {N/R}      
     Federal appeals court holds that a disciplinary punishment schedule, published in a manual, is not binding on an agency unless management has intended it to be binding. Farrell v. Dept. of Interior, 02-3108, 314 F.3d 584, 2002 U.S. App. Lexis 26350 (Fed. Cir. 2002). [2003 FP Mar]
     Five-judge appeals panel in New York sustains the termination of an NYPD officer for striking an arrestee with handcuffs. The accused officer had refused a pretrial offer of a 20-day vacation forfeiture penalty. Serras v. Kerik, #1650, 750 N.Y.S.2d 23, 2002 N.Y. App. Div. Lexis 10804 (A.D. 1st Dept. 2002). [2003 FP Mar]
    Arbitrator reduces a penalty from termination to a 120-day suspension. Officer was drinking in a bar on his beat and had consensual sex in a vehicle, stopped in a public park. City of Port Arthur and P. A. Police Officers Assn., AAA Case No. 70-390-00208-2, 117 LA (BNA) 760 (Moore, 2002). [2003 FP Jan]
     Federal appeals court reverses the firing of a 28-year postal employee who assisted another person with fraudulently obtaining a mortgage. The conduct, though criminal, was not egregious enough to warrant termination. O'Keefe v. U.S. Postal Service, #01-3280, 2002 U.S. App. Lexis 23061 (Fed. Cir. 2002). {N/R}
     Arbitrator sustains an 84-hour disciplinary suspension for a corrections officer who refused to fully participate in a training course. Alaska Dept. of Corrections and the Public Safety Employees Assn., 117 LA (BNA) 674, Alaska Case #01-C327, PSEA Case #01-01C (Henner,2002). [2002 FP Dec]
     Arbitrator refuses to reinstate a police officer. During his six years on the job, the officer was at fault in seven on-duty vehicle collisions. City of Houston and "J" Individual Grievant, AAA Case #70-390-00017-02, 117 LA (BNA) 408 (Moore, 2002). {N/R}
     Appeals court affirms an arbitration award that reinstated a public employee who verbally threatened to kill his supervisor. City of Harvey v. AFSCME, C-31, L-2404, #1-01-1354, 2002 Ill. App. Lexis 719 (Ill. App. 1st Dist. 2002). [2002 FP Nov]
     Arbitrator holds that a city improperly denied a merit increase to 25-year employee because he had been late by a few minutes one day. City of Oklahoma City and L-2406 AFSCME, FMCS Case #01/08842, 116 LA (BNA) 1665 (2002). {N/R}
     Management did not have just cause to terminate a guard who lost a key, where the employer had insisted throughout the grievance procedure that the grievant was discharged under a progressive discipline policy for a series of offenses and never raised the issue of whether he could be discharged for first offense until the arbitration hearing. Loomis Fargo and Co. and Currency & Security Handlers Assn., FMCS Case #02018/03855-3117, LA (BNA) 112 (Moreland, 2002). {N/R}
     Ninth Circuit panel holds that the government was not required to order additional remedial training, instead of termination, for an employee who was guilty of repeated safety errors. Brehmer v. FAA, 01-3174, 294 F.3d 1344, 2002 U.S. App. Lexis 12397, 170 LRRM (BNA) 2422 (Fed. Cir. 2002). {N/R}
     Michigan appeals court affirms an arbitration award reinstating a jail officer. Conduct was not severe enough to warrant judicial interference. Police Officers. Assn. of Mich. v. Co. of Manistee, #226909, 250 Mich.App. 339, 645 N.W.2d 713, 2002 Mich. App. Lexis 823 (Mich. App. 2002). [2002 FP Sep]
     Seventh Circuit upholds the termination of a police officer who patronized prostitutes while on duty, falsified his departmental health appraisal, and consumed alcohol while on duty. Krocka v. Police Bd. of Chicago, #1-00-2639, 327 Ill.App.3d 36, 762 N.E.2d 577, 2001 Ill. App. Lexis 933 (7th Cir. 2001). {N/R}
     Arbitrator upholds the termination of a uniformed municipal maintenance worker who, after a near collision, followed the other motorist to his house, then grabbed and verbally berated him. City of Petoskey and Teamsters L-214, FMCS Case #01/10976-8, 116 LA (BNA) 1176 (Brodsky, 2001). [N/R]
     Arbitrator orders reinstatement for a private sector employee that called a superior a "half breed, red neck, mother-fucker." The misconduct was a one-time act, and discharge was an excessive punishment. Mr. Q's Enterprises and ITPEU, FMCS Case #01/141358, 116 LA (BNA) 1304 (White, 2002). [N/R]
     Arbitrator overturns the firing of a police officer for sexual harassment and imposes a one-year suspension. This was not a continuing violation and the grievant had many years of unblemished service. City of Boston and AFSCME C-93/L-804, 116 LA (BNA) 906 (Remmes, 2001). [2002 FP Jun]
     Louisiana appellate court overturns a civil service decision that had reinstated a police officer who was administratively charged with committing a battery on his wife. "The public puts its trust in the police department as a guardian of its safety, and it is essential that the appointing authority be allowed to establish and enforce appropriate standards of conduct for its employees sworn to uphold that trust." Taylor v. New Orleans Police Dept., #2000-CA-1992, 804 So.2d 769 (La.App. 4 Cir. 2001). [N/R]
     Arbitrator sustains a charge, brought against a VA hospital police officer, of failing to assign an officer to protect a nurse who needed to meet with an employee who had a history of losing control. A disciplinary suspension of five days was excessive, and was reduced to one day. Central Ark. Veterans Healthcare and AFGE L-2054, FMCS #01/0523-11049-3, 116 LA (BNA) 1008 (Crow, 2002). [2002 FP May]
     Appellate court in New Orleans articulates the role of a civil service commission in reviewing the punishment that has been imposed by the chief of a department. Shepack v. New Orleans Police Dept., 2000-CA-1345, 791 So.2d 733, 2001 La. App. Lexis 1593 (La.App. 4 Cir., 05/16/01)   [2002 FP Apr]
     A news wire service has reported that a police lieutenant and another father have been banned from Arapahoe County, Colorado, youth hockey games after a weekend brawl involving 30 parents. The officer and two other parents were reportedly cited for misdemeanor disorderly conduct after a Jan. 27, 2002 game. [N/R]
     Arbitrator sustains a charge of repeatedly failing to attend mandatory staff meetings, but reduces the punishment to an 11-month suspension. Montana Dept. of Corr. and Montana Pub. Empl. Assn., 116 LA (BNA) 410 (Prayzich, 2001). [2002 FP Feb]
     FBI officials could not be sued by an ex-agent. The agent's sole remedy was under the Civil Service Reform Act. His claims against various non-supervisory employees were not separable from his employment, because his position as a federal employee was central to his claims that they had forced his early retirement. Sculimbrene v. Reno, #99-2010, 158 F.Supp.2d 1, 2001 U.S. Dist. Lexis 12308 (D.D.C. 2001). {N/R}
     Appeals court confirms arbitration award reinstating a corrections officer who assaulted an inmate. State had no policy mandating termination and there were mitigating factors. State of Illinois v. AFSCME C-31, #5-99-0688, 321 Ill. App. 3d 1038, 749 N.E.2d 472, 2001 Ill. App. Lexis 368 (5th Dist. 2001). [2001 FP 151]
     Arbitrator sustains the dismissal of a public employee who, while on temporary total disability benefits, was secretly videotaped operating a lawn care business. Southwest Ohio RTA and ATU L-627, AAA #52-300-00520-00, 115 LA (BNA) 1141 (Imundo 2001). [2001 FP 117-8]
     Arbitrator upholds the firing of a Florida deputy sheriff who solicited an act of prostitution. Termination was not inconsistent with the penalties given others for similar offenses. Broward Co Sheriff's Office and Federation of Public Employees, 115 LA (BNA) 708 (Richard, 2001). [2001 FP 84]
     South Dakota Supreme Court affirms the firing of a deputy sheriff for nonserious, but insubordinate behavior. Hollander v. Douglas Co., #21365, 2000 S.D. 159, 620 N.W.2d 181, 2000 S.D. Lexis 158, 17 IER Cases (BNA) 615. [2001 FP 69]
     Knowingly making false statements in a police report supported an officer's termination. Morgan v. Safir, #3688, 281 A.D.2d 376, 722 N.Y.S.2d 542, 2001 N.Y. App. Div. Lexis 3193. [2001 FP 69]
     New York's highest court warns lower courts not to reduce disciplinary penalties unless they are "shocking." Sergeant with 29 years on the job was fired for falsifying security officers training record. Kelly v. Safir, #43, 96 N.Y.2d 32, 747 N.E.2d 1280, 724 N.Y.S.2d 680, 2001 N.Y. Lexis 566, 2001 N.Y. Int. 0026. [2001 FP 69-70]
     Federal appeals court holds that a disciplinary panel, in assessing punishment, cannot consider prior suspensions when they are still on appeal. Supreme Court to decide this issue. Gregory v. U.S. Postal Service, #00-3123, 212 F.3d 1296, 2000 U.S. App. Lexis 10968 (Fed. Cir. 2000), reversing #AT-0752-98-0261-I-1, 84 M.S.P.R. 619, 1999 MSPB Lexis 1467 (1999); review granted, Sup. Ct. #00-758, 121 S.Ct. 1076, 2001 U.S. Lexis 1063. [2001 FP 36-7]
     Appeals court sustains a five-day suspension for corrections officers who failed to notice an inmate had escaped. Bruggeman v. State Civil Serv. Cmsn., #1454 C.D. 2000, 2001 Pa. Commw. Lexis 162, 769 A.2d 549 (Pa. Commw. 2001). [2001 FP 37]
     Arbitrator reinstates a county employee who sent sexually inappropriate e-mails in violation of a written sexual harassment policy. Management was lax on enforcement and some managers were themselves guilty of similar behavior. Snohomish Co. and IBEW L-77, FMCS #00/50033, 115 LA (BNA) 1 (Levak, 2000). [2001 FP 22]
     Arbitrator imposes a three-day suspension of a police officer who caused a collision by backing through an intersection to respond to a routine call. Dormont (Bor. of) and Dormont Police Assn., 115 LA (BNA) 106 (Dean, 2000). [2001 FP 46-7]
     Arbitrator sustains a one-day disciplinary suspension given a suburban Chicago patrol officer who was found, on Dec. 30, 1999, parked in an industrial-railroad area, reading a paperback book, when he was supposed to be providing high-visibility patrol during the Y2K year end. Northlake (City of) and IL FOP L-16, #00.367, unreported (White, 3/6/2001); our file ref. #5581. {N/R}
     Arbitrator upholds a 3 day suspension of a city employee who took city property worth $2. Oakland Park and Feder. of Public Employees, FMCS Case #00/02324, 114 LA (BNA) 1192 (Abrams, 2000). [2000 FP 166-7]
     Maryland appellate court affirms the termination of a male corrections officer who allowed female inmates to live with him after their release. Stover v. Prince George's Co., #775-1999, 132 Md.App. 373, 752 A.2d 686, 2000 Md. App. Lexis 92. [2000 FP 167]
     Arbitrator upholds a five-day suspension for filing an untrue sexual harassment complaint. Fort Worth (City of) and Individual Grievant, AAA Case #71-390-00132-99, 114 LA (BNA) 440 (H. Moore, 2000). [2000 FP 150]
     Arbitrator reduces a termination to a long-term suspension for sending an e-mail with sexually offensive content. PPG and Bro. of P. & A. Trades L-579, FMCS Case #99/08802, 113 LA (BNA) 833 (Dichter, 1999). [2000 FP 85]
     Appeals court overturns a civil service ruling that annulled a 5-day suspension of a lieutenant that used foul language to his superior. There was no independent basis for rejecting the penalty. Boston Police Dept. v. Collins, #97-P-1844, 48 Mass.App. 408, 721 N.E.2d 928, 2000 Mass. App. Lexis 4. [2000 FP 85-6]
     Appeals court upholds the firing of a police officer who, after an off-duty shootout with his wife, threatened to kill responding officers during an eight hour standoff. McCloud v. Rodriguez, #1-98-1859, 710 N.E.2d 37 (Ill.App. 1st Dist. 1999). [2000 FP 53]
     Appellate court sustains termination of a police sergeant for covering up a sexual harassment incident. Taggart v. Safir, 688 N.Y.S.2d 45 (App. 1999). [2000 FP 53]
     Appeals court affirms the termination of a corrections officer who allowed her boyfriend to launder money in her home. Miller v. N.Y.C.D.O.C., 260 A.D.2d 190, 688 N.Y.S.2d 46, 1999 N.Y. App. Div. Lexis 3623 (App. 1999). [2000 FP 53]
     An Ohio sheriff's dept. lacked just cause to issue a five-day suspension to an officer for conduct unbecoming, where it was based on four prior disciplines, only two of which should have been considered because of staleness; the officer did not exhibit a pattern of misconduct. Delaware Co. and Ohio PBA, 113 LA (BNA) 851 (Brodsky, 1999). {N/R}
     Arbitrator sets aside the termination of a corrections officer who bet $10 on football game with inmates, and another infraction. Grievant had a 13-year discipline-free record. County of San Benito, 113 LA (BNA) 231 (Pool, 1999) {N/R}
     Arbitrator reduces a termination to a 30 day pay forfeiture. Corrections officer failed to report a coworker who flashed his genitals as a joke. Oregon Dept. of Corr. and AFSCME C-75/L3940, 113 LA (BNA) 374 (Skratek, 1999). [2000 FP 39]
     Divided Pennsylvania Supreme Court declines to set aside arbitration awards that reinstated two state troopers. One terrorized an acquaintance with a firearm, the other shoplifted merchandise. Penn. State Police v. St. Pa. Troopers Assn., 559 Pa. 586, 741 A.2d 1248, 1999 Pa. Lexis 3531. [2000 FP 39-40]
     In reviewing arbitration awards, the sole test for a court is see if the issue is within the terms of the bargaining agreement and to see if the issue is appropriately before the arbitrator. State (Cheyney Univ.) v. Univ. Prof. Assn., 560 Pa. 135, 743 A.2d 405, 1999 Pa. Lexis 3783. [2000 FP 40]
     Arbitrator reinstates two Pittsburgh police officers convicted of stealing crack cocaine and insurance fraud. Pittsburgh and Grievances of McAndrews and Ross. [2000 FP 41]
     Arbitrator upholds a rule which prohibits an off-duty police officer from publicly using intoxicating beverages to the extent that it might bring discredit to the Police Dept. Thirty day suspension is reduced to twenty. El Paso (City of) and El Paso Mun. POA, AAA Case #70-390-00181-99, 114 LA (BNA) 225 (H. Moore, 2000). {N/R}
     Wyoming supreme court sustains the termination of a deputy sheriff for unauthorized absence and dishonest reporting of an illness. Fisch v. Allsop, #98-214, 4 P.3d 204, 2000 Wyo. Lexis 94. {N/R}
     Dismissal was appropriate for two off-duty NYPD officers who displayed their guns and spoke racial epithets. Anderson v. Safir, 260 A.D.2d 179, 688 N.Y.S.2d 34, 1999 N.Y. App. Div. Lexis 3638. {N/R}
     Arbitrator upholds firing of a 24-year veteran police officer who stole a $100 appliance. Galion, Ohio and FOP L-71, FMCS Case #98/13592,112 LA (BNA) 771 (Talarico, 1999). [1999 FP 148]
     Federal appeals court rejects a civil rights claim brought by a corrections officer who was handcuffed and placed under “house arrest” because he entered a superior's office without knocking. Fournier v. Reardon, 160 F.3d 754 (1st Cir. 1998). [1999 FP 119]
     California court upholds the firing of a city worker for rudeness and temper tantrums. Deegan v. Mountain View, 72 Cal.App.4th 37, 84 Cal.Rptr.2d 690, 1999 Cal.App. Lexis 473. [1999 FP 101]
     Federal appeals court declines to reinstate a corrections officer who was fired for petty theft, in spite of his claim his superiors were out to get him. The federal courts are not the proper forum to second-guess personnel decisions. Schacht v. Wis. Dept. of Corr., # 96-3533, 1999 U.S. App. Lexis 7418, 175 F.3d 497 (7th Cir.); verdict rptd. in the Baltimore Sun on 2/3/99. [1999 FP 83-4]
     Arbitrator sustains the termination of a sergeant who, as a prank, gave two officers a fake drug tests and told them they had failed. Sergeants have a duty to motivate subordinates and to promote morale. Broward Co. Sheriff's Off. and Fed. Public Emp. D-1, 110 LA (BNA) 581 (Hoffman, 1998). [1999 FP 69-70]
     Appellate court overturns a termination because management failed to notify the employee that her prior disciplinary record would be used to aggravate the penalty at the hearing. Thomas v. City of Mt. Vernon, 671 N.Y.S.2d 516 (A.D. 1998). [1999 FP 39-40]
     Supreme Court declines to review police termination case where trooper lied about having sex on duty. Martin v. Kentucky State Police, #98-466, 119 S.Ct. 511, 1998 U.S. Lexis 7289, 142 L.Ed.2d 424 (1998). [1999 FP 40]
     Appellate court in California concludes that an investigator was lawfully terminated for making false statements on a workers' compensation claim form and was dishonest with his supervisor. Holmes v. Dist. Atty., 81 Cal.Rptr.2d 174, 1998 Cal. App. Lexis 1094. [1999 FP 40]
     Appellate court affirms the termination of state a trooper for keeping weapons seized in a domestic disturbance. Hricik v. McMahon, 668 N.Y.S.2d 295 (A.D. 1998). [1999 FP 8]
     Termination of police officer for drug use upheld, following an EMIT and GC-MS confirmation. Casey v. NYCHA, 672 N.Y.S.2d 305 (A.D. 1998). {N/R}
     Appellate court affirms termination of NYPD officer who lied at an internal affairs interview. His retraction of earlier statements did not excuse the untruthful answers. Spiratos v. Safir, 672 N.Y.S.2d 311 (A.D. 1998). {N/R}
     Employer had just cause to discharge employee, who persistently violated a work rule requiring employees to wear safety glasses. Carrier Corp. and SMWIA L-483, FMCS Case #97/24951, 110 LA (BNA) 1064 (Ipavec, 1998). {N/R}
     Four-judge appellate panel sustains the firing of a police chief who refused to turn over to the town manager a police investigative report. Marden v. Bedford, 672 N.Y.S.2d 371 (A.D. 1998). {N/R}
     Demotion of a sergeant to deputy sheriff for failing to follow the department manual regarding domestic violence investigations was not unreasonable. Huff v. Rock Island Co., 689 N.E.2d 1159 (Ill.App. 1998). {N/R}
     Appeals court affirms termination of a NYPD officer who repeatedly harassed a fellow officer and threatened to kill her. Daly v. Bratton, 663 N.Y.S.2d 182 (A.D. 1997). [1998 FP 164]
     Australian police officers disciplined for sending obscene e-mail attachments. Loundy, E-Law Update #4 (9-16-1998). [1998 FP 165]
     Wisconsin court allows a police chief to stack disciplinary offenses arising out of the same event, for the purpose of imposing multiple five-day suspensions. Parker v. Jones, #97-CV-008092, Circuit Ct., Milwaukee Co., Wis. (12 Aug. 1998). {AELE file #5660} [1998 FP 150]
     Law review article: “Police discipline in Chicago: arbitration or arbitrary?” by Mark Iris. 89 (1) J. Cr. L. & Crim. 215-44 (Fall 1998), Northw. Univ. Sch. of Law (Chicago). In a 5-year study of C.P.D. arbitration awards involving disciplinary suspensions, where a total of 2,607 suspension days were given in 533 cases, various arbitrators sustained only a total of 1,309 days (50.21%).
     Ohio arbitrator sustains termination of a worker with 33 years service, who falsified his time card by 30 minutes to get an hour of overtime pay. Champion Intern. and UPIU L-1967, LAIG (LRP) #482-8 (Morgan, 1998). {N/R}
     Arbitrator had authority to reduce a termination to a 30-day disciplinary suspension. The bargaining agreement contract did not have to explicitly define an arbitrator's power to substitute a lesser penalty. Hill v. Staten Is. Zool. Soc., 147 F.3d 209, 1998 U.S. App. Lexis 13234, 158 LRRM (BNA) 2709 (2nd Cir.). {N/R}
     Maryland appellate courts uphold termination of officer for indecent exposure; Supreme Court rejects review. Wright v. Mass Transit Auth., 114 Md. App. 728 (Unreported, 1997); aff'd w/o opin. 695 A.2d 1229, 346 Md. 241 (1997); cert. denied, 118 S.Ct. 1190, 1998 U.S. Lexis 1678. [1998 FP 117]
     California appellate court reverses a trial judge that reduced the penalty for workers who repeatedly took excessive breaks. Courts should not overturn the penalty imposed by management, absent a clear abuse of discretion. Kazensky v. City of Merced, #F028725, 98 Cal.Dly.Op.Srv. 4987, 1998 Cal.App. Lexis 570. [1998 FP 118]
     Appellate court reduces punishment of a deputy sheriff who lost a firearm from termination to an 18-month suspension. Barresi v. Mahoney, 658 N.Y.S.2d 451, 1997 N.Y.App.Div. Lexis 6598. [1998 FP 100]
     Arbitrator concludes that management lacked just cause to discharge an off-duty officer, who had a one-car automobile accident after he had consumed four beers in four-hour period. Management did not prove that he was drunk and he was not arrested for DWI; there were no prior disciplinary complaints in his 10-year work record and members of the public did not complain about the grievant's conduct in incident. El Paso (City of) and P.O.A., AAA #71-390-00132-97, 110 LA (BNA) 411 (Moore, 1998). {N/R}
     Appellate court upholds the termination of a police officer who was found guilty of menacing conduct. Segars v. Buffalo, 654 N.Y.S.2d 919 (A.D. 1997). [1998 FP 53]
     Iowa appellate court sustains the termination of a police officer who publicly criticized the chief. His prior disciplinary history revealed that another suspension would be a futile attempt to instill a respect for authority. Fort Dodge v. Civil Serv. Cmsn., 562 N.W.2d 438 (Iowa App. 1997). [1998 FP 53]
     Management can agree to non precedent-setting settlement agreements with an employee, even under protest from the bargaining unit. City of Tampa and Hillsb. Co. PBA, 109 LA (BNA) 453 (Sill, 1997). {N/R}
     Use of profanity by corrections officer and directed to prisoners must not be tolerated, but an arbitrator finds that the rule was selectively enforced against the grievant. Scott Co., Minn. and Law Enf. Labor Serv., BMS Case #97-PA-133, 109 LA (BNA) 666 (Daly, 1997). {N/R}
     Arbitrator orders reinstatement and back pay to a Muslim hospital worker; the employee's public outburst at a meeting should be excused, because it was provoked by his supervisors insensitivity to his religious beliefs. Liberty Medical Center, 109 L.A. (BNA) 609 (Gentile, 1997). {N/R}
     Appellate court upholds termination of officer who knowingly made a false arrest. Aliberti v. O'Connor, 647 N.Y.S.2d 741 (A.D. 1996). [1997 FP 118-9]
     Arbitrator upholds a 15-day suspension of officer who kicked a suspect he was fighting with; other officers were present, eliminating a need for the force used. La Porte, Tex. (City of) and Grievant, FMCS #95/13573, 106 LA (BNA) 886 (Goodman, 1996). [1997 FP 133-4]
     Arbitrator reduces a 5-day suspension to 1-day; state trooper, while off-duty, was abusive to a city police officer. Ohio Hwy. Patrol and FOP C-1, 107 LA (BNA) 779 (Feldman, 1996). [1997 FP 133]
     Arbitrator orders reinstatement of a police officer who was fired following his conviction for a domestic violence misdemeanor. City of Cleveland and Clev. Police Patrolmen's Assn., 108 LA (BNA) 912 (Skulina, 1997). [1997 FP 135-6]
     Appellate court annuls chief's order disallowing officer to moonlight as punishment for violating rules on secondary employment. Frat. Ord. of Police v. Mehrling, 343 Md. 155, 680 A.2d 1052 (1996). [1997 FP 89-90]
     Appeals panel uphold termination of police officer who failed to promptly report the discharge of his firearm. Cerio v. NYC Transit Auth., 645 N.Y.S.2d 822 (A.D. 1996). [1997 FP 54-5]
     NY correction officer who committed a crime in NJ should not be removed from office because the same offense (possession of a firearm) was only a misdemeanor in NY. Quaranta v. Jacobson, 641 N.Y.S.2d 1013, N.Y.Co. Supr.Ct. (1996). {N/R}
     Appeals court finds that termination was excessive punishment, of a long-time civil servant who used poor judgment in using his position to get a favorable price for a personal vehicle. Papakanakis v. Port. Auth. NY-NJ, 646 N.Y.S.2d 2 (A.D. 1996). [1997 FP 55]
     Arbitrator reduces a suspension to a reprimand, because management had increased the penalty for prior conduct, for which the employee was not disciplined for and was unable to contest by grievance. Erie (City of) and AFSCME L-2206, 107 LA (BNA) 677 (Franckiewicz, 1996). [1997 FP 35-6]
     Arbitrator upholds termination of trooper who stopped an attractive motorist for no apparent reason, and then flirted with her. He also lied about the incident to his superiors. Ohio (State of) and FOP Council 1, 34 (1693) G.E.R.R. (BNA) 1702 (Feldman, 1996). [1997 FP 36]
     Appeals court sustains termination of correction officer for marijuana use; penalty fit the offense. Fulton v. Jacobsen, 641 N.Y.S.2d 16 (A.D. 1996). [1997 FP 36-7]
     Louisiana supreme court upholds police commission's decision to reduce punishment from termination to unpaid medical leave. Filing false reports and lying to superiors was mitigated by the trooper's work-related depression. Dept. of State Police v. Mensman, 671 So.2d 319 (La. 1996). [1997 FP 45]
     California appeals court upholds reduction of a termination to an 18-month disciplinary suspension, even though the rules provided for a maximum suspension of 30 days. Crowder v. Co. of Los Angeles, 1996 Cal.App. Lexis 1158, 51 Cal.App.4th 711, 59 Cal.Rptr.2d 410. [1997 FP 22] N.Y. Appellate Court sustains a two-year disciplinary suspension of a teacher who refused to undergo psychological and physical testing. Schwartz v. Hicksville Sch. Dist., 1996 N.Y. App.Div. Lexis 12680, 233 A.D.2d 515, 650 N.Y.S.2d 991. [1997 FP 22-3]
     Illinois Supreme Court refuses to enforce an arbitration award ordering the reinstatement of a case investigator who filed a false incident report. Reinstatement would be contrary to public policy. AFSCME v. Dept. Central Mgmt. Serv., 173 Ill.2d 299, 1996 Ill. Lexis 91, 153 LRRM (BNA) 2525. [1997 FP 20]
     Appellate court sustains propriety of termination for physically striking, verbally abusing and threatening a superior officer. Keys v. Schembri, 639 N.Y.S.2d 23 (A.D. 1996). {N/R}
     Fla. appellate court sustains termination of sheriff's employee for intentionally omitting his prior employment as a police officer in N.H., even though personnel bd. recommended a 90-day disciplinary suspension. Philbrick v. Co. of Volusia, 668 So.2d 341 (Fla.App. 1996). {N/R)
     Appeals court reaffirms “Douglas Factors” in assessing disciplinary punishment of federal employees. Termination for minor offense upheld because the employee changed her story and presented incredible testimony. Rizor v. U.S. Postal Service, 1996 U.S.App. Lexis 9684 (unrep. opin.; result only at 91 F.3d 166) (Fed.Cir.) The factors are listed in the 1981 Douglas case note below. [1996 FP 135-6]
     Appellate court affirms termination of an off-duty police officer who was involved in a hit-and-run collision, even though only property damage resulted. Kidney v. Bratton, 637 N.Y.S.2d 152 (A.D. 1996). [1996 FP 149]
     Federal employment appellate board reduces the punishment imposed because the employee reported his deportment before it was discovered by management. Casarez v. Dept. of the Army, 70 M.S.P.R. 131, 1996 MSPB Lexis 271. [1996 FP 119]
     Appeals court upholds termination of troopers who allowed two "exotic dancers" to take private property from a home. Costa v. McMahon, 639 N.Y.S.2d 490 (A.D. 1996). [1996 FP 119]
     Arbitrator upholds 30-day suspension of a corrections officer, following the escape of her prisoner. D.C. Dept. Corrections and FOP, 105 LA (BNA) 843 (Rogers, 1996). [1996 FP 120]
     Arbitrator reduces punishment of a deputy that gave inmates cigarettes. Progressive discipline schedule applied. Licking Co. and FOP, 105 LA (BNA) 824 (Paolucci, 1995). [1996 FP 101]
     Arbitrator upholds termination of a sheriff's deputy for denying minor misconduct he actually was guilty of. Lying is incompatible behavior. Paulding Co. Sheriff's Dept. and F.O.P., 105 LA (BNA) 1100 (Bittel, 1995). [1996 FP 83]
     Appeals court affirms 15-day suspension of an officer who hid his patrol car in his garage while he took a break. Nessel v. Bd. Fire & Police Cmsnrs. of Northlake, 664, N.E.2d 207, 1996 Ill.App. Lexis 222 [1996 FP 83-4]
     Appellate court affirms termination of an officer who gave a superior an unjustified traffic citation. Penna. St. Trprs. Assn. v. Penna. St. Police, 667 A.2d 38 (Pa.Cmwlth. 1995). [1996 FP 71]
     Appellate court sustains termination of off-duty who threatened civilians at gun point. Brookes v. Suardy, 635 N.Y.S.2d 74 (A.D. 1995). [1996 FP 71]
     Maryland ct. of app. allows management to terminate an officer, who erroneously had been given a five-day suspension for the same conduct. Double jeopardy claim fails because discipline is "nonpunitive." Ward v. Dept. Corr. Serv., 339 Md. 343, 663 A.2d 66 (1995). [1996 FP 55]
     Appeals court sustains termination of a police officer who omitted mention of a prior job from which he was fired for negligence. Sindermann v. Civil Serv. Cmsn. of Gurnee, 657 N.E.2d 41, 1995 Ill.App. Lexis 796. [1996 FP 39]
     Arbitrator sustains termination of firefighter for shoplifting. Las Vegas (City of) and IAFF L-1285, 105 LA (BNA) 398 (1995). [1996 FP 39-40]
     State trooper who failed to maintain a home phone is suspended; arbitrator reduces the penalty, and upholds the rule requiring officers to have a home phone and provide management with the number. Ohio (State of) and FOP Unit 1, 105 LA (BNA) 361 (Feldman, 1995). [1996 FP 40]
     Appellate court upholds 30-day suspension and one-year probationary status for NYC police officer who unjustifiability pointed his firearm at two civilians. McKernan v. Kelly, 627 N.Y.S.2d 634 (A.D. 1995). [1996 FP 40]
     Arbitrator reinstates police officer who was terminated for having four chargeable collisions in a year. Lufkin (City of) and C.L.E.A.T., 25 (11) LAIG #5101 (AAA) 3 (Sherman, 1995). [1996 FP 22]
     Appellate court affirms 30-day suspension of officer who blocked traffic as part of a police union demonstration. Loeffel v. Kelly, 625 N.Y.S.2d 39 (A.D. 1995). [1996 FP 22]
     Federal court upholds termination of sheriff's deputy for saying the "Department can go to hell." Montgomery v. Brookshire, 880 F.Supp. 483 (W.D.Tex. 1995). [1996 FP 22]
     Appellate court upholds demotion of NYCPD detective for lying to a superior officer about his meeting with a suspected drug dealer. Long v. City of N.Y., 625 N.Y.S.2d 562 (A.D. 1995). [1996 FP 23]
     State supreme court reverses a hearing officer and terminates a corrections manager for allowing a serious breach of prison security. State Dept. of Prisons v. Jackson, 895 P.2d 1296 (Nev. 1995). [1996 FP 23]
     Termination set aside as excessive punishment. On remand, demotion and three year suspension without pay is affirmed by an appellate court. Sergeant was charging a business to check the conviction records of job applicants. Lentz v. Dept. of Police, 646 So.2d 518 (La.App. 1994). [1995 FP 166]
     Colorado Supreme Court allows evidence of a mental disorder to reduce punishment for repeated acts of misconduct. People v. Lujan, 890 P.2d 109 (Colo. 1995). [1995 FP 166-7]
     Appellate court upholds termination of a police officer with a record of six years of unrelated performance deficiencies. Calomino v. Bd. Fire & Police Cmsnrs., 652 N.E.2d 1126, 1995 Ill.App. Lexis 463. [1995 FP 148-9]
     Appeals court affirms 25 day penalty on a officer who fired his gun from the patrol car while leaning over his partner. O'Connor v. Kelly, 627 N.Y.S.2d 1 (A.D. 1995). [1995 FP 149]
     Appellate court reinstates termination of corrections officer who lied during an internal investigation. Dept. Corrections v. Roche, 654 A.2d 64 (Pa.Cmwlth. 1995). [1995 FP 149]
     Five-judge appellate court upholds 25 days of accumulated vacation of a NYCPD officer who leaned over his partner and fired his weapon while both men were sitting in their patrol car. The penalty was commensurate with the reckless behavior. O'Connor v. Kelly, 627 N.Y.S.2d 1 (A.D. 1995). [1995 FP 149]
     Arbitrator upholds termination of a white corrections officer who presented a small burning cross to a black officer. KKK symbolism cannot be joked about. Orange Co. and Correction Officers Ben. Assn., 25 (6) LAIG #5050 (AAA) 5 (Simons, 1994). [1995 FP 133]
     Federal appeals court upholds a termination for insubordinate behavior; officer disregarded a "no arrest" policy. Privette v. Dept. of Air Force, 55 F.3d 603, 1995 U.S.App. Lexis 11217 (Fed.Cir.). [1995 FP 133-4]
     Arbitrator reduces punishment of fire inspector from written reprimand to a warning; dept. lacked a valid reason to deviate from its progressive discipline schedule. Lawton (City of) and I.A.F.F. L-1882, 104 LA (BNA) 686 (Allen, 1995). [1995 FP 134]
     Appellate court sustains termination of police officer who engaged in "deceitful actions that had a negative impact upon the integrity of the police dept." Ruggio v. Hammill, 616 N.Y.S.2d 842 (A.D. 1994). {N/R}
     Five-judge appellate court finds that demotion was excessive punishment for a corrections corporal who was found asleep on duty on two occasions. Moreover, because the sheriff had increased the punishment from that recommended by a hearing officer, he should be disqualified from assessing the proper punishment to be imposed in this case. Stapleton v. La Paglia, 616 N.Y.S.2d 679 (A.D. 1994). {N/R}
     Federal appeals court sets aside the termination of a federal police officer. Management must show the force used was a clear violation of agency policy. Goldstein v. Dept. of Treasury, 51 F.3d 1570 (Fed.Cir.), reversing 1994 MSPB Lexis 707. [1995 FP 118-9]
     California appellate court reinstates the termination of an off-duty officer who accidentally shot a motorist, following a heated traffic altercation; poor judgment warranted ultimate sanction. Hankla v. Long Beach Civil Serv. Cmsn. (Ice), 1995 Cal.App. Lexis 440, 40 Cal.Rptr.2d 583. [1995 FP 119-20]
     Pennsylvania appellate court reluctantly upholds an arbitration award that reinstated a police officer who participated in assaulting a homosexual. Philadelphia v. FOP Lodge 5 (Duffy), 658 A.2d 453, 1995 Pa. Commw. Lexis 191. [1995 FP 120]
     Arbitrator upholds termination of city employee who concealed a conviction for shoplifting on her employment application. Alexandria (City of) and Grievant, 104 LA (BNA) 266 (Feigenbaum, 1995). [1995 FP 120-1]
     NY appellate court upholds 20-day suspension for police officer who filed a false affidavit. Vinton v. Bratton, 623 N.Y.S.2d 233 (A.D. 1995). [1995 FP 121]
     Pa. supreme court upholds an arbitration award that ordered the reinstatement of a trooper who issued bad checks and contracted large debts. The arbitrator's finding the conduct was not egregious should not have been set aside by the lower court. Pa. St. Police v. Pa. St. Troopers (Gibson), 656 A.2d 83 (Pa. 1995). [1995 FP 116]
     Pa. supreme court upholds an arbitrator's decision to reduce a termination to a 15-day suspension for a trooper that misused a state credit and obtained $5 worth of gas for his wife's car. Pa. St. Police v. Pa. St. Troopers (DiRaimo), 656 A.2d 83 (Pa. 1995). [1995 FP 116]
     TN appellate court affirms termination of police officer who fatally shot a fleeing man who shoplifted cigarettes. Holder v. City of Chattanooga, 878 S.W.2d 950 (Tenn.App. 1993). {N/R}
     WV supreme court approves the termination of a sheriff's deputy who allowed an unauthorized person to accompany him on an extradition assignment. McMillian v. Ashley, 1995 W.Va. Lexis 34. [1995 FP 101]
     Arbitrator reduces demotion to a 20-day suspension for profanity and negligent supervision of subordinates. Evidence showed profanity was widespread and dept. failed to follow progressive discipline schedule. Siler and Yuba Co. Sheriff Dept., 27 (5) PORAC Law Enf. News 17 (Cohn, 3/22/95). {N/R}
     Appellate court upholds termination of a previously disciplined NYCPD officer for being absent from his residence while on sick leave. Morocco v. Kelly, 613 N.Y.S.2d 611 (A.D. 1994). [1995 FP 102]
     Appellate court sustains termination of correction officer for excessive absence and lateness. Her participation in an employee assistance program (EAP) is no defense to the underlying charges. Nelson v. Abate, 613 N.Y.S.2d 889 (A.D. 1994). {N/R}
     Arbitrator reinstates corrections officer who was fired for posting the bail of an inmate so he could have sex with her. Detention Ctr. Anne Arundel Co. and Grievant L., 103 LA (BNA) 1212 (Hockenberry, 1994). [1995 FP 85]
     Appeals court upholds termination of police officer who accessed the vehicle registration of a car parked at the home of a girl friend. Barker v. Kattelman, 92 Ohio App.3d 56, 634 N.E.2d 241 (1993). [1995 FP 69]
     Appellate court sustains five-day suspension of a police officer for careless driving. Dwyer v. White Plains, 613 N.Y.S.2d 44 (A.D. 1994). [1995 FP 69-70]
     Termination of officer for failing to register a handgun overturned; dept. failed to use its own progressive discipline schedule, which mandated a suspension for the first offense. Benton Harbor and FOP Lts. & Sgts. Assn., 103 LA (BNA) 816 (Allen, 1994). [1995 FP 70]
     Appellate court affirms termination of a corrections officer who gambled with an inmate. McFarland v. Abate, 611 N.Y.S.2d 153 (A.D. 1994). [1995 FP 54]
     Storing obscene images and video games in a government-owned computer warranted a 35-day disciplinary suspension and reassignment. Morrison v. N.A.S.A., #CH0752940362-I-1, 1994 MSPB Lexis 1642. [1995 FP 36-7]
     Arbitrator upholds termination of ambulance driver for violating "last chance agreement" where he caused a vehicular collision due to unnecessary and excessive speed. Stillwater (City of) and I.A.F.F. l-2095, 103 LA (BNA) 684 (Neas, 1994). {N/R}
     Arbitrator upholds a thirty day disciplinary suspension of an officer for reading and photocopying a confidential memo on his lieutenant's desk. Centralia (City of) and Teamsters L-252, 102 LA (BNA) 520 (Stuteville, 1994). [1995 FP 22-3]
     Arbitrator reduces a termination to a lengthy suspension, for failing to report another officer's improper use of force. Huber Heights, Ohio (City of) and F.O.P., 102 LA (BNA) 1057 (Duff, 1994). [1995 FP 3-4]
     Arbitrator refuses to reduce the nine-month disciplinary suspension given an officer, who punched a prisoner multiple times, then denied his guilt and lied. Huber Heights, Ohio (City of) and F.O.P., 102 LA (BNA) 1060 (Bittel, 1994). [1995 FP 4]
     Arbitrator upholds discipline for an off-duty sergeant who told a youth to "get the fuck out" of a gambling area. Permanent reduction to deputy was excessive; demotion period reduced to 13-months. County of Nye, Nev. and Nye Co. Law Enf. Assn., 102 LA (BNA) 1133 (McCurdy, 1994). [1995 FP 4]
     Police officer who instigated a confrontation in a bar, pointed a loaded weapon at a citizen, was guilty of conduct unbecoming, and dismissal was not an excessive punishment. Diaz v. Rozzi, 607 N.Y.S.2d 503 (A.D. 1993). {N/R}
     Appellate court upholds arbitrator's mitigation of punishment because state police failed to initiate disciplinary action, following several instances of deportment, until his superiors had accumulated enough charges to terminate him. "Piling on" the charges violated the department's progressive discipline schedule. Penn. State Police v. Penn. State Troopers" Assn., 633 A.2d 1330 (Pa.Cmwlth. 1993). [1994 FP 166-7]
     Ohio supreme court affirms demotion of captain to sergeant for repeated instances of sexual harassment. Kennedy v. Marion Correctional Institution, 630 N.E.2d 324, 64 FEP Cases (BNA) 1436 (Ohio, 1994). [1994 FP 149]
     Termination of a corrections officer for excessive force did not shock the conscience. Alvarez v. Abate, 603 N.Y.S.2d 851 (A.D. 1993). {N/R}
     In a 2-to-1 decision, a Calif. appellate court holds that a civil service cmsn. that was authorized to "modify" the punishment on appeal, BUT could not change a 30-day disciplinary suspension to termination, as that drastic of a change fundamentally alters the nature of the punishment, and violates the employees' right to due process. Paoli v. Civ. Serv. Cmsn. of Mendocino Co., 12 Cal.App.4th 1073, 1993 Cal.App. Lexis 58, 15 Cal.Rptr.2d 874. {N/R}
     Federal appeals court upholds termination of police officer for lying to superiors concerning his sexual relationship with a former officer. Sweeney v. City of Ladue, 25 F.3d 702, 64 FEP Cases (BNA) 1633 (8th Cir. 1994). [1994 FP 149]
     Appellate court upholds termination of a police officer for willful failure to file state income tax returns. Commission could consider prior misconduct in determining the penalty. Davis v. City of Evanston, 629 N.E.2d 125 (Ill.App. 1993). [1994 FP 133]
     Wisconsin trial court orders reinstatement of officers who were fired for mishandling a disturbance call involving serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer and a 14-year old boy. Gabrish v. Milwaukee; Balcerzak v. Milwaukee, Milw.Co. (Wis.Cir.Ct. 4/27/94). -- Note: also see later federal cases at 993 F.Supp. 1213, 1998 U.S. Dist. Lexis 2193 and 980 F.Supp. 983; 1997 U.S. Dist. Lexis 16061 (W.D.Wis.). [1994 FP 116-7]
     Alabama appellate court upholds termination of officer who fired four shots at a speeding car that refused to halt. Tew v. Town of Slocomb, 621 So.2d 293 (Ala.Civ.App. 1992); cert. quashed (Ala. 1993). [1994 FP 117]
     Arbitrator overturns an officer's termination because his prior minor misconduct did not result in progressive discipline as provided for in the department's regulations. Mich. Dept. of Corrections and MCO, SEIU Local 526-M,102 LA (BNA) 280 (1993). [1994 FP 117-8]
     PA appellate court reinstates a disciplinary suspension of a trooper who exposed his penis to other officers as part of a fraternal banter. Arbitration award which annulled the suspension is set aside as clearly erroneous. Penn. State Police v. Penn. St. Troopers Assn., 633 A.2d 1278 (Pa.Cmwlth. 1993). [1994 FP 83]
     Citing "double jeopardy," a Michigan arbitrator annuls a termination which followed a 5-day disciplinary suspension for the same event. Crawford and P.O.A. of Michigan, 31 (1538) G.E.R.R. (BNA) 1442 (Kanner, 1993). [1994 FP 21-2]
     Appellate court sustains termination of officer for lying during an internal investigation. Perry v. Munic. Civil Serv. Cmsn., 594 N.Y.S.2d 507 (A.D. 1993). [1994 FP 4]
     Appellate court upholds termination of police officer for punching another officer on his jaw. Hammond v. City of Amsterdam, 586 N.Y.S.2d 364 (A.D. 1992). [1993 FP 22]
     Appellate court upholds a general right of the state police to discharge a trooper with a high collision record. However, if a personnel board reduces the punishment to rehabilitation and orders remedial driver training, the courts should not interfere. Illinois State Police v. Merit Bd., 601 N.E.2d 966 (Ill.App. 1992). [1993 FP 38]
     Illinois Supreme Court affirms termination of police officer who left his post because his wife complained of flood danger to their home. Launius v. Des Plaines F. & P. Cmsn., 151 Ill.2d 419, 603 N.E.2d 477 (1992), reversing 570 N.E.2d 532. [1993 FP 40]
     Appellate court sustains termination of deputy sheriff for an off-duty, unprovoked altercation with two citizens. Robertson v. Eccleston, 583 N.Y.S.2d 630 (A.D. 1992). [1993 FP 41]
     Termination of NYPD officer was the appropriate penalty for using cocaine. Ruggiero v. Brown, 585 N.Y.S.2d 25 (A.D. 1992). [1993 FP 41]
     Appellate court affirms termination of officer who struck a citizen in the face with a baton and then falsely claimed he was acting in self- defense. Vokovich v. Civil Service Cmsn., 832 P.2d 1126 (Colo.App. 1992). [1993 FP 41]
     Appellate court finds police department's progressive disciplinary guidelines were unintelligible, redundant or uncertain; punishment annulled. Lodderhose v. City of Ferguson, 837 S.W.2d 361 (Mo.App. 1992). [1993 FP 71]
     Lost-and-found: a university did not have just cause to discharge a custodian who had removed money from wallet he found in restroom where he told his supervisor what he had done and later returned the money. Although he is guilty of theft, the grievant's unsolicited admission of guilt reaffirmed his honesty, there was no evidence that the grievant's conduct caused the employer any harm, and his good, 12-year work history mitigates against discharge. State, Univ. of Wis. and WSEU-AFSCME L-171, 100 LA (BNA) 1066 (Imes, 1993). {N/R}
     Arbitration award of reinstatement conditioned on an apology from the errant employee is upheld by a three-judge appellate court in Florida. The arbitrator ordered the reinstatement of a public employee, but also ordered him "to apologize to his supervisors for his intemperate language and to post a written apology for 30 days in his former work area." Moya v. Bd. of Regents, Univ. of Fla., #93-1381, 629 So.2d 282 1993 Fla. App. Lexis 12354, 9 IER Cases (BNA) 153 (1993). {N/R}
     Lost-and-found: although just cause existed to discipline an employee who found a customer's property in a rental car and the employer's lost and found policy required the immediate return of found items, discharge was reduced to a disciplinary suspension. The grievant admitted that he had inadvertently put items in his truck and forgot to turn them in; the employer failed to prove that he stole the items. Avis and Teamsters L-385, 99 LA (BNA) 277 (DeLoach, 1992). {N/R}
     Appellate court sustains termination of officer who refused to undergo counseling as a condition of continued employment. Counseling can be lawfully ordered as an alternative disciplinary sanction. Curtis v. Board of Police Cmsnrs., 841 S.W.2d 259 (Mo.App. 1992). [1993 FP 85]
     Appellate court upholds disciplinary suspension of corrections officer for failure to intervene in an inmate assault. McGrew v. Dillon, 591 N.Y.S.2d 664 (A.D. 1992). [1993 FP 85-6]
     Failure to cooperate with coworkers warranted termination of firefighter. Schuttak v. Bd. of Trustees, 590 N.Y.S.2d 544 (A.D. 1992). [1993 FP 103]
     Appellate court sustains termination of state employee who drove government-owned vehicle 46 miles for personal reasons. Davis v. N.C. Dept. of Human Resources, #90-CVS-1609, 31 (1527) G.E.R.R. (BNA) 1079 (7/6/93). [1993 FP 134]
     Appellate court affirms termination of officer for passing worthless checks. Marhold v. Brown, 592 N.Y.S.2d 28 (A.D. 1993). [1993 FP 134]
     Appellate court upholds 20-month suspension and demotion of a police officer for committing an off-duty battery and doctoring an affidavit. McDaniel v. City of Evansville, 604 N.E.2d 1223 (Ind.App. 1992). [1993 FP 116-7]
     Appellate court upholds termination of corrections officer who had an odor of alcohol on his breath. Management did not have to prove the officer was impaired. Ravencraft v. Dept. of Public Sfty. & Corr., 608 So.2d 1051 (La.App. 1992). [1993 FP 117]
     Appellate court upholds 15-day suspension of officer for absence from his post. Fusco v. Brown, 591 N.Y.S.2d 833 (A.D. 1992). [1993 FP 117]
     Termination of black FBI agent was not too severe a penalty for smashing the windows of a car illegally parked in his leased space. Agent failed to show a pattern of lesser discipline imposed on white agents. Murray v. U.S. Dept. of Justice, 821 F.Supp. 94 (E.D.N.Y. 1993). [1993 FP 165]
     Once an employer has articulated a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason, the burden shifts back to the plaintiff to show by a preponderance of the evidence that the employer's stated reason is a pretext for discrimination. The proof must be more than casting doubt on the employer's reasons. Blanding v. Penn. St. Police, 811 F.Supp. 1084 (E.D.Pa. 1992). [1993 FP 166]
     Louisiana holds a civil service board could reduce but not annul a disciplinary suspension once a finding of misconduct is upheld. Hardison v. Natchitoches Civil Service Bd., 614 So.2d 354 (La.App. 1993). [1993 FP 166]
     Arbitrator reinstates terminated officer who is a compulsive pedophile, on condition he successfully completes counseling. City of St. Paul Police and Indiv. Grievant [Kveene], 101 LA (BNA) 265 (Neigh, 1993). [1993 FP 151]
     The fact a woman corrections officer failed to promptly complain of harassment would not prevent disciplinary action against a male officer, Termination upheld as appropriate punishment. Hansley v. Koehler, 564 N.Y.S.2d 398 (A.D. 1991). [1992 FP 22]
     15 day suspension of NYPD officer for profanity directed to civilians is upheld. Gulino v. Ward, 564 N.Y.S.2d 373 (A.D. 1991). [1992 FP 22]
     Termination of NYPD officer upheld; worked as bartender in an unlicensed club. Coleman v. Ward, 565 N.Y.S.2d 24 (A.D. 1991). [1992 FP 22]
     IL supreme court upholds termination; see Jan. 1993 issue for details. Decision overturns a divided appellate court ruling which concluded that termination was too severe a punishment for a police officer who abandoned his post during flooding to check on the condition of his home. Launius v. Bd. of Fire & Police Cmsnrs., 151 Ill.2d 419, 603 N.E.2d 477 (1992), reversing 570 N.E.2d 532 (Ill.App.). [1992 FP 38]
     Federal court sustains termination of an officer who applied a chokehold on a handcuffed man while escorting him to the booking area. Guntharp v. Cobb Co., 723 F.Supp. 771 (N.D. Ga. 1989).
     Appellate court annuls differential punishment. Sergeant had received a 30-day suspension; patrolman was fired. Both had been found guilty of engaging in an altercation with each other. Wilson v. Board of Fire & Police Cmsnrs.; Tolbert v. Board [etc.], 563 N.E.2d 941 (Ill.App. 1990). [1992 FP 38-9]
     20 day disciplinary suspension of officer who unnecessarily struck an arrestee on the head with a club is sustained. Nunez v. Ward, 567 N.Y.S.2d 735 (A.D. 1991). [1992 FP 69-70]
     Appellate court upholds ten-day suspension for shoving a citation down a citizen's shirt. Klee v. Bd. of Fire & Police Cmsnrs., 574 N.E.2d 241 (Ill.App. 1991). [1992 FP 102]
     Appellate court affirms termination of NYPD officer who omitted, on his employment application, any mention of his military service and the use of an alias. Angelopoulos v. N. Y. Civil Serv. Cmsn., 574 N.Y.S.2d 44 (A.D. 1991). [1992 FP 133-4]
     DUI conviction for off-duty driving did not warrant an officer's termination; although a death resulted, town failed to prove alcohol abuse was a proximate cause. Sharkey v. Police Dept., 578 N.Y.S.2d 599 (A.D. 1992). [1992 FP 116]
     Termination of a police officer was appropriate for off-duty sexual assault. Hall v. Del Castillo, 571 N.Y.S.2d 771 (A.D. 1991). [1992 FP 116]
     Termination was not an excessive penalty for abuse of sick leave. Shea v. Brown, 575 N.Y.S.2d 304 (A.D. 1991). {N/R}
     Commission could not impose a greater penalty than the one recommended by its hearing examiner, without making different findings of fact or conclusions of law. Hood v. Fla. Dept. of Law Enf., 585 So.2d 957 (Fla.App. 1991). [1992 FP 150]
     Termination of trooper for misappropriating funds is upheld. Moore v. Constantine, 574 N.Y.S.2d 507 (Sup. 1991). [1992 FP 150]
     Appellate court sustains termination of officer who lost the weapon used in a homicide. Rouse v. Brown, 575 N.Y.S.2d 57 (A.D. 1991). [1992 FP 150]
     A captain's order to a sergeant to "obey the law" cannot be used as an additional basis for punishment. United States v. Mitchell, 34 M.J. 1252 (ACMR 1992). [1992 FP 149]
     Progressive penalties are not, as a matter of law, "excessive" if the underlying conduct is repetitious. Hegwer v. L.A. Bd. of Civil Serv. Cmsnrs., 7 Cal.Rptr.2d 389 (App. 1992). [1992 FP 170]
     Termination will stand, even if the court finds another sanction "more appropriate." The court, "cannot sit as a super-commission in reviewing the punishment imposed." Kappel v. Police Bd. Chicago, 580 N.E.2d 1314 (Ill.App. 1991). [1992 FP 164-5]
     Appellate court upholds removal of a corrections officer following his conviction for failure to file a state income tax return. Ayars v. N.J. Dept. of Corr., 251 N.J.Super. 223, 597 A.2d 1084 (App. 1991). [1992 FP 165]
     Absence from assigned post warranted termination of NYPD officer. Pagan v. Brown, 575 N.Y.S.2d 488 (A.D. 1991). [1992 FP 165]
     Horseplay with an inmate warranted the dismissal of a corrections officer who was on a six months disciplinary probation status. Hughes v. Sielaff, 575 N.Y.S.2d 490 (A.D. 1991). [1992 FP 166]
     Leaving one's post merited forfeiture of 15-days of vacation. Connell v. Ward, 564 N.Y.S.2d 160 (A.D. 1990).
     A baton jab to the abdomen of a non-resisting unarmed suspect, who failed to drop to the ground when ordered, was excessive force, and merited a short disciplinary suspension. Wagner v. City of Omaha, 236 Neb. 843, 464 N.W.2d 175 (1991).
     Divided appellate court finds termination of a police officer as too severe a penalty for an off-duty DWI collision. Laborde v. Alexandria Mun. Fire & Pol. Bd., 566 So.2d 426 (La. App. 1990).
     Forfeiture of 15 days of vacation and 6 months probation appropriate punishment of police officer who twice left his duty post for brief periods. Brown v. Ward, 559 N.Y.S.2d 512 (A.D. 1990).
     Drinking in uniform, while performing off-duty private security duties, warranted termination of police officers. Shields v. City of Shreveport, 565 So.2d 473 (La. App. 1990).
     Termination appropriate punishment for police officer who threatened a citizen with a drawn firearm. Cocozzo v. Ward, 556 N.Y.S.2d 328 (A.D. 1990).
     30-day suspensions upheld; officers made false statements in a vehicle pursuit report. Freeman v. Ward, 556 N.Y.S.2d 563 (A.D. 1990).
     Demotion of one rank and a 15-day suspension was appropriate punishment for the punching of a man who had stolen his father's ring. Officer had a 15-year satisfactory service record. Faught v. City of Alexandria, 560 So.2d 671 (La. App. 1990).
     Failing to conduct proper investigation at scene of disturbance and allowing an unidentified male to leave apartment, warranted termination of police officer. Eberhart v. Ward, 555 N.Y.S.2d 329 (A.D. 1990).
     30 day disciplinary suspensions, plus 12-month probationary period are appropriate for putting a gun to a head of a citizen or striking a suspect during a stop-and-question encounter. O'Brien v. Ward, 555 N.Y.S.2d 764 (A.D. 1990).
     Termination not an overly severe punishment for an alcoholic officer who failed to report to duty and missed an appointment for a medical exam. Hughes v. Ward, 551 N.Y.S.2d 217 (A.D. 1990).
     Off-duty fight, resistance to arrest, warranted termination of a police officer. DiFiglia v. Ward, 551 N.Y.S.2d 245 (A.D. 1990).
     Short suspensions and one-year probation upheld for striking a traffic violator. Ferriso v. Ward, 555 N.Y.S.2d 63 (A.D. 1990).
     Lying under oath at an evidentiary hearing warranted termination of a police officer. Freyre v. Ward, 555 N.Y.S.2d 102 (A.D. 1990).
     Failing to safeguard one's weapon at home, which was used in a shooting, warranted three-year disciplinary suspension. Rinando v. Ward, 552 N.Y.S.2d 581 (A.D. 1990).
     Failing to report fellow police officers who stole food stamps and coins warranted termination. Scaturico v. Ward, 552 N.Y.S.2d 24, and Jervis v. Ward, 552 N.Y.S.2d 25 (A.D. 1990).
     Off-duty officer who solicited an oral sex act at a massage parlor and later urinated on a table full of food was guilty of conduct that warranted his termination. Boyce v. Ward, 551 N.Y.S.2d 7 (A.D. 1990).
     Appellate court confirms 120 day suspension of police officer for selling video poker gaming device. Cittandino v. Dept of Police, 558 So.2d 1311 (La. App. 1990).
     W. Va. Supreme Court upholds termination of 3 police officers for unexcused absences, missing duty due to inebriation, and drinking while on duty and in uniform. Johnson v. City of Welch, 388 S.E. 2d 284 (W. Va. 1989).
     Misappropriation of $20 in narcotics funds warranted officer's termination. Perez v. Ward, 550 N.Y.S.2d 628 (A.D. 1990).
     Fire inspector who was tardy, left early and submitted false statements was properly terminated. Palomino v. Bruno, 550 N.Y.S.2d 19 (A.D. 1990).
     Bashing a press photographer warranted a 60-day suspension, but demotion from sergeant to patrolman was too severe a punishment. Tafaro v. Dept. of Police, 552 So.2d 458 (La. App. 1989).
     W. Va. Supreme Court overturns termination of corrections counselor who brought pornographic videotapes into a penal institution; these were later viewed by inmates. Punishment reduced to a two-year suspension. Gouge v. Civil Service Cmsn., 384 S.E.2d 855 (W.Va. 1989).
     Appellate court holds that when an officer is fired for numerous acts of misconduct, hearing board is not required to segregate the punishment for each charge, but may consider them in the aggregate to support the termination. Curry v. St. Louis County, 773 S.W.2d 499 (Mo.App. 1989).
     Absent a contract provision to the contrary, an employer may combine two different offenses committed by the same employee to obtain a second level of punishment in the progressive discipline schedule. Wilbur Chocolate Co. v. BC&TWU L-464, 1988 U.S.Dist. Lexis 2896 (E.D.Pa.). {N/R}
     Failure to issue summonses for code violations warranted termination of inspector for incompetence. Amato v. Town of Baylon, 534 N.Y.S.2d 99 (A.D. 1989).
     Appellate court upholds 40 day suspension and 6 months probationary status for a detective who overstated his time sheets. Di Rienz v. Constantine, 543 N.Y.S.2d 232 (A.D. 1989).
     California appeals court allows a Board of Rights to increase an appealed penalty. A 5-day suspension, imposed by the chief of police, was increased to 15 days. A reviewing board or commission may not increase a punishment to retaliate against an officer for seeking a hearing, but the employee has the burden of proving that the enhancement was vindictive. Holcomb v. City of Los Angeles, 210 Cal.App.3d 1560, 1989 Cal.App. Lexis 546, 259 Cal.Rptr. 1 (1989).
     Off-duty trooper who was speeding 90 mph and then called the pursuing trooper a nitwit was terminated. Appellate court upholds penalty in light of other, though minor, errant behavior. Novotny v. Constantine, 150 A.D.2d 852, 540 N.Y.S.2d 605, 1989 N.Y. App. Div. Lexis 5472.
     Officer who shot unarmed fleeing suspect in the back was properly terminated. Putz v. Civil Service Cmsn., 557 A.2d 458 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1989).
     D.C. corrections officer who tried to buy heroin received a 30-day suspension, not termination. Appellate court refuses to reverse the minor discipline and impose a termination. Where grounds for dismissal are listed, and there is no catch-all provision, termination is not warranted. Dept. of Corrections v. Local 246, 554 A.2d 319 (D.C. App. 1989).
     Supreme Court rejects appeal of damage verdict against head of Massachusetts state police; verdict was for a failure to impose "adequate" discipline. Excessive leniency could be the predicate of civil liability in negligent retention cases. Dobos v. Driscoll, 404 Mass. 634, 537 N.E.2d 558 (1989); cert. den. sub nom Kehoe v. Dobos, 110 S.Ct. 149 (1989).
     N.Y. Appellate court overturns terminations as too harsh a punishment. Police officers charged with receiving a "fee" to assist a bank in repossessing a vehicle. McAvoy v. Ward, 535 N.Y.S.2d 721 (A.D. 1988).
     Appellate court affirms termination of a correctional officer who pointed a gun during a verbal dispute with other patrons of a bar, in spite of his contention he thought he would be attacked by a gang member. Thompson v. State Personnel Bd., 201 Cal.App.3d 423 (1988). {N/R}
     Court affirms termination of police officer who left his duty post during time of flood, to check on water damage to his home. Launius v. Bd. of Fire & Police Cmsnrs. of Des Plaines, Cook Co. Cir. Ct. #88-CH-5826 (1989).
     Disciplinary appeals panel could lawfully increase punishment, unless the employee can establish the aggravated penalty was in retaliation for taking an appeal. Holcomb v. City of Los Angeles, 210 Cal.App.3d 1560, 259 Cal.Rptr. 1 (1989).
     Courts annul termination of officer who was insubordinate and walked off the job for an hour; his supervisor provoked him by unwarranted criticism. Richardson v. Board of Supervisors, 250 Cal.Rptr. 1 (App. 1988).
     Chief could not use prior instances of similar conduct to justify the termination of a subordinate, because union contract provided that deficiency warnings and written reprimands were to be expunged after nine months. Sambo v. City of Mitchell, 427 N.W.2d 379 (S.D. 1988).
     Chronic alcoholism no basis to lessen punishment of dismissal for police officer who brandished a firearm, beat citizens, and took money belonging to another. Glenville v. Police Bd. of Chicago, 532 N.E.2d 490 (Ill.App. 1988).
     Arbitrator had inherent authority to reduce firefighter's punishment for DUI and drug possession. Intern. Assn. of Fire Fighters v. Prince Georges Co., 538 A.2d 329 (Md. App. 1988).
     Volatile atmosphere in jails and prisons warrants stern punishment of errant correctional officers. Billings v. St. Lawrence Co., 526 N.Y.S.2d 677 (A.D. 1988).
     Failing to report criminal acts of other officers warrants termination of sheriff's deputies. In Matter of Steyer, 70 N.Y.2d 990, 521 N.E.2d 429 (1988).
     Nebraska supreme court upholds termination of a city inspector for insubordination; told his supervisor to "stick the radio in his ass" and threatened to punch him in the nose. Stone v. City of Omaha, 424 N.W.2d 617 (Neb. 1988).
     Single instance of brutality warranted termination of police officer; protection of public an overriding concern. Bultas v. Bd. of Fire & Police Cmsnrs. of Berwyn, 524 N.E.2d 1172 (Ill.App. l988).
     Nebraska supreme court upholds termination of a corrections employee who abused an inmate; court refuses to lessen punishment because officer was exposed to tear gas on previous day. Monie v. State Pers. Bd., 229 Neb. 27, 424 N.W.2d 874 (l988).
     Leniency and casual attitude of prior supervisor no defense to disciplinary action initiated by new supervisor who warned his subordinates he "went by the book." Jones v. Gerwens, 677 F.Supp. 1151 (S.D. Fla. 1988).
     Arbitrator reduces a 5-day suspension to a written reprimand for prison officer who called a coworker a "nigger" and other names, and is ordered to make a personal apology for the slur, thank him for his restraint. Fed. Bur. of Prisons and AFGE L-1145 & L-1945, 91 LA (BNA) 276, FMCS #88/11242 (Statham, 1988). {N/R}
     Police chief docked two days pay for slapping a woman officer; woman gets $7,500 settlement from city to avoid litigation. Willamette Week Jul. 28 - Aug. 3, 1988, p. 1.
     Termination appropriate penalty for exposing himself, fondling women employees, and requiring female subordinate to perform oral sex acts on him while in his office. Oare v. Coughlin, 520 N.Y.S.2d 658 (A.D. 1987).
     Officer could not be fired for threatening to kill mayor and chief; he was mentally ill and incapable of conduct unbecoming. He should be separated for medical unfitness. Perry v. Phila. Civil Serv. Cmsn., 529 A.2d 616 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1987).
     Dept. could not terminate employee who testified against others on promise he would not be fired; agency bound by its promises. Rahilly v. Coughlin, 520 N.Y.S.2d 831, 134 A.D. 2d 353 (1987).
     Mentally disturbed police officer was entitled to disability pension despite his conviction for sexually assaulting his teenaged daughter. T.N.M. v. Police & Firemen's Ret. Sys., 527 A.2d 883, 218 N.J. Super. 274 (1987).
     Resisting arrest furnishes adequate grounds to terminate an off-duty police officer. Phila. Civil Serv. Cmsn. v. Wojtuski, 525 A.2d 1255 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1987).
     Termination proper where officers falsified work records, and conspired to fake time card entries. Appointing Authority, Chief of Police for Kenner v. Trippi et al, 499 So.2d 1177 (La. App. 1986; reh. den. 1987).
     Appeals court sustains termination of a police officer who came to the station while intoxicated, used amphetamines while on duty, and improperly requested the dismissal of a traffic citation so he could go on a hunting trip. Anderson v. State Personnel Bd., 194 Cal.App.3d 761 (1987). {N/R}
     Off-duty sex offense warrants termination of public employee; arrest for public masturbation brought discredit to public agency. Rocek v. Dept. of Public Institutions, 225 Neb. 247, 404 N.W.2d 414 (1987).
     Termination appropriate penalty for beating of arrestee, even though suspect spit on officer. Musquiz v. City of Huntington Park, 225 Cal.Rptr. 817 (Cal.App. 1986).
     Off-duty officer can be disciplined for intoxicated driving; penalty of discharge too "harsh", court says. Massingale v. Police Bd. of City of Chicago, 488 N.E. 1289 (Ill.App. 1986).
     Irregularity in handling incident involving off-duty officer did not warrant demotion or other discipline. Reno Police Prot. Assn. v. City of Reno, 715 P.2d 1321 (Nev. 1986).
     Clicking the mike and adding gratuitous words over the air warrants termination. City of Philadelphia v. Lewis, 508 A.2d 633 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1986).
     Punishment reduced for officer who assaulted a meter maid because of her vulgarity. Serpas v. New Orleans Police Dept., 483 So.2d 1259 (La. App. 1986).
     Waiving a gun at bar while intoxicated furnished grounds to discharge a police officer with 23 years of service. Allman v. Police Bd. of Chicago, 489 N.E.2d 929 (1986).
     Rough treatment of suspects warrants termination of police officer. Bush v. City of St. Joseph, 395 N.W.2d 466 (Minn. App. 1986).
     Striking a prisoner not less serious because it was spontaneous; order reducing punishment from termination to suspension is reversed. State Dept. of Highway Safety v. Taylor, 488 So.2d 126 (Fla. App. 1986).
     Repeated instances of writing bad checks warranted termination of police officer. Martelle v. Margeson, 498 N.Y.S.2d 612 (A.D. 1986).
     Firefighter properly terminated for making obscene telephone calls while on duty, in violation of rule against personal calls. Bajis v. City of Dearborn, 391 N.W.2d 401 (Mich. App. 1986).
     Unauthorized apparel (indicative of religious belief) can be punished, but termination too severe a penalty. Cooper v. Eugene School Dist., 76 Ore. App. 146, 708 P.2d 1161.
     Termination was excessive punishment; off-duty officer was present at illegal card game. Lombas v. Dept. of Police, 467 So.2d 1273 (La. App. 1985).
     Appeals court upholds termination of an off-duty correctional officer who broke in to a girlfriend's home while in possession of a weapon. There was no provocation; officers must remain calm when under pressure. Gray v. Personnel Bd., 166 Cal.App.3d 1229 (1985). {N/R}
     Appeals court affirms termination of an on-duty police officer who loaded his firearm with blanks at a training session, then fired a round at another officer who was not wearing a ballistic vest. In his defense, he claimed he was trying to demonstrate the importance of using safety equipment. Schmitt v. City of Rialto, 164 Cal.App.3d 494 (1985). {N/R}
     Appellate court finds dismissal was an excessive punishment for an off-duty sheriff's deputy who fired his weapon, but missed, at a motorist who tried to run him down after he attempted to arrest the apparently intoxicated driver. Lowe v. Civil Serv. Cmsn., 164 Cal.App.3d 667 (1985). {N/R}
     Termination of firefighter upheld, following "disgusting" treatment of prisoner who engaged in oral sex acts. Watson v. City of Gatlinburg, 699 S.W.2d 171 (Tenn. App. 1985).
     Personality disorders and psychological conflict no excuse for poor judgment and failure to control one's emotions. McCoy v. Kamradt, 483 N.E.2d 544 (Ill.App. 1985).
     Arbitrator reinstates officers who were fired for selling "Don't choke "em -- Smoke "em T-shirts"; punishment reduced to six-months disciplinary suspensions. City of Portland and Portland Police Assn. (Hanlon, 1985).
     Penalty for filing "inaccurate" crime reports reduced from termination to five-day suspension. City of Pomona and Pomona Police Officers' Relief Assn., CSMCS Case #84-3-440 (Perea, 1985).
     Prison guard's fear of AIDS merits reduction of penalty for refusal to pat-down inmates; termination annulled, no back pay. A.F.S.C. & M.E. Council 6 and State of Minn. Dept. of Corr., Case #85M-XVI-600-3183 (Gallagher, Dec. 10, 1985); 24 G.E.R.R. (BNA) 187.
     Attempting to cash another's check with forged signature warranted termination of police officer. Schexnayder v. New Orleans Police Dept., 474 So.2d 461 (La. App. 1985).
     Demotion excessive punishment for failure to protect a prisoner's property; 30-day suspension upheld. Fernandez v. Dept. of Police, 474 So.2d 468 (La. App. 1985).
     Personal use of confiscated marijuana warranted officer's termination. Robinson v. New Orleans Police Dept., 474 So.2d 495 (La. App. 1985).
     Employees serving a disciplinary suspension are not entitled to receive regular fringe benefits. Geneva Patrolmen's Assn. v. City of Geneva, 16 OhioApp.3d 320, 475 N.E.2d.
     Termination of off-duty officer who was present at illegal card game was unjustified. Lombas v. Dept. of Police, 467 So.2d 1273 (La. App. 1985).
     Ohio court invalidates "indefinite suspension" punishment. Herrmann v. Civil Service Cmsn. of Jenkintown, 478 A.2d 961 (pa. Cmwlth. 1984).
     Shooting driver who drove towards officer was misuse of weapon and justified termination. Faure v. Chesworth, 489 N.Y.S.2d 641 (A.D. 1985).
     Court upholds 10 days for each bathroom wall defacement by police officer. Meyer v. Rozzi, 485 N.Y.S.2d 363 (A.D. 1985); Jenkintown v. Civil Service Cmsn., 478 A.2d 941 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1984).
     Obtaining a rent-free apartment in exchange for free patrol services warranted sheriff's removal from office. Smith v. State ex rel. Hightower, 673 S.W.2d 704 (Tex.App. 1984).
     Use of cocaine at police facility warranted termination. Gisin v. Dept. of Public Safety, 477 N.Y.S.2d 63 (A.D. 1984).
     Termination too severe for throwing water at prisoner; 30 day disciplinary suspension appropriate. Brideau v. Wheeler, 476 N.Y.S.2d 189 (A.D. 1984).
     Pennsylvania firefighter properly dismissed for vigilante style actions; conduct unbecoming proved. Jones v. City of Pittsburgh Dept. of Fire, 476 A.2d 895 (Pa. 1984).
     Officer who struck intoxicated, unruly prisoner, properly terminated for excessive force. Lowery v. City of Mobile Police Dept., 448 So.2d 388 (Ala. App. 1984).
     Six-week suspension upheld for tampering with vehicle impounded after high-speed chase. Nuttall v. City of Troy, 473 N.Y.S.2d 38 (A.D. 1984).
     Termination upheld for off-duty theft of $2.96 item; honesty required of city firefighters. City of Sparks and Intern. Assn. of Firefighters Local 1265, Case #84K/04211FMCS (Robert E. Burns of San Francisco, arbitrator, July 2, 1984).
     Racially repugnant "joke" warranted termination of correction officer; showed offensive notice to fellow officers. Maryland State Dept. of Personnel v. Sealing, 471 A.2d 693, 298 Md. 524 (1984).
     Vague threats, sleeping on duty, attitudinal problems, warrant severe discipline of firefighter but not termination; punishment reduced to six-month suspension. City of Eugene and Intern. Fire Fighters (Gillette), #AAA #75-39-0175-83 (Lehleitner, 1984).
     Civil service authority could take into account employee's whole service record to justify termination. Linton v. Bossier City Mun. Fire & Police Civil Serv. Bd., 428 So.2d 515 (La. App. 1983).
     Pennsylvania appellate court sustains termination of lieutenant for shoplifting, and rejects defense of drug/alcohol use. Stouffer v. Comm. of Penn. State Police, 464 A.2d 595 (Pa.Cmwlth. 1983).
     Termination upheld for erasing tape which could be used in evidence against accused sergeant. Kott v. City of Fairbanks, 661 P.2d 177 (Alaska, 1983).
     Collecting bad checks in police uniform warrants termination. Viator v. City of New Iberia, 428 So.2d 1329 (La. App. 1983).
     Kicking of handcuffed prisoner warrants termination. In re Herrington, 458 A.2d 320 (Pa.Cmwlth. 1983).
     Evading toll collector warranted termination. Dillon v. Connelie, 463 N.Y.S.2d 79 (A.D. 1983).
     Subordinate who engages in serious but irrational misconduct cannot be disciplined for willful violation of rules. Kloss v. Bd. of Fire & Police Cmsnrs. of Mundelein, 449 N.E.2d 845 (Ill. 1983).
     Appellate court upholds three-day suspension for sleeping on duty. Lakin v. Gorris, 448 N.E.2d 215 (Ill.App. 1983).
     New York upholds suspension of officer who failed to curb his car when ordered to do so by a supervisor. Spagnuolo v. McGuire, 59 N.Y.2d 981, 453 N.E.2d 1077 (1983).
     Officer's rehabilitation from alcoholism, prescription drugs and stress no defense to separation from employment. Town of Watertown v. Arria, 451 N.E.2d 443 (Mass.App. 1983).
     Use of marijuana warranted suspension, not termination. State Board could not withdraw peace officer certification after civil service commission reduced the penalty. Matter of Ackerson, 335 N.W.2d 342 (S.D. 1983).
     Civil Service Board could not reduce punishment from termination to suspension without statutory authority, for sleeping on duty. City of Kenner v. Pritchett, 432 So.2d 971 (La. App. 1983).
     Officer's termination for shooting unarmed bystander reduced to 60 days by appellate court. Walters v. Dept. of Police, 430 So.2d 1032 (La. App. 1983).
     Failure of employee to submit to medical exam was punishable by three-week suspension; forgetfulness no excuse. Driscoll v. Dept. of Fire of Syracuse, 454 N.Y.S.2d 562 (A.D. 1982).
     Cop who threatened and shot fellow officer may be entitled to a medical pension. Walsh v. Board of Fire & Police Cmsnrs., Orland Park, 449 N.E.2d 115 (Ill. 1983).
     Termination appropriate for filing a false report. Wesolek v. Shaler Twp., 455 A.2d 1297 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1983).
     Illinois court reverses termination of off-duty officer who threatened sergeant with his weapon; not "willful" misconduct. Kloss v. Board of Fire & Police Cmsnrs., Mundelein, 449 N.E.2d 845 (Ill. 1983).
     Termination appropriate penalty for working during sick leave period; appellate court should not reduce sanction. Gailband v. Christian, 56 N.Y.2d 890, 438 N.E.2d 1116 (1982).
     Termination improper where accused was one of several employees on scene, but only one charged; punishment excessive due to long hours of work during emergency and unblemished record. Ciechon v. City of Chicago, 686 F.2d 511 (7th Cir. 1982).
     Civil service authority can increase punishment fixed by chief; it is not "penalty" for taking an appeal. Dickens v. LaTourette, 663 S.W.2d 250, (Mo.App. 1983).
     Personal problems could mitigate penalty; officer's termination for false citations and insubordination properly reduced to 180 day suspension. Zagel v. Nagel, 434 N.E.2d 524 (Ill.App. 1982).
     Demotion reduced to suspension, for leaving station without permission or notification when services were needed. Newman v. Dept. of Fire, City of New Orleans, 413 So.2d 225 (La. App. 1982).
     Appellate court affirms termination of off-duty police officer found firing weapon into air while inebriated. Plodzien v. Whaley, 610 S.W.2d 63 (Mo.App. 1981).
     Evidence of prior instances of drinking admissible in aggravation of punishment. Officer properly terminated for on-duty intoxication. Appeal of Eber, 415 A.2d 1253 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1980); Reichenbach v. Civil Serv. Cmsn. of Wilkinsburg, 417 A.2d 1292 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1980).
     Police officer with 201 unpaid parking tickets fired; appellate court sustains charges, reduces penalty. Thomas v. Police Bd. of Chicago, 414 N.E.2d 11 (Ill.App. 1980).
     Prior employment record may be reviewed for determining punishment, but not to prove the current charges. Vick v. City of Waco, 614 S.W.2d 861 (Tex. Civ. App. 1981).
     Threats, excessive force and offensive language justify officer's termination. Kendrick v. Johnson, 279 S.E.2d 646 (W. Va. 1981).
     Civil service authority could not increase punishment assessed against employee. Freese v. Co. of Douglas, 315 N.W.2d 638 (Neb. 1982).
     Misinformation to other police officers concerning friend's drug use warranted termination. Slayton v. Bd. of Fire and Police Cmsnrs. of Streamwood, 430 N.E.2d 41 (Ill.App. 1981).
     Chief's failure to work nights and weekends was insubordination, but did not justify termination. Henry v. Wilson, 446 N.Y.S.2d 730 (A.D. 1981).
     19 year officer, dismissed 1 year before retirement rights vested, appropriate punishment for "stealing" gasoline. Kujawa v. City of Williamsport, 445 A.2d 1348 (Pa.Cmwlth. 1982).
     Chief may consider prior instances of misconduct in assessing punishment of subordinate, but accused must have been convicted on prior charges. Waterhouse v. Hastings, 425 N.Y.S.2d 398 (A.D. 1980).
     Failure to inventory confiscated weapon and its subsequent loss justified termination of officer. Wiegart v. Koenig, 427 N.Y.S.2d 320 (A.D. 1980).
     Use of department vehicle while on duty to attend to out-of-town personal business did not justify termination of long-term employee with unblemished career. Christenson v. Bd. of Fire & Police Cmsnrs. of Oak Forest, 404 N.E.2d 339 (Ill.App. 1980).
     Termination for unbecoming conduct upheld; appellant falsely stated that female was his wife to obtain blue cross benefits. Monroe v. Bd. of Public Safety of Glen Falls, 423 N.Y.S.2d 963 (A.D. 1980).
     Failure to arrest drunk driver did not constitute conduct unbecoming an officer. Collins v. Bd. of Fire and Police Cmsnrs. of Genoa, 405 N.E.2d 877 (Ill.App. 1980).
     Falsification of overtime records justifies termination. Ansbro v. McGuire, 49 N.Y.S.2d 872, 427 N.Y.S.2d 935 (1980).
     Leaving city limits while on duty merited 60 day suspension. Mundell v. Prottas, 428 N.Y.S.2d 742 (A.D. 1980).
     Consecutive disciplinary suspensions permitted for unrelated offenses. Crawford v. City of Houston, 600 S.W.2d 891 (Tex. Civ. App. 1980).
     Absence without leave for five days justified termination. McEvers v. Okla. Dept. of Corr., 615 P.2d 307 (Okla.App. 1980).
     Verbal abuse and racial epithets justified termination. Miller v. City of York, 415 A.2d 1280 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1980); Regan v. Bischel, 284 S.W.2d 935 (Tex. Civ. App. 1955).
     Beating of resisting drunk did not merit termination of officer with unblemished record; 30 day suspension imposed. State of Alaska and Alaska Public Employees Assn., 1979-80 PBC (CCH) ¶ 45,310 (Hedges, 1980).
     Sleeping on duty merited termination of officer; personal animosity of chief not relevant. Green v. Bd. of Fire & Police Cmsnrs. of Rock Island, 480 N.E.2d 1187 (Ill.App. 1980).
     Prison guard who discussed possible murder of his warden guilty of outrageous speech; divided court finds termination an excessive penalty, however. Sutton v. Civil Serv. Cmsn., 418 N.E.2d 791 (Ill.App. 1981).
     Unexcused absence for 34 days merited termination. Mack v. Cook County Police & Corrections Merit Board, 418 N.E.2d 788 (Ill.App. 1981).
     Extra-duty punishment; appeals court refuses to disturb forfeiture of five recreation days. Ruprecht v. City of Cincinnati, 64 Ohio App.2d 90, 411 N.E.2d 1504; see also: Ahearn v. DiGrazia, 97 S.Ct. 225 (1976), affirming 412 F.Supp. 638 (D. Mass. 1976).
     Three day suspension for reckless high speed chase found excessive. Bay Area Rapid Transit Dist. and BART P.O.A., 80-2 ARB Sec. 8612, 1979-80 (CCH) PBC Sec. 45,330 (1980).
     Failure to keep minute book entries justifies termination in light of past violations. Williams v. Police Dept. of City of N.Y., 50 N.Y.2d 956, 431 N.Y.S.2d 462 (1980).
     Lying to superiors to cover up involvement in theft supported termination; objections to membership of civil service board must be timely raised. Atkinson v. City of Marion, 411 N.E.2d 622 (Ind.App. 1980).
     City could not terminate officer for "incompetency" following a series of minor offenses, where suspensions were imposed; double punishment found. Silver v. City of Harrisburg, 422 A.2d 704 (Pa.Cmwlth. 1980).
     Minority officer's termination for neglect of duty was proper; decision was not pretextual for racial reasons. Thompson v. Leland Police Dept., 633 F.2d 1111 (5th Cir. 1980).
     Dismissal upheld, officer recommended attorney to accident victims. Sircher v. Police Bd. of Chicago, 382 N.E.2d 325 (Ill.App. 1978).
     Retirement while charges are pending does not divest board of right to retain jurisdiction and set penalty. Ryan v. McNeal, 569 S.W.2d 361 (Mo.App. 1978).
     Assisting a minor obtain false identification justifies termination. Schoenbeck v. Bd. of Fire & Police Cmsnrs., River Forest, 387 N.E.2d 738 (Ill.App. 1979).
     Reporting for duty with odor of alcohol on breath justifies termination of probationary employee. Lloyd v. Cmwlth. Bur. of Corr., 401 A.2d 419 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1979).
     Dismissal of 23-year veteran for exaggeration of overtime hours was an excessive penalty. Ansbro v. McGuire, 414 N.Y.S.2d 334 (A.D. 1979).
     Civil service commission may not discipline employee twice for same misconduct. Burton v. Civil Serv. Cmsn., 394 N.E.2d 1168 (Ill.App. 1979). Note: See Ward v. Dept. Corr. Serv., 663 A.2d 66 (Md. 1995) for a contrary view.
     Failure to promptly turn over evidence merits termination. Newman v. City of Biloxi, 372 So.2d 295 (Miss. 1979).
     Miscellaneous vehicle offenses warranted officer's termination. Madry v. Veteran, 417 N.Y.S.2d 749 (A.D. 1979).
     Appellate court upholds $100 fine and three month probationary period for negligent vehicle operation. Waite v. Connelie, 417 N.Y.S.2d 323 (A.D. 1979).
     "Monkey business" not police business and constitutes "inattention to duty'; other counts sustain 12-month suspension. Keen v. Police Bd. of Chicago, 391 N.E.2d 190 (Ill.App. 1979).
     Miscellaneous minor offenses involving uniform apparel, reporting and license plates warrants dismissal. Macchi v. Whaley, 586 S.W.2d 70 (App. 1979).
     Dismissal appropriate penalty for physical abuse, drinking on duty on several occasions, and sleeping on duty. Higgins v. City of Oneonta, 413 N.Y.S.2d 485 (A.D. 1979).
     Dismissal of officer who shot unarmed citizen not an excessive penalty; standard for review by courts set forth. Ramirez v. Civil Serv. Cmsn., 594 P.2d 1067 (Colo. App. 1979).
     Participation in excessive force and failure to report misconduct of fellow officer justifies termination; acquittal of criminal charges no defense. Carioscia v. Police Bd. of Chicago, 385 N.E.2d 51 (Ill.App. 1978).
     Flourishing revolver while off-duty supported dismissal. Cooper v. Civil Serv. Cmsn. of Dever, 604 P.2d 1186 (Colo.App. 1979).
     Appellate court sustains termination of employee in possession of marijuana and drugs; public safety cited. Chang v. City of Palo Verdes Estates, 159 Cal.Rptr. 630 (App. 1979).
     Twenty-day suspension upheld against officer who used chokehold in jaywalker who refused station-house search. City of Pasadena Police Dept. and Walter Ireland, A.A.A. #72-30-0479-78 (Weiss, 1980).
     What's good for the military academies is good for the fire and police academies; cheating on exams furnishes grounds for termination. Cardell v. Jackson, 264 S.E.2d 488 (Ga.App. 1980).
     Termination appropriate for officer who was twice absent from his post and caught sleeping on duty. Johnsons v. NYC Transit Auth., 426 N.Y.S.2d 823 (A.D. 1980).
     Guard's discharged for sleeping on duty affirmed on appeal. Blakenship v. Civil Service Commission, 367 N.E.2d 178 (Ill.App. 1977).
     Obscene remark to superiors justified disciplinary action; Dumez v. Houma Mun. Fire & Police Civil Serv. Bd., 365 So.2d 603 (La. App. 1978).
     Police chief, convicted of misconduct, still entitled to pension for "honorable service" -- moral turpitude not involved. Makwinski v. State Bd. of Police and Firemen's Pension Fund, 76 N.J. 87, 385 A.2d 1227 (N.J. 1978).
     On-duty card game justifies demotion. Gandolfo v. Dept. of Police, 357 So.2d 568 (La. App. 1978).
     Assault and battery on inmate supports dismissal. Appeal of Tuch, 159 N.J. Super. 219, 387 A.2d 1199 (A.D. 1978).
     False sick leave report justifies termination. Stradley v. City of Omaha, 267 N.W.2d 543 (Neb. 1978).
     Termination upheld for repeated instances of being outside patrol zone and transporting civilians. Darling v. Hastings, 407 N.Y.S.2d 351 (A.D. 1978).
     Racial epithet and abuse to fellow officers warrants lesser discipline than dismissal; prior disciplinary history relevant for punishment only if introduced into record. Tinner v. Police Bd. of Chicago, 378 N.E.2d 1166 (Ill.App. 1978).
     Failing to report illness and missing an emergency call grounds for disciplinary action; dismissal too severe a penalty. Feldman v. Town of Irvington, 162 N.J. Super. 177, 392 A.2d 616 (1978).
     Dismissal warranted when based on several events, none of which would justify termination. Mihalopoulos v. Bd. of Fire & Police Cmsnrs. of East Moline, 376 N.E.2d 1105 (Ill.App. 1978).
     Louisiana appellate court upholds dismissal of officer guilty of brutality, and fellow officer who only watched; lesser penalty upheld against officer who left patrol zone. Herbert v. Dept. of Police, 362 So.2d 1190 (La. App. 1978).
     Motives of chief irrelevant to punishment awarded, if offense of sufficient gravity. Braninghan v. Dept. of Police, 362 So.2d 1221 (La. App. 1978).
     Simulated Klan activity at penal institution warrants suspension, not dismissal. In matter of State of New York Dept. of Corr. Serv. and Fleming, AAA Case #1367-0022-78. (#57 Fire & Police Persnl. Rptr. p. 8).
     Termination too severe where long-time employee accepted, but did not solicit gratuity. Feldstein v. Appleby, 410 N.Y.S.2d 587 (JA.D. 1978).
     Convicted employee not entitled to pension benefits. Gunning v. Codd, Police Cmsnr. of New York, 411 N.Y.S.2d 280 (A.D. 1978).
     Minor theft, coupled with prior history of misconduct, supported termination. Legros v. Dept. of Public Safety, 364 So.2d 162 (La. App. 1978).
     Prior incident, never charged or investigated, could not be considered in imposing discipline. Schadt v. Sardino, 413 N.Y.S.2d 63 (A.D. 1979).
     Discharge not excessive for personal use of city motor oil. Pachucki v. Walters, 394 N.Y.S.2d 495 (App. 1977).
     Five-judge appellate court reinstates police officer, reduces punishment to six-months suspension. While off duty, he became intoxicated, gave a deputy sheriff false information, and refused to promptly report to the chief of police. This was weighed against a 12-year unblemished job history. Yodice v. Shaw, 58 A.D.2d 730, 395 N.Y.S.2d 869 (1977). {N/R}
     Discipline proper, punishment excessive, for failure to report to duty; disability alleged. Spencer v. O'Hagan, 400 N.Y.S.2d 52 (A.D. 1977).
     Power to remove implies power to suspend. In re Termeer, 369 N.E.2d 819 (Ohio Cm.Pls. 1977).
     Demotion not too severe for telephone discourtesy. City of Carrollton v. Keeling, 560 S.W.2d 488 (Tex. Civ. App. 1977) reh. den. 1978).
     Dismissal too severe for off-duty intoxication. Kirsch v. Rochford, 371 N.E.2d 899 (Ill.App. 1977).
     Police dept. could order "extra duty" without pay as a disciplinary punishment. Ahearn v. DiGrazia, 412 F.Supp. 638 (3-judge ct., 1976); aff'd 429 U.S. 876, 97 S.Ct. 225 (1976). (Statutory appeal from 3-judge court was summarily aff'd w/o opin.).
     Firefighter's termination for sleeping through roll call based on prior incidents; Michigan supreme court reverses, reinstates claimant. Konyha v. Mount Clemens Civil Serv. Cmsn., 224 N.W.2d 833 (Mich. 1975).
     Arbitrator reversed demotion of fire captain; derogatory and profane remarks about another held to be a minor violation. City of Nashua and Firefighters Assn. L-789 IAFF, AAA Case #1139-1407-74 (Stamm, 1975).
     Abusive Language: Town of East Haven and East Haven Fire Fighters L-1205, Case #7475-A-521 (1976).
     Response time: Allingtown Fire Dist. (West Haven) and Allingtown Paid Fire Fighters Assn., #7576-A-17 (Purcell, 1975).
     Shirtless Duty: City of Torrington and Uniformed Fire Fighters Assn. L-1567, Case #7576-A-64 (McCone, 1975).
     Pending Criminal Charges: City of Compton Fire Department and Compton Fire Fighters L-2216, FMCS File #76K00269 (Rule, 1975).
     IL appellate court affirms ruling of a disciplinary board that refused to admit into evidence, a petition, signed by many community residents, asking that an accused police officer be retained on the force. The appellate panel concluded that the Board properly refused to consider anything other than evidence of misconduct. Klein v. Bd. of Fire & Police Cmsnrs. of Pana, 23 Ill.App.3d 201, 318 N.E.2d 726, 1974 Ill.App. Lexis 1812 (1974). {N/R}
     Appellate court upholds termination of a police officer who failed to conduct a proper felony investigation, gave false and misleading statements to another officer, failed to complete a report, submitted an inaccurate report, and possessed another officer's uniform. Marino v. City of Los Angeles, 110 Cal.Rptr. 45, 34 Cal.App.3d 461 (1973). {N/R}
     A conscious omission of medical information from one's employment application is "untruthfulness" and warrants termination of a police officer. Puckett v. City of San Francisco, 25 Cal.Rptr. 276 (App. 1962). {N/R}
     False information in an official report justified termination of a police officer. Marino v. City of Los Angeles, 110 Cal.Rptr. 45 (App. 1973). {N/R}
     Appellate court upholds termination of a police officer who gave "evasive" answers to a grand jury. Donnelly v. Police Dept., 40 A.D.2d 649, 336 N.Y.S.2d 508 (1972). {N/R}
     Termination upheld for making a false written statement. Cruz v. City of San Antonio, 440 S.W.2d 924 (Tex.Civ. App. 1969). {N/R}
     Dismissal sustained for untruthfulness before an official hearing board. Foran v. Murphy, 342 N.Y.S.2d 4 (A.D. 1973). {N/R}
     Connecticut supreme court sustains disciplinary action against police officers that misrepresented their residency. Wilbur v. Walsh, 147 Conn. 317, 160 A.2d 755 (1960). {N/R}
     Termination upheld for filing an untruthful affidavit. Waseman v. Roman, 168 S.E.2d 548 (W.Va. 1969). {N/R}
     See also: Alcohol Abuse; Attorneys" Fees; Disciplinary Appeals; Disciplinary Hearings; Disciplinary Offenses; Drug Abuse; Drug Screening;