Hundreds of Florida Cops Lose Badges Over Drunk Driving

A troubling pattern has emerged in Florida, where hundreds of law enforcement officers have lost their certification or had it suspended over the past 5 years due to drunk driving incidents. A recent investigation uncovered 379 such cases statewide, with about 50 occurring in Central Florida.

The report paints a disturbing picture, with officers caught driving erratically, crashing into poles, and even trying to avoid traffic stops. In some cases, these officers were allowed to call friends for a ride home or had their DUI charges reduced to reckless driving, avoiding any criminal record.

"If you got a badge and you took an oath, then there's no excuse," said Bill DeMott, who lost his daughter to a drunk driver 10 years ago. He believes officers should be held to the highest standards, as their actions not only endanger the public but also undermine public trust in law enforcement.

The investigation also revealed that the disciplinary process for these officers can be lengthy, with some cases still pending years after the incident. This delay means the state's Training and Standards Commission may not take action against their certifications until much later.

Experts say the issue stems from the protections afforded to police officers, which require thorough investigations before any discipline can be imposed. But victims' families argue that the public's safety should be the top priority, and that officers caught driving under the influence should face swift and severe consequences.