APD launches administrative investigation following federal investigation

APD is launching an administrative investigation following a federal investigation into allegations of wrong-doing by officers who currently work for, or who have worked for the DWI Unit in the past.

Five officers are being notified that they are targets of the investigation. Four of the officers are on administrative leave and one officer is on administrative assignment.

None of the officers have been formally accused or charged with a crime at this point in the investigation.

Chief Harold Medina initially opened an investigation over a year ago based on allegations related to the handling of DWI cases by unknown officers. Then, last fall, Chief Medina learned of new, but similar allegations of wrongdoing by officers and others in the criminal justice system. Chief Medina informed the FBI and provided information about APD’s investigation.

Last week, five active duty officers were placed on administrative leave as news of the federal investigation became public. One of the officers started working for the DWI unit over a decade ago, in 2011.

“This case goes to the heart of public trust in the criminal justice system and I immediately opened an investigation when I learned of allegations of wrongdoing,” Chief Medina said. “APD investigators have been made available to assist the FBI and leadership has full confidence in the FBI and the U.S. Attorney to see this investigation to its conclusion, and expose anyone who played a role in this.”