A trio of current and former policemen have become the poster boys for alleged sexual misconduct at the San Diego Police Department, a department where documents show over the past two years internal investigations of officers are on the rise.
Anthony Arevalos was convicted of sex crimes with women he stopped while on the job.
Chris Hays resigned from the force last week after being charged with sexual battery and false imprisonment involving four women.
Another officer is under administrative investigation for allegedly fondling a woman while frisking her, then exposing himself. Multiple sources have identified the officer as Donald Moncrief.
Special Section: Trouble Behind The Badge
Sue Quinn is a former executive officer of the County of San Diego Citizens' Law Enforcement Review Board. Though she doesn't know the inner details of the police department, she says its recent issues may point to problems with hiring and procedural policies.
“This is about integrity,” Quinn said. “It’s about integrity in the hiring process, the background process, the training process, the training supervisor process."
Police officials note that all officers have passed state-mandated standards.
However, that hasn't stopped Chief of Police William Lansdsowne from making procedural changes in the wake of these recent sex scandals. Two officers are now required to transport any female suspect.
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“It’s a failure of your training, hiring and supervision if that’s what it takes to keep people from abusing their authority,” Quinn said.
Timeline: SDPD Officers Accused
Mayor-elect Kevin Faulconer has met with Lansdowne twice in the past week following the scandals to make sure best policies and practices are followed. Faulconer says he plans to meet with Lansdowne one more time before he’s sworn in on March 3.
