Police Misconduct

Officer investigated in speeding allegation

By Reporter Staff, The Vacaville Reporter, April 11, 2002



Vallejo police officials have launched an investigation into reports that one of their officers led Sacramento authorities on a brief high-speed "chase" March 17, was stopped and then was let go.



The name of the officer has not been released.



"We have been in contact with the Sacramento Sheriff's Department," said Lt. JoAnn West with the Vallejo Police Department. "We don't have much information at this point. We are not releasing information about the officer. We will be conducting an internal investigation to see if he did anything wrong."



West said the type of punishment meted out - if the officer is found guilty of an offense - will depend on the circumstances regarding the offense.



"I will not speculate," she emphasized.



According to media reports, a Sacramento sheriff's official observed a Jaguar speeding at 90 mph down Capital City freeway. The officer initially had trouble catching up with the Jaguar and other deputies joined in to help, but did not give chase, sheriff's officials said.



Once stopped, the driver apparently identified himself as an off-duty Vallejo police officer and was not issued a citation.

Officials have said that officers are allowed to exercise discretion in issuing citations to the public, the media and other officers.

The Sheriff's Department is currently investigating the officer's action.