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How To Deal With Corrupt Police Officers
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In today’s exclusive, we present additional footage from the September 12, 2021, drunk driving arrest of Olla, Louisiana Chief of Police Jody O’Bier.
According to the report of Caldwell Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Dustin Hatten, at approximately 2:17 a.m. on September 12, 2021, Hatten was patrolling US-165 near LA-847 when he observed a sedan on the shoulder of the road, and a male subject, later identified as O’Bier, standing outside the vehicle. Hatten approached the vehicle to investigate and possibly render assistance. When Hatten approached, it became apparent the subject was Olla Chief of Police Jody O’Bier… standing at the rear of the vehicle urinating.
Hatten asked if O’Bier was, in fact, urinating, and O’Bier responded “Yep.”
From the report of Deputy Hatten: “As Jody gathered himself and turned to face me, he stumbled and fell against the vehicle. I detected a moderate odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his person, his speech was slurred as he spoke and he could not complete a sentence without stumbling his words. Jody advised he had one Ginger Ale with alcohol at an establishment in West Monroe prior to driving.
I then spoke with the female passenger, Kirstie Bryan who stated she had also been drinking but had consumed less than Jody. Without me asking further questions she advised she could drive the vehicle if needed, but it would be difficult due to her not knowing how to drive a standard transmission. After speaking with Kirstie, I offered the opportunity for Jody to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, to which he denied stating he was trained not to do so.
It should also be noted the interior of the vehicle had a moderate odor of an alcoholic beverage. Jody was placed under arrest and transported to CCC by Deputy T. Ferguson where he was offered the opportunity to submit a breath sample using the Intoxilizer 9000 to which he refused. He was arrested and booked for suspicion of driving while intoxicated. The vehicle was released to a friend, Justin Carr, who Kirstie left the scene with. Nothing further. Case closed with arrest made.”Investigation by Real World Police reveals that Kirstie Bryan and Jody O’Bier appear to have shared the same residence at the time of O’Bier’s arrest.
More to come.
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Burr Ridge A drunken driving charge in Virginia led to the arrest of Deputy Chief Ryan Husarik while he was operating a police car. He later received a promotion to sergeant. Deputy Chief Ryan Husarik is an 18-year veteran of the Burr Ridge Police Department.
Brief Summary of the Circumstances Surrounding Ryan Husarik’s Arrest for DUI.
Incident Summary:
- Allegations say that Ryan Husarik—who was employed as the Deputy Police Chief of Burr Ridge, Illinois—was detained on the charges of DUI on April 13, 2024, in Dumfries, Virginia.
- His arrest was the result of a motor vehicle incident in which a Burr Ridge police interceptor was struck.
- He was attending an FBI Academy training that lasted approximately ten weeks.
- Even though attendance for the training was optional, the FBI did pay him $150,000 a year, pro-rated for his earned income.
- Husarik’s Arrest Details:
- On returning from the FBI training, a Virginia state patrol officer pulled over Husarik’s car at a Valero gas station in Dumfries.
- During this interaction, it was noted that he had displayed signs of intoxication.
- While questioned, officers reported that he displayed signs consistent with balance impairment and swayed while standing.
- Initially, he declined to take a preliminary breath test.
- Still, he consented after being advised it could not be used in court.
- Results indicated a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.207, over 2½ times the Virginia legal limit of 0.08, which is the same as Illinois.
- He later refused an official breathalyzer test, which resulted in an additional charge of a civil violation of refusal of a breath test, which resulted in one year of suspension of his driving license in both Virginia and Illinois.
- A search revealed two small, empty Smirnoff vodka bottles and a gold MGM casino card in Husarik’s cargo shorts pockets.
- Troopers also located two half-filled Evan Williams whiskey bottles in the vehicle’s trunk, New Amsterdam vodka, one half-filled bottle of Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, and an unknown quantity of other single-shot liquor bottles.
- Secured in a lockbox was a department-issued rifle along with two handgun magazines, but no handguns were present within the vehicle.
- As described in the articles, the arrest video released stemming from a public records dispute showed troopers observing Husarik, with one saying, “I don’t even know if he knows what’s happening,” referring to Husarik’s impaired state.
Charges:
- Husarik was charged under a misdemeanor DUI policy and civil violation for failure to provide an appropriate breath sample.
- The case remains active in Virginia’s Prince William General District Court.
- He was not charged with any offenses that would result in the revocation of a concealed carry permit under the laws of Illinois and Virginia.
Immediate Consequences:
- The FBI agent was teaching FBI National Academy students.
- Husarik has since been ordered to drive back to Illinois after being sacked from the course by Burr Ridge Police Chief John Madden.
- It is unknown if he drove the police vehicle back.
- These actions will result in him being given administrative leave until the outcome of the internal investigation.
- He shall remain suspended until further notice.
- However, he shall be stripped of his badge, ID, access card, and vehicle until the suspension ends on July 26, 2024.
- Additionally, he will be placed under a “last chance” agreement with the department beginning in 48 months.
- State law mandates that the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board must be informed of any arrests or suspensions, which was complied with in this case.
Demotion:
- On August 23, 2024, the US Department of Defense further confirmed that Husarik had been demoted to sergeant and lost the title of deputy chief.
- These actions followed the completion of the internal investigation and the corrective measures that the Burr Ridge Police Department had implemented.
- The rank reduction aligned with additional shifts in departmental structure, such as Chief John Madden’s retirement and Deputy Chief Marc Loftus’s advancement to chief.
What Circumstances Led to Nebulous Reasons Not to Fire Him?
Although there was no documented reasoning as to the specific decision of not firing Husarik, it is safe to assume that the following elements contributed to this decision from the Burr Ridge Police Department and the village administration:
Long Service and Past Contributions:
- Having begun his career as a patrol officer, Husarik served for approximately 20 years with the Burr Ridge Police Department, attaining the rank of sergeant and later being promoted to deputy chief in 2022.
- The time he served and the leadership and technical skills (including computer forensics) cited during his promotional hearing indicated that the department truly regarded him.
- It is possible, if not likely, that Chief Madden and some village officials considered his past service to the department a singular breach of professionalism rather than a habitual offense.
Last-Chance” Arrangement:
The 48-month probationary contract shows that the department was trying to keep Husarik within it under very tight conditions instead of simply letting him go. This indicates they thought he could be rehabilitated, or the incident did not merit an automatic termination.
Legal and Policy Issues:
- Mayor Gary Grasso stated that the automatic termination an employee would face for breach of the village’s policy on alcohol and drug use might fall afoul of the law because of “extenuating circumstances.”
- This suggests that problems with employment laws, union contracts, or even the village’s internal regulations limited Husarik’s ability to be fired without some additional steps.
- The village’s response, including hiring a public relations firm to cope with the fallout, appears to accept blame while seeking to lessen the reputational harm caused by keeping Husarik employed in a diminished role.
Disciplinary Precedent:
The Burr Ridge Police Department’s approach to the incident—suspension, demotion, and probation—mirrors that of other departments for similar offenses, particularly since there is no automatic termination for first-time DUI in the absence of significant aggravating circumstances such as serious injury or death.
Community and Political Dynamics
- The petition on Change.org to remove Husarik gained some traction but did not reach the 1,000 minimum required signatures.
- This indicates that there was not much public support for his dismissal.
- A hyperlink describes the delay in releasing the video of Husarik’s DUI arrest.
- Grasso and other village officials said he was “terribly mistaken.”
- Still, instead of losing his job, he continued to serve the rest of the community.
- Village officials framed this incident more as a personal mistake than a career-ending decision.
- This section will focus on the headline:
- “Should he sweep this matter under the rug as an officer?”
- In this case, the higher standard mentioned will be omitted.
The case for not only believing DWI is an ordinary event to capture in a frame:
- Every law enforcement official has standards and responsibilities to live up to.
- This includes not only admirals or military personnel.
- A deputy chief driving a police vehicle with a 0.207 BAC surely damages the reputation of the entire police department.
- The even worse situation was reported in the press: there were multiple liquor bottles alongside a gun.
- The deputy chief’s actions were reckless, leaving him with little credibility and respect, regardless of being in the second tier of command.
- He still supervises and controls the environment within the department, and his actions support the culture he shapes.
- One of my favorite arguments from the change petition was that during his move to law enforcement, it was said that he felt like he was not fit to serve.
- There are no simple answers ever delivered after being caught drunk driving.
- Law enforcement officers are often the first responders when Deferred Action Benefits applications or attendant mark-off batch application practices are filed.
- These applications total serious legal violations, along with drunk driving.
- The reasoning behind not charging Husarik for firearm offenses, as he carried a rifle while intoxicated, does raise some concern about whether he was given too much consideration owing to his position or status.
Counterargument:
Human Error:
Police Officers are people, and people make mistakes. For a veteran officer with a history of good performance, a one-time event that is part of a wider trend of unacceptable behavior should not lead to termination. The village’s decision to demote and monitor Husarik suggests some effort to balance accountability and rehabilitation.
Discipline and Punishment:
The department’s actions, including suspension, demotion, and probation, constitute a severe professional and financial punishment. Termination for a first offense, especially without any victim, may be a disproportionate response.
Operational Issues:
Dismissing an officer with extensive seniority could impact the department’s operational capacity, particularly for smaller agencies such as Burr Ridge, and invite legal or union-related challenges. Maintaining Husarik’s command as sergeant provides the department with some relief due to his experience while still addressing the misconduct.
Size of the Burr Ridge Police Department
With a population of under 50,000, the village is served by a relatively small police department. While exact staffing numbers are hard to find, the department has
Leadership:
As of November 2024, it includes one chief (Marc Loftus), two deputy chiefs (David Allen and Kris Garcia), and an unspecified number of sergeants and patrol officers.
Total Officers:
No specific figures are provided, but based on an off- and on-site staffing needs assessment, the department likely has 20-30 sworn officers. In 2023, the department handled close to 27,300 calls, including 3,000 routine traffic stops, indicating a modest yet active force.
Law Enforcement Officers Arrested for DUI
National and Regional Data:
- Pinpointing law enforcement officers arrested for DUI is difficult due to underreporting, state laws, and a lack of central repositories.
Even so, some studies and news articles highlight key figures:
- The Elkhart, Indiana, Police Department came under scrutiny in 2018 as ProPublica undertook an investigative study and found that 28 of 34 commanding officers within the department’s structure had been disciplined.
- The National Institute of Justice stated in 2019 that DUI misconduct perpetrated by officers is a serious problem, and a host of other issues exist. However, these incidents often go unreported, leaving no readily available data.
- As noted by news outlets, there is a pattern of law enforcement officers getting arrested for DUI throughout the country.
- For some reason, these arrests do not seem to lead to firings but result in suspensions or demotions, especially for first-time offenders.
Supervisory Officers:
- Information regarding the DUI arrest rates for supervisory officers (sergeant and above) is scant.
- One prominent case informing this gap is that of Husarik, a high-ranking officer (deputy chief) charged with DUI.
- The Elkhart case suggests that supervisors are not completely sheltered from these circumstances, as out of 34 supervisors, 28 had disciplinary records, which, although not exclusively DUI-related, suggests a pattern of misconduct.
- Without specific quantitative evidence, it is fair to assume that supervisory officers, a smaller segment of any given department, are probably less likely to be arrested for DUI than patrol officers.
- However, the controversies surrounding their arrests tend to be more pronounced due to their elevated ranks.
Burr Ridge Context:
- No other Burr Ridge officers are reported in the provided sources to have been arrested for DUI.
- Husarik’s case is an exception to the rest of the department, which has not reported similar incidents among other supervisors, including Chief Madden, Deputy Chief Loftus, or Deputy Chief Garcia.
Does Professional Courtesy Still Exist Among Police Departments?
Definition:
Professional courtesy extends consideration to fellow law enforcement personnel by not enforcing rules like minor traffic stops due to collegial relationships. This practice is quite controversial because it can damage trust and responsibility in policing.
Professional Courtesy Evidence:
Husarik’s Case:
- No, Virginia state troopers do not show professional courtesy towards Husarik.
- He was arrested and charged with a DUI and refusal to take a breathalyzer.
- The case was thoroughly documented, including liquor and a firearm present.
- Still, whether his status as a police officer influenced the charging decision is puzzling, considering the lack of a firearm-related charge and how intoxicated concealed carry is legally prohibited in both Virginia and Illinois.
Historical Context:
Professional courtesy exists in certain departments. For instance, officers with disciplinary histories, such as commanding lethal force or other egregious acts, are favored as they are retained and promoted. These all point towards internal tolerance. Such behaviors within a department have been documented in media and studies, including the 2018 Elkhart ProPublica investigation.
Anecdotal Evidence:
News outlets frequently highlight instances of professional courtesy, such as officers failing to receive full sign-up warnings or facing charges for minor offenses. However, serious offenses like driving under the influence, especially in a police vehicle, will likely result in arrest, as with Husarik.
Counterarguments:
Increased Accountability:
With modern Yank policing comes greater scrutiny due to body cameras, public record legislation, and the media. The release of Husarik’s arrest video post-FOIA dispute hints at increasing courtesy space collapsing amid rising transparency.
Department Policies:
Burr Ridge and many other departments have standing policies on officer behavior. Furthermore, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board has a standing policy regarding arrest notifications, which curtails informal courtesy leniency.
Public Pressure:
Media spotlight and advocacy groups like the Invisible Institute participate in helping to amplify high-profile cases, which challenge departments to draw a shield around their officers. Public outrage and petitioning for Husarik’s arrest are prime examples.
Professional courtesy applies only in limited forms, especially for trivial violations. Still, due to rules, there’s less scope for its prevalence. In Husarik’s case, the arrest and charges suggest that courtesy did not permit legal consequences. Some observers could argue that the lack of firearm charges and his retention as a sergeant suggest leniency, however.
Final Addendum
Correction:
This incident occurred in Virginia, not Indiana. The police vehicle had Indiana plates, which may have been confusing. The sources do not explain the origin of the plates, but it was a Burr Ridge vehicle.
Public Reaction:
The Change.org petition and news coverage show considerable public concern about Husarik’s actions and the department’s response, which raises more significant questions about police accountability.
Data Gaps:
Missing data creates gaps in knowledge; for instance, due to under-reporting, there are few concrete figures on DUI offenses committed by police, particularly at the supervisory level. Local news reports, especially investigative pieces, tend to have the most thorough coverage. However, they fall short of providing complete statistical data.
If you would like more information, need details, have specific follow-up questions, or need help accessing the arrest video, the petition, or others related to this matter, feel free to reach out!
https://youtu.be/np2otpt_sGQ?si=3DlGZJciRmS4IbXc
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This reply was modified 2 weeks, 2 days ago by
Gustan Cho.
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It seems to me that there are more and more police officers getting pulled over and getting charged and arrested for driving under the influence throughout the United States. It seems that when I was younger, cops were immune to getting tickets, and drunk driving for themselves, friends, and family members. Extending professional courtesy was the name of the game for police officers. One of the greatest benefits and powers of being a police officer was getting offered professional courtesy. I know many friends of mine who were police officers who got drunk as a skunk and got pulled over by their fellow police officer colleagues and got a ride home or called their spouse or family member to have them picked up. I even know of cases where a drunk cop got into an accident with a private citizen, where no tickets were issued, and the innocent victim got the wrong end of the stick. It is good to know that many police officers of all ranks who are caught driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs are being held accountable and written up for driving under the influence. Many drunk driving convictions can be career killers. Does anyone know what percentage of sworn police officers of all ranks have a driving under the influence arrest and conviction?
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I don’t think there is any nationwide information available on the ratio of police officers in the US who have been arrested and convicted for driving under the influence (DUI). Still, I can combine some studies and reports to provide more details.
New insights into police officer arrests have come from a study by Bowling Green State University in 2016, led by Philip Stinson, a criminologist. The study revealed that roughly 1,100 officers are arrested yearly in the United States for various offenses. DUI is frequently placed second among charges, next to pepper-spraying a subordinate, over a decade-long trend observing 1,000-1,140 arrests a year (2005-2012). However, it’s important to note that no specific breakdown of conviction or arrest numbers for DUIs was provided. Relating this to the existing 765,000 sworn officers in the US (based on 2008 Bureau of Justice Statistics), it insinuates that roughly 0.14%-0.15% of police officers get arrested every year for any offense, with a DUI being a large, but unspecified, portion.
Conviction rates are even more complex. Another study leaned more toward a large disparity in outcomes, with over 72% conviction rates for officers serially charged alongside documented outcomes, lacking DUI-specific breakdowns. DUI charges often hinge on plea agreements, departmental guidelines, and jurisdictional rule sets. It has also been noted by some outlets with allegations of criminal conduct that approximately 76% had some convictions. Additionally, about 62% of those convicted were deemed felons, which could include harsh DUI charges.
Your thoughts concerning responsibility and a gradual move towards less tangible blame for overall outcomes illustrate important shifts.
As you mentioned, “professional courtesy” has historically spared officers the consequences of their actions. However, this practice has diminished in many places because of public scrutiny, body cameras, and stricter department regulations. For example, a 2017 VICE News report about Stinson’s database noted that although officers are often arrested for DUI, the results are inconsistent. Some get terminated, which is the case for 54% of the study’s sample, and the rest either resign or face no consequences.
Sadly, sworn officers are not the only ones affected by inconsistent reporting. Many officers with DUI arrests and convictions would go untracked due to the absence of a centralized database documenting officer-specific crimes. Using the available data, it can be suggested that less than one-tenth of a percent of sworn officers are arrested for DUI each year, and an even smaller fraction is convicted. Even then, that assertion is a rough estimate.
If you wanted more specific estimates, you would likely have to wade through state-specific law enforcement records or POST databases, which can be difficult because of restricted access. On the other hand, I could look for more recent studies or posts from GCA Forums News to get an idea of the current sentiments surrounding this topic. What do you think we should do?
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Officers of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) were on marked patrol in Hillsborough County. From the FWC boat dock at 5110 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa, an officer observed a center console flats-style vessel producing a large wake in a posted idle speed zone. The vessel was seen on plane, passing the posted idle speed sign from Tampa Bay to the Gandy Boat Ramp. The officer signaled the operator to approach.
The operator, wearing sunglasses, a white hat with “El Capitan,” and dark shorts, reduced speed to idle and approached the FWC boat dock. The officer identified himself and noted a young boy (the operator’s nine-year-old son) and the operator’s fiancé holding an almost 18-month-old child in a life jacket. Alcoholic beverage containers were observed around the helm station.
When asked if he knew why he was stopped, the operator acknowledged his speed, saying, “Maybe because I was above the posted speed,” and pointed back to the sign. The officer explained the observations and the operator responded, “My bad.” The operator informed the officer of a firearm in the console, using the term “signal zero,” and was asked for his license and vessel registration. The operator mentioned being from Lakeland and showed his Polk County Sheriff’s Office badge before providing his driver’s license. He said the vessel registration was in his truck.
The officer conducted a vessel safety inspection, requesting life jackets and a sound-producing device. The operator produced two life jackets and a mooring line, explaining the line was for docking. The operator’s fiancé confirmed their daughter’s life jacket, and the operator showed his son’s life jacket but not a sound-producing device. He later produced a whistle and a fire extinguisher, with his fiancé assisting in replacing the extinguisher in its box.
The operator and his fiancé confirmed they had been alone since around 8:30 am. When asked about coolers or livewells, the operator mentioned a cooler in the front and consented to an inspection. The officer conducted a consensual inspection of the cooler and livewell.
The officer advised on-scene supervisors of a possible Boating Under the Influence (BUI) case. The officer discussed the busy weekend and the operator’s alcohol consumption, who admitted to drinking and consented to Standard Field Sobriety Tasks (SFSTs). The SFSTs were performed on a patrol vessel in calm waters, with the operator seated on a stable cooler.
After completing the SFSTs, the officer instructed the operator to put on his shoes and shirt and accompany him to the dock. The operator was informed of his arrest for BUI. The officer noted the strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech, balance issues, and watery eyes.
The vessel was released to the operator’s fiancé, who was assisted by other FWC officers. The operator consented to a breath sample, with results of 0.156 and 0.165, taken approximately one hour after the initial stop. The operator admitted to drinking 4-5 drinks, starting around 9:30 am and stopping around 1 pm.
In accordance with Florida Statute 327.35(1)(c), the operator was charged with operating a vessel with an unlawful breath alcohol level of 0.08 or higher. His breath samples exceeded 0.150, and he had two persons under 18 years of age onboard, warranting enhanced penalties.
The operator was charged with:
(V793723) F.S.S. 327.35(1)(c) – Operating a vessel with an unlawful breath alcohol level of 0.08 or higher.
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In a shocking turn of events, a police chief has been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). The incident has raised questions about the accountability of law enforcement officials and the handling of drunk driving cases. The police chief, who is supposed to uphold the law, was caught breaking it in a traffic stop. This arrest highlights the importance of taking a tough stance on drunk driving, regardless of the individual’s profession or position of authority. The consequences of drunk driving can be devastating, and it’s crucial that we hold everyone, including cops, to the same standards. This incident serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, and that police chiefs are not immune to making mistakes. The investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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On New year’s eve 2022. Officer Ludowitz from the Sauk prairie Police department called 911 to report that his personal car was stolen from his house. Later that day, the Sauk Prairie Police department responded to a report of a crashed and abandoned vehicle that matched the description of the officer’s missing car. Officer Ludowitz and officer Deuman responded to the crashed vehicle. Ludowitz was seen wiping blood off of the driver side door. Officer Ludowits was charged with a misdemeanor for obstructing an officer. He was required to go to a 18-month deferred prosecution program. Both officers that were on scene, Ludowits and Deuman resigned shortly after this incident. This video is for educational purposes only.
https://youtu.be/WRlqZ_K6nE0?si=nACngLH4vh8KOOmB
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This reply was modified 1 hour, 49 minutes ago by
Sapna Sharma.
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This reply was modified 1 hour, 49 minutes ago by
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Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith and his second in command have been arrested and indicted by a grand jury for hiring people who were not eligible to serve in law enforcement.
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On July 22nd, 2024. A highly intoxicated off-duty officer crashed his car and tried to flee the scene twice, then thought because he was an officer he could get special treatment.
The videos on Police Watch are intended solely for informative and educational purposes. They are not meant to encourage or promote any illegal activities or unsafe behavior. Body-worn camera footage has been edited for length and in accordance with YouTube community guidelines while maintaining a journalistic focus. The content is designed to provide insight into law enforcement procedures, police interactions, and public safety awareness. Always respect the law and follow local regulations.