A St. Petersburg police officer was arrested for a second time during his law enforcement career for drinking and driving, while he was off duty.
Officer Anthony Green started his career with the department in 2005. Chief Anthony Holloway said Green was suspended in 2010 after he was convicted of DUI. The chief of police said he more than likely received some sort of counseling. Part of their policy states officers, who have had a DUI, cannot drink a sip of alcohol for 5 years with the potential of being randomly tested.
Then late last night, Pinellas County Sheriff's deputies found Green behind the wheel and asleep in his own car. It was stopped along Gulf Boulevard near Madeira Way in Madeira Beach. Because of this arrest, Chief Holloway said Green has been placed on administrative leave without pay.
"He's not going to sit at home and collect a salary while we're doing this investigation," Chief Holloway said.
Chief Holloway said they will confiscate Green's patrol car, gun, and other items.
"I look at it as the first time an officer makes a mistake, than he or she needs help. The second time and officer makes a mistake, than (there is something) we need to do," Chief Holloway said.
Chief Holloway said as of today, if an officer is arrested for a felony or certain misdemeanors, he can place them on administrative leave or suspend that officer without pay. Chief Holloway said they were working on changing that policy before Officer Green was arrested.
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