Cop Fired after Private Investigator catches him 00000000.

[Sara Livingston]

Cop Fired For Working While On Disability:

Story Link:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...o_WCVB/1663432

For one year, Duxbury police Officer Scott Myers said he was injured on the job, claiming he couldn't even do deskwork. Throughout the year, Myers collected disability pay.

NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu reported that now, Myers has been fired after a private investigator caught Myers on videotape at work at his pizza shop.

He is a 20-year veteran of the force and a lifelong resident of Duxbury. Now, some wonder whether Myers was faking a back injury so he could collect disability and devote time to his pizza parlor in the next town. Others say that running a food business a lot less strenuous than the potential problems of deskwork.

Myers was videotaped shot by an undercover detective who followed him for eight days last fall. The officer had been on disability leave since June 2002. Duxbury's police chief offered him desk duty, but he refused. On the video, Myers is seen sorting and dumping trash behind his store and building shelves.

"My decision was made a whole lot easier when I saw the videotape. If he could not perform his duties sitting at the desk, answering the phone, standing at the desk, but he could work in that pizza shop, he should have been able to perform some duty for the law enforcement department, and he didn't do it," Duxbury Town Manager Rocco Longo said.

His attorney, however, claims that answering the telephone isn't the only potential duties Myers would face if he accepted desk duty.

"People go into the stations, domestic disturbances overflow into the police station. It happens regularly. Does it happen every night? No, but it can happen. You don't always pay police for what they do, but for what they may have to do. The town's own doctors said that he can not do those functions," Myers' attorney Douglas Louison said.

"I would say to the doctor, let the doctor look at the film and he can make the diagnosis," Longo said.

Longo, who made the decision earlier this week to fire Myers, said the officer's history also was considered. Myers had been disciplined and suspended several times for abusing sick leave and failing to produce $3,000 of evidence in a case he handled.

"The department is embarrassed about what happened. It makes all police officers look bad," Duxbury Police Department Lt. Roger Banfill said.

Myers has filed an appeal to the Civil Service Commission. A preliminary hearing won't be set for months. But his attorney said that Myers' injury is not permanent, his pain is not daily and he expects to return to work some day.

(I wonder if local private investigators are getting heat from other police officers for catching one of the "own".)

[Robert Smith -]

Just goes to show you, that no matter what the position are type of person, someone will always try to take the easy way out, just to avoid doing what every other person on this planet has to do to survive. Man I can't stand that.

[Kathleen Padgett]

Charges should have been filed in addition to the firing. This officer had plenty of disciplinary actions taken toward correcting the misbehavior and repeatedly failed at corrective action. It sounds like a clear case of blatant disregard for the moral and ethical standards required in this important profession.

[Edwina Berlijn -]

I agree with Kathleen, he blatantly did what ever he wanted to do...and sitting behind a desk, seems to be a lesser stress on your back, than dumping the garbage out, be hind the pizza place...I would think, that the video would speak for it self!

edwina berlijn

[William Brassfield]

Sad very sad.

[May K. Toney]

Boy, does this case bring back memories! It's one of the primary reasons why I chose to pursue other career options.

[Carolynne Giffoni]

It seems like there is always someone trying to get a free ride. Of course it's us, the taxpayers, who pay for such blatant behaviours. I'm pleased that the PI did a good job.

Carolynne

[William R. Larson]

It is sad to see, but we law enforcement folk much prefer seeing these people removed from the job, just like this guy. Bummer it had to go this long though. Disability insurance ain't cheap!

Now, courtesy of this con artist, the cost of disability insurance for his department he served for 20 years to cover him and all of his colleagues will cost more. There are few adjectives for this guy.

[Byron Burke II]

I can understand how this officer could not sit behind a desk without alot of pain, a few years ago I hurt myself and for a few months I could not sit and had to stand or lie down, but I could mow the lawn with the self propelled lawn mower, but with his displinary action in the past and carring trash bags (which from my experience should of caused much pain due to the pressure downward on the spine) He should have criminal charges filed on him.

[Alvin Dean Wilkerson]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Edwina Berlijn
[B]I agree with Kathleen, he blatantly did what ever he wanted to do...and sitting behind a desk, seems to be a lesser stress on your back, than dumping the garbage out, be hind the pizza place...I would think, that the video would speak for it self!

it's sad to see law enforcement officer's embarras other's in there line of work,iam aux......police. and i can't even get hire in as an officer. sham on him. he got what he got!!!!!!!!!!!

[Chanelle Stevenson]

Everyone,

I agree with Kathleen on this one. The police department or the State must have some recourse as to the legal basis for sueing the officer in a criminal action to recoup the monies previously paid.

However, since this case will be appealed, it will be several months perhaps years to be finally resolved. At any rate, the taxpayers will continue to pay for these legal processes that could have been prevented.

Good job on the private investigation to record a accurate video taping acceptable enough to be used in court. I see no room for excuses in this instance of clear abuse of the law enforcement privileges. The sad thing is that it happens more often than we know of.

It obviously takes more physical effort to bend and lift continously on a job such as resturant worker; so if he was inconsiderate enough to infringe on the system by breaking the law and dumb enough to get caught, then he deserves to be in JAIL.

My thought is that if had been punished the first time, this instance would not have happened.

Thanks for the story,

Chanelle Stevenson
Computer Forensic Private Investigator Trainee

[Mr Jose Bonavich Jr]

Sara,

Thanks for posting this. Fraudulent disability claims are filed everyday in this country and unfortunately we have to pay for them. Though it's just one case in a million, anytime someone is "caught" it could discourage someone else from filing.

[Linda Curry]

Sad to say, we know there are other like him doing corrupt things under the mask of law enforcement. Some people just do not know how to be meek, that is, have power under control. This officer used his persuasive skills until they ran out. There is a limit to everything and he found out his limits. My, my, my. Thumbs up to the PI who spyed, however, not in vain.

linda

[Deborah W]

This case (among many other just like it) makes it hard for people who really are disabled and need the compensation.

As for the officer, why didn't he just retire? Perhaps Duxbury is different, but in my area an officer can retire after ten years (vested retirement). At any rate, I hope he serves time for fraud as an example to the rest who think they can break the law.

[Don Menard]

Well, well, well, this does make an interesting situation. Their are enough parties involved to commence a three ring circus - which I have no doubts that is just what may occur.

There is the point of view from:[list=1][*]The Police Officer[*]The Town Manager[*]The Police Department[*]The Medical Profession, (I figure there will be numerous Medical Professionals involves)[*]Insurance Company Professionals[*]The Private Investigator[*]As well as others[/list=1]
The point of this is we do not have enough information at this time to make a informed decision, opinions yes, and from the information given I'd say that it doesn't look good for the Police Officer.

In reading all the posts, I found them all very interesting and enlightening. I agree with just about everything written, however, I still would like to have more information.

So from any point of view or opinion, I find that this should become a very interesting case.

I sure hope that none of the local Private Investigators are receiving heat for this.

[Shomona Lofland]

Fraud is a terrible thing. People don't realize they are defrauding law abiding tax payers as well as the organization. If he wanted to work full-time at his pizza business, then he should have resigned from the police force with dignity and not dishonor.

[Deborah Siehl]

Hi Shomona,

Welcome to IPIU. Just thought I would invite you to post your introduction in the introduction lounge. Members will greet you and give you some great links on how to move around the forums.

Tell us about your self and what your interests are.

Hope to see you there.

Deborah Siehl

[Michael Gonzales -]

This is a incrediable investigation. Once again, it takes a good investigator to establish the facts that provides the evidence. Not everyone is always willing to bring an officer of the law to justice. A great job done by the investigator.

[Danny King -]

I believe it was last Sept when a police officer (a Sgt no less) in a neighboring town was caught on video tape, by a civilian, reviewing pornography on his patrol car's computerwhile he was on duty. He was supposed to be working at the fair.

Just goes to show every occupation has its weirdos.

[Alvin Dean Wilkerson]

Originally posted by Deborah W
This case (among many other just like it) makes it hard for people who really are disabled and need the compensation.

As for the officer, why didn't he just retire? Perhaps Duxbury is different, but in my area an officer can retire after ten years (vested retirement). At any rate, I hope he serves time for fraud as an example to the rest who think they can break the law.

hi!!!!! deb ,you know as an officer its hard to let go of the badge.The reason he didn't retire because he wanted to keep the gory he accomplished,ins.,(ect).I have been an aux. officer for 5 years,and I can't let it go but, in reality he should get whats coming to him.In the future (sworn or non-sword) hold your head up!!!!!!!!!! and repect your badge.

[Deborah W]

Originally posted by Alvin Dean Wilkerson
hi!!!!! deb ,you know as an officer its hard to let go of the badge.The reason he didn't retire because he wanted to keep the gory he accomplished,ins.,(ect).I have been an aux. officer for 5 years,and I can't let it go but, in reality he should get whats coming to him.In the future (sworn or non-sword) hold your head up!!!!!!!!!! and repect your badge.

I couldn't agree with you more, Alvin!

[Chanelle Stevenson]

Greetings ALVIN DEAN WILKERSON,

Please excuse my ignorance, but what exactly is an "aux police officer"? I was just wondering if this means you are an officer working full duty, however not in the "streets". I'm not familiar with all of the terms, this however is new to me.

By any chance do you engage in any computer crimes investigations? If so, how are the cases assigned to you or to what unit within your department?

I still hold strong on my original thoughts on this subject. (see message above)

Curious minds want to know, thanks.

Chanelle Stevenson
Forensic Computers Private Investigator Trainee

[Amanda Monroe]

Congratulations to the private eye, who did a great job in catching such a deceitful police officer. When any police officer does something outside of the law, it does put a black mark on how the public feels towards other officers. I would think he should at least pay back the disability he received.

[Michael Harris]

Sara,

This says it all (you said it):

"I wonder if local private investigators are getting heat from other police officers for catching one of the "own"."

This is similar to trying to find a lawyer to sue another lawyer for malpractice.

The article matches what I have read about PI work for insurance companies. Thants for the post.

[Michael Harris]

Sara,

This says it all (you said it):

"I wonder if local private investigators are getting heat from other police officers for catching one of the "own"."

This is similar to trying to find a lawyer to sue another lawyer for malpractice.

The article matches what I have read about PI work for insurance companies. Thants for the post.

[Alvin Dean Wilkerson]

Originally posted by Chanelle Stevenson
Greetings ALVIN DEAN WILKERSON,

Please excuse my ignorance, but what exactly is an "aux police officer"? I was just wondering if this means you are an officer working full duty, however not in the "streets". I'm not familiar with all of the terms, this however is new to me.

By any chance do you engage in any computer crimes investigations? If so, how are the cases assigned to you or to what unit within your department?

I still hold strong on my original thoughts on this subject. (see message above)

Curious minds want to know, thanks.

Chanelle Stevenson
Forensic Computers Private Investigator Trainee

Hi!!! chanelle , this is Al dean,an auxiliary police officer is an officer thats gives extra support to the full time police officer. I am an sworn aux. police officer,voluteer. my duties I can't speak on. No I don't work on any computor crimes,but would love to learn. I do work in the streets w/ other officer. thanks for asking, al.

[Andre Scott]

Ive seen it all before. One guy gets a pension claim and tries to milk it until someones on his case. He gets fried and loses it all.. This is a very sad case....

[Chanelle Stevenson]

Alvin,

Thanks so much for the info. It was very helpful. I guess one way to learn about computer forensics is to find out how you would like to utilize it in your business or to work for you in your daily life.

It can be used for background info, tracking individuals and an assortment of other avenues. I don't know if you would like to take any classes or maybe do some independent research on the topic.

Since it is a vast subject, you can determine how much to learn and what to learn. I have a couple of good books that seem to be easy reading. Let me know if you need the names of them.

Take care, will see you in the forums.

Chanelle Stevenson
Computer Forensics Private Investigator Trainee

[Robert Kamens]

Scott is the kind of guys that will keep us in business. The police department is probably twice as embarrassed knowing that one of the local private investigators took down one of their own..No doubt

Great Story

Robert kamens

[Jonathan J. DiBello]

I hope that they're also filing charges against him! He should be treated like every other citizen.

Thank You,

Jonathan J. DiBello

[Mark Dehe]

I'm sure even the police were more than happy to get rid of their dead weight.

[Oscar armando Munoz]

bad cops get away with pretty much everything and as I learned the D.A will not prosecute a single claim W/C case unless there is a lot of money involved..In the Bay Area Cops and firefighter take advantage of the system and file a lot of W/C cases.
Urrrrahhh for the good COPS !!!!

[Christian Udotai]

Establishing facts that provide evidence is the job of a good PI and this is exactly what the PI that caught Myers in action did. Excellent job.

[Daphane Davis]

Sara,

Very interesting and informative information. The cop should definitely get what's coming to him, however, this makes me question the ethics of others involved with this case ie. the doctor. Was the doctor falsifying information to collect payments from the insurance company as well. Hopefully, everyone involved in the 0000 will have a penalty to pay (ie jail time, enormous fines, loss of employment).

Daphane

[Willie Williams]

People like that make it much more diificult for people that are actually needing financial assistance to get help. When someone is injured and legitimately cannot perform his/her duties they are heavily scrutinized because of situations like this. I hope these kind of people get what they deserve. This was a good catch!

Willie Williams

[Barbara Compton]

I have noticed that this case has been going on for a while (by date of the thread). I was wondering if anyone has herd an update on this case? But my oppion on this is: I have seen how busy pizza shops do get, he must have been stressed out there as well. So for me stress on his job as a cop isn't an excuse.

Just a thought
Barbara Compton

[Bonnie Pettegrew]

Kudo's to the PI who caught this person. It always seems like the innocent people and those that really need disability insurance have to run through all the red tape to get it. My Mom spent over a year trying to get disability because she can't work anymore at a regular job and almost didn't get it because of 0000 that makes it harder to prove that you can't work.

[Barbara Compton]

Sorry to hear about your mom Bonnie. I'm glad she ended up getting it. I have herd of a person who faked her disability. The great PI had gotten evidence of her "ability" She wasn't aware of the PI until her court hearing and the judge had asked if she was "so injured" how can she explain these pictures (of her dancing her little heart out) When they were brought over to her, her mouth dropped and asked "where did you get these pictures"? Her case was so totally dropped. That I know of no charges were brought against her. Another case of a PI knowing his/her job.

Barbara Compton

[Bonnie Pettegrew]

Thanks Barbara. The good news to my story is that my Mom got it and lets me know how "busy" she is now that she has no job. Ya' gott'a love your Mom!

[Barbara Compton]

Now she can catch up on soap opras....Opra Winfry....oh and knitting. Is she able to play bingo? Hugs to the both of you.
God Bless
Barbara Compton