News Summary

Two police officers in New Orleans, Sgt. Kevin Thompson and Officer Troy Daliet, have been found guilty of DWI but retained their positions in the NOPD. Despite internal investigations revealing numerous offenses, minimal punishment was given, raising community concerns about accountability within the police force. Residents express frustration over the perceived leniency towards officers who violate the law, spotlighting an urgent need for greater police transparency and integrity.

New Orleans Officers Found Guilty of DWI Face Minimal Punishments

In a city famous for its vibrant culture and celebrations, recent revelations regarding two police officers have stirred quite the uproar.

New Orleans is known for its lively spirit, but the actions of some members of its police department are raising eyebrows and sparking important conversations. Two officers, Sgt. Kevin Thompson and Senior Police Officer Troy Daliet, have been found guilty of driving while intoxicated (DWI). Yet, astonishingly, both have managed to retain their positions at the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) despite these convictions.

Documents from the NOPD reveal that these officers faced minimal, if any, punishment for their behavior, which included belligerent actions and dishonesty during their arrests. In fact, internal files indicate that there have been at least nine DWI convictions among NOPD officers in just the last five years. This trend raises significant concerns about accountability within the police force.

Skip Gallagher, an independent police watchdog and an instructor at the University of New Orleans, compiled this troubling data. He expressed his concerns over the conduct of Thompson and Daliet, stating that officers with such serious offenses should not be on the force at all, considering their critical role in maintaining law and order in the community.

Defending Decisions

In response to these allegations and public uproar, the NOPD defended its decision to keep Thompson and Daliet on duty. The department asserted that it followed due process in addressing disciplinary matters, insisting that it is committed to accountability and transparency. This comes, however, amid growing public dissatisfaction regarding how intoxicated officers’ cases are handled.

Gallagher’s research showed that a staggering 65 current officers have serious allegations against them, including claims of domestic violence and sexual assault, with at least nine suspected of drunk driving. These statistics spotlight a systemic issue that certainly warrants community discussion.

A Closer Look at the Officers

Sgt. Kevin Thompson, a 20-year veteran of the NOPD, is no stranger to controversy. He previously worked as a traffic cop and was even responsible for investigating other officers. However, it was revealed that an internal inquiry in 2021 found Thompson consistently putting in more than the maximum allowed working hours.

In light of his DUI conviction, Thompson’s salary apparently skyrocketed from $74,000 in 2021 to a whopping $243,000 in 2023. His arrest was a dramatic affair—he claimed his girlfriend was driving when their car ended up in a ditch. Despite failing a field sobriety test and showing erratic behavior, Thompson saw his DWI conviction later expunged. Moreover, he lied during an internal investigation, a serious violation that typically leads to termination. Nonetheless, he successfully appealed this decision to the Civil Service Commission.

On the other hand, Senior Police Officer Troy Daliet had a history that included 16 sustained policy violations before his DWI incident. He was caught driving at 60 mph in a 35 mph zone, showing signs of intoxication during a field test, with his blood-alcohol content recorded at .15. Daliet received a 60-day suspension for his DWI but faced an additional mere three days for other violations, leading to frustration among residents. His salary has remained steady at $94,000.

Community Response

Residents of New Orleans have voiced their frustrations loud and clear, feeling that the leniency shown to officers who break the law undermines the trust between the police and the communities they serve. The public’s concern has only amplified with the perceived lack of transparency in how disciplinary actions are handled, especially in cases involving officers suspected of intoxicated driving.

As these revelations continue to unfold, the citizens of New Orleans are left pondering the integrity of those sworn to protect them. It is clear that the community is yearning for change and heightened accountability within its police department. Time will tell how NOPD reacts to these allegations and whether it will work to mend its relationship with the public it serves.

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Author: HERE New Orleans

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