>From 
http://www.news-leader.com/today/1101-Finnieupho-206676.html

Springfield, MO

 Finnie upholds decision to fire officer
Michael Murphy's actions have irreparably damaged his credibility, city
manager says.

 
Michael Murphy Veteran Springfield police officer took confiscated beer
from the department's property area

 
 
Finnie

 
By Matt Wagner
News-Leader

Firing a Springfield police officer with tarnished credibility may have
been a hard decision, but it was the right one, the city manager said
Friday. 

. . .

Murphy, 43, took some 70 beers confiscated by the department's
underage-drinking task force in May, but has maintained the act didn't
constitute petty theft.

Crites, speaking on Murphy's behalf, reiterated his client's contention
Friday, taking issue with the wording of Finnie's letter.

"He didn't steal," Crites insisted. "There was no crime committed. ... Mike
Murphy was not untruthful and did not falsify any reports."

Crites said Murphy was abiding by a department policy instructing officers
to dispose of alcohol seized by the task force.

"Turning beer to urine is disposal," he added.

Department guidelines require all alcohol to be logged in as evidence, but
testimony heard by the personnel board revealed that repeated written
"tips" from a property room shift leader advised officers to log samples
and dispose of the rest.

. . .

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Makes sense.

Memphis police used the same logic to destroy evil drug-contaminated cash
-- they converted it to private homes and cars.
See http://tinyurl.com/pfld

Leon



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