Officer Jacob Opperman resigned After DUI

[Critique]

A Lubbock Police Officer’s duty to protect and serve has come to an end. Jacob Opperman has resigned after allegations he was driving drunk in his patrol car.
Opperman’s resignation from the police force took effect on Wednesday. A job he fought so hard for just over a year ago

"I can`t explain how ecstatic I am right now, not only for myself but for the fellow recruits in here."

Those words from Jacob Opperman just over a year ago when his dream job of becoming a police officer became a reality. And now that reality has come to an end after his resignation from the police force.

It all started last Thursday, when police say he was arrested for suspicion of drunk driving. Police say he had been at a private house party with other officers when someone let the air out of his tires. Despite the flat tires, police say Opperman left the party and drove to the 7-11 near 4th street and Frankford Avenue. That`s where a witness called 9-1-1.

Here is a transcript of that call:

Operator: “where`s the person that claimed to be the officer driving?”
Witness: “right here”
Operator: “let me talk to him.”
Suspect: “hello?”
Operator: “is this Jacob?”
Suspect: “Yes.”
Operator: “what`s your papa number?”
Suspect: “huh?”
Operator: “what`s your papa number?”
Suspect: “200.”
Operator: “okay, we were just making sure it was you out there. I’ll let the officers know.”

Opperman was arrested and booked at the Lubbock holding facility. He was released the same day.

Earlier this week Lubbock police released this statement:

On December 18th, Chief Claude Jones met with Jacob Opperman. As required by law, Chief Jones gave Opperman 48 hours to deliver a written response to the disciplinary action of indefinite suspension or termination of employment. Late yesterday afternoon, December 19th, Jacob Opperman submitted his resignation which was effective today, Wednesday, December 20th 2006.

Jacob Opperman is no longer employed by the Lubbock police department. As of right now, no charges have been filed, but Opperman could face a D.W.I. charge.

The case is now in the hands of District Attorney, Matt Powell who will decide whether or not to press charges.

If Opperman is charged and convicted of d-w-I which is a class b misdemeanor, it would be at least ten years before he could be considered for another law enforcement job.

www.klbk.com/news/default.asp?mode=shownews&id=1942

[Shuftin]

Lubbock Police Officer's Mistake Costs Tax Dollars

His job was to protect Lubbock streets, but a Lubbock police officer won't be doing that anymore. 22-year-old Jacob Opperman handed over his badge after he was arrested for allegedly driving drunk. This mistake not only has cost someone their job, but you're also paying for it as well.

The taxpayers, pay more than one $100,000 to put one cadet through the police academy. That price includes salary, training, equipment, and uniforms. The average police officer spends at least 20 years in uniform. But Opperman resigned yesterday, spending only one year on the force.

Only few are selected, but if chosen, cadets face weeks in police academy training, learning that integrity only comes once. Opperman changed all that when he got caught driving his patrol car, allegedly under the influence.

NewsChannel 11 has obtained the 911 call a 7-11 clerk made after Opperman came into the store early Thursday morning.

Clerk: "It doesn't have two. Like, all tires on the right side are gone and then ah. Both tires on the left side are flat.
Operator: "Is it still at 7-11?"
Opperman had allegedly been drinking at a party with other Lubbock Police Officers. The other officers reportedly pulled a prank on him by flattening at least two of his tires.

Operator: "O. K. Where's the person who claimed to be the officer who was driving it?"
Caller 1: "He's right here."
Operator: "Well let me talk to him."
Caller 2 (Opperman): "Hello?"
Operator: "Is this Jacob?"
Caller 2 (Opperman): "Yes."
We spoke to Lubbock criminal defense lawyer Rod Hobson who believes Opperman faces more than just loosing his job.

"If you look at the police report and there's a statement that he had been drinking, alcoholic beverages and he was operating a vehicle on a public street while intoxicated. That's your classic definition of a DWI," said Hobson.

Even though Opperman refused a breathalyzer and a field sobriety test, Hobson says the 911 call and witnesses could also be used against the former officer.

NewsChannel 11 has more questions, like how many other officers are also facing disciplinary actions? But we were unable to reach Police Chief Claude Jones for a comment. However, we did speak to LPD's spokesman. He says, he cannot comment on an internal affairs investigation.

Opperman's case is now in the hands of the district attorney.

www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=5843210&nav=menu69_3