I want to start off by saying that I created this post as I wanted to state my general opinion on this matter. I am a law enforcement officer in Miami Dade County and although I know we make mistakes sometimes it is very important that the actual facts be portrayed rather than only some details that sound corrupt in general. My take is the following:

1. Officer Romero was involved in a traffic accident, no doubt. I am not familiar with the Town of Medley nor that intersection. The video portrays the officer being at fault for the accident. But what the video does not show is the actual display of the traffic signal. Also what has not been mentioned is what the nature of the officer being in that area. Was he conducting normal patrol activities or was he responding for a call of service? It is certain the officer was not traveling in emergency mode which is clearly noted.
2. The aftermath of the accident is very scarce. One thing I did observe was the text book conduct of the officer in activating the lights and conducting a pat down of the other party. The officer has received several negative comments on the above. Taking in the environment and the circumstances everyone has to understand that being an involved party in a traffic crash is very irritating and frustrating, no matter who is at fault. Just like initiating a traffic stop, as a police officer you do not know who you are encountering. You have to perceive that the other party was in some way angry at the circumstances and as a police officer, no matter the situation, your safety is paramount to everything, therefore the pat down was not only reasonable, but given the fact that the accident took place in a dark deserted area, it was a great move.
3. Back up officers responded to the scene and then it’s all hearsay from there. It is stated that Officer Romero performed FST’s on the driver. Why? Media outlets have posted the driver had red eyes and slurred speech, both indicators of driving while impaired. Was there a scent of alcohol on the person’s breath? The answer to this has not been cited. Regardless, the symptoms above make the performed FST’s reasonable. But, why was the involved Officer executing the test? This was a mistake. The involved officer should have been in the cut somewhere answering questions not being involved in the investigation. Although the actions are not illegal, it should be a violation of policy. The supervisor should have not allowed this.
4. The driver fails the FST’s and is placed into custody. Completely legal. He is then taken to a DUI Room where he provided breath samples which yielded .0000. Ok. The sample gets measured for alcohol volume. If no alcohol as in the drivers system could it be possible that he was impaired by medication or other narcotic? Was a Drug Recognition requested? I am not certain, but the driver was then released. So in a nutshell the PO’s had every reason to arrest the driver. The Driver was allowed the opportunity to clear himself which he took and actually cleared himself at which point the officers released him back at the arrest location. SUPER LEGAL!. A Bolo goes out for an armed robbery subject in the area. You observe a subject matching the exact description walking. As an officer you draw your firearm, give loud verbal commands, and take the subject into custody. Is it an arrest, no but the person is not free to leave so he is under police custody. A show up is conducted and the victim says that is not the subject. You let him the person go at that time. What is the difference?
5. The driver is then cited for being at fault. Who wrote the ticket and on what grounds? Only the investigating officer can answer that. Did the driver take the citation to court? If so what was the outcome? Nothing has been said about this issue?
6. Cover up? I don’t think so. Inaccurate police work, maybe. People are stating this case is similar to the Hollywood case. Is there clear evidence of the officers doing a little Walt Disney? Not that I have seen.
7. Political attack? Who knows?

To the 3 officers who were terminated,
My prayers are with you and your families. You guys are going through a very hard time right now and I can only say to you to try to be strong. Justice will prevail and so will you guys. Keep in mind that we live in very open minded times. The acts of some officers in the past make us all look bad and when something portrayed comparable as in your case, everyone thinks the worst. I am here to tell you that unlike the rest of the naïve people out there that will not offer you the opportunity for you to explain yourselves, please know that not only am I but also I am pulling for you guys as well. Do not feed into the media as when was the last time any media outlet put out any positive news about law enforcement? It’s been a while. That’s the way it is. It has to be hard to know that you are being questioned by everyone, unfortunately it comes with the territory. Believe in the system, although sometimes flawed, I truly believe you guys will come out of this just fine. At least you know now that other than your families you all have one more supporter. Good Luck, be patient, it will all work out.