The police training academy in Prince George's County, Md., is the focus of an internal affairs investigation of alleged cheating that could involve discipline, suspension or even removal of 32 Prince George's County police officers and two members of the Maryland National-Capital Park Police.
The allegations cast doubt on the officers' honesty and credibility.
Prince George's County State's Attorney Glenn Ivey, whose office prosecutes crimes, formed a team to determine how many of his cases involve police involved in the alleged cheating scandal.
“We’ll have to look at each case individually and make a determination as to whether we can still rely on that case and have confidence in the integrity of the outcome of it," he said. "That involves cases that have already been litigated and some cases that are still pending."
The Washington Post quoted a memo from the former training commander notifying his superiors that there was a complaint from a former student that instructors provided cadets with test answers. On 11 exams, each student scored 100 percent. On one exam a student who was not even present scored 100 percent.
Records from files have reportedly been removed in some cases. A cadet who failed at the basic skills of searching and handcuffing remains on active duty.
“I’m sure, well, I’m hopeful at the end of the investigation it will be found that there was no wrongdoing on their part," said Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 89 President Vince Canales. "If there was, I’m sure the agency will take prompt action, but at this point, we're standing behind our members until the investigation is complete.”
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