By HEATHER CATHLEEN COX
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
Lupi Andrade, a patrol officer with the San Benito Police Department, fell under investigation of ‘fitness for duty’ after being flagged in a routine drug test in August. Andrade was placed on immediate probation (with pay) from her post with SBPD, pending the outcome of a physician’s evaluation.
As of Wednesday, October 17, Assistant Chief of Operations Michael Galvan said, “I was told to assign Andrade a car, and give her an ID card today.”
Chief of Operations Martin Morales added, “She was reinstated as of Wednesday, which was her first day back.” Regarding the ultimate decision for Andrade’s reinstatement, Morales explained, “She was found in compliance. She met the suitability requirements, and she is able to continue her duties as a police officer.”
At Andrade’s initial hearing, she was given a timeframe of 10 days in which she was ordered to comply with a mandate to visit a doctor, to be appointed by the police department. This was over two months ago. When asked why the decision process took longer than anticipated, Morales said, “When you’re depending on other people for feedback, you can’t always control if they turn in documents within [specified] time constraints.”
Additionally, Morales mentioned, “Everything is good to go and back to normal” within the department, as Lupi has reclaimed her long-time position with SBPD.
At present, Andrade is the only female officer employed by SBPD. She has experienced other instances of reprimand which are unrelated to being flagged in this drug screening, which have also not resulted in official termination.
Read the story in the Oct. 21 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
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