By HEATHER CATHLEEN COX
Special to the NEWS
The San Benito Civil Service Commission met Wednesday to discuss Police Operations Chief Martin Morales’ request for a fitness for duty evaluation of Officer Guadalupe “Lupi” Andrade, who was placed on temporary leave with pay after a substance was flagged in a drug test administered to her recently.
The test was part of an annual physical and drug screen that’s mandatory for officers. The substance flagged in Andrade’s test, however, has yet to be disclosed by officials.
After an hour-long closed session, Alan Ozuna, the attorney representing the City of San Benito, took the podium and recommended the need for a third party, independent opinion from a physician of the San Benito Police Department’s choosing – and at the city’s expense – before deeming Andrade fit or unfit to retain her position as a patrolman with the SBPD.
Andrade’s attorney, Francisco Zabarte of Brownsville, said, “I would prefer not to comment since this matter is a closed session.”
Zabarte had no objection to Ozuna’s recommendation during the meeting and presented one modification: Andrade must be allowed to return to her regular work schedule should she be cleared.
Andrade will be given two weeks, or 10 business days, to see the appointed physician who will examine her for fitness for duty.
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