After using her position as a way to avoid a ticket in a traffic stop involving her husband’s golf cart, Tampa’s police chief was forced to resign.
Mary O’Connor resigned following an internal affairs review that found she had violated policy of the Florida police department during the incident on 12 November.
O’Connor, who was caught on a police body camera, identified herself as the Tampa chief and flashed her badge. She said, “I’m hoping that you will allow us to go tonight.”
The golf cart didn’t have a number plate, which is required if they are to be driven on public streets.
Keith O’Connor, O’Connor’s husband said that they had just left a restaurant and don’t usually drive the cart on the streets.
O’Connor was found to have violated the regulations regarding conduct and “abuses of position or identity” during an internal review.
“The Tampa Police Department has an ethical code that applies to all members of our force. Mayor Jane Castor stated this in a statement.
“As chief of police, your responsibility is not just to adhere to and enforce these standards but also to lead by example. This clearly was not the case.
O’Connor served the post for almost a year and issued a statement last week apologising for her actions.
She said, “In hindsight I realize how my handling this matter might be viewed as inappropriate, but that was not my intention.”
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