New zero tolerance policy for police

SANTA FE (KRQE) - A new zero tolerance policy cuts no breaks to Santa Fe police officers accused of lying, creeping and drunk driving, among other infractions. The police chief said it's a long time coming.

Effective Friday, Chief Raymond Rael said any officer accused of sexual harassment, domestic violence, DWI, lying or any felony could be fired immediately. Rael said he will make a recommendation for termination, though it will be up to the city manager to make the final decision. Rael said for years, officers have been getting away with verbal reprimands and suspensions.

"We have a couple of additional officers that have engaged in misconduct under previous chiefs who received corrective action much lighter than I would have proposed," said Rael, who took over last spring. "We have to be held to that higher standard. We have to ensure that we enforce these laws and I don't think we can do it hypocritically."

Rael points to former Sante Fe Police Sgt. Michael Eiskant as the prime example. Eiskant, a 12-year veteran of the department, was suspended for about a month in 2004, following a claim he pulled a woman over five times and demanded sex. During his tenure, News 13 uncovered the complaints stacked up. Eiskant retired in February.

In April, Eiskant admitted to stalking one woman and harassing two others, including a fellow Sante Fe police officer. He also confessed to illegally using a law enforcement database to get information about women. As part of his plea deal, Eiskant agreed to never again be an officer.

Rael admits there are some officers still on the force who he believes should have been fired long ago but saysa they have already been disciplined and he can't retroactively reopen those cases.

"Unfortunately you can't un-ring the bell," said Rael. "They were already disciplined for the violation and I can't reopen that situation. I can tell you, however, that if those officers engage in that kind of conduct under my administration, I would most definitely recommend termination."

The Santa Fe Police Officers' Association sent News 13 a statement, saying "The Santa Police Officers Association presented the idea of a "Zero Tolerance" policy to Chief Rael when he first took office in the Spring of 2011. Sadly, it took a recent highly publicized situation involving a now retired member of our department and the subsequent pressure from various community organizations for the Chief to officially bring this forward. While we embrace the intent of these policy changes, it is our understanding that certain provisions may be subject to contractual negotiation. We fully expect that all members of the Department be held to these new policy standards."