3 Tampa Police Officers Fired Following Internal Investigation

TAMPA, FL -- Three Tampa Police officers have been fired following an eight-month internal investigation.

Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan announced that the investigation concluded that the officers violated numerous policies stemming from a citizen's complaint in September.

The citizen accused Officers Mark Landry and John Laratta of threatening him.

Investigators attempted to review Laratta's body camera and discovered that the incident had not been properly recorded. That led to an expanded review of Laratta's use of his body-worn camera.

Ultimately, the investigation expanded to 11 officers.

Early on in the investigation, Landry and Laratta were placed on administrative duty and drug tested. Officer Algenis Maceo also was placed on administrative duty. All three were found to have violated numerous department policies and regulations.

Seven other officers had at least one policy violation. One officer was cleared.

None of the offenses rose to the level of criminal acts, said investigators.

"Cops are human. I don't expect them to be perfect but I do expect them to have integrity," said Dugan.

Investigators found no evidence that officers improperly arrested or detained suspects, nor that they planted evidence or violated the rights of suspects.

Generally, it was what the officers failed to do that resulted in their policy violations, said investigators.

Policy violations include not properly recording events via body camera (Laratta is the only officer who had a body camera), improperly disposing of evidence, failing to submit required reports, use of tobacco while on duty and being discourteous to the public.

In February, Dugan notified the State Attorney that at least two of the officers under investigation might have credibility issues that could compromise court cases. As a result, the State Attorney's Office has dropped charges against four defendants. Other cases are under review.

As a direct result of the investigation, TPD is reviewing policies and making changes where necessary.

The officers have 21 days to appeal their termination.