DUI Cops of Oklahoma
Although it happens, it isn't that often that a police officer in Oklahoma is arrested for DUI. What is really shocking is when two Oklahoma law enforcement officers are arrested for DUI on the same day.
That is exactly what happened in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 4, 2007.
Meet Sallisaw, OK Assistant Police Chief Billy Jack "B.J." McLemore (Left) and Vinita, OK Police Officer Kenneth Leland (Right). Both of these police officers were arrested for DUI early Sunday morning, February 4th.
McLemore, an 18 year veteran with the Sallisaw Police Department, along with three other men all in their 20's, including McLemore's son Jonathan, were arrested by Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Jeremy Weedon at about 2:20 a.m. in Sallisaw, OK
McLemore the vehicle's driver refused to take a breathalyzer test at the stop site, and was booked into the county jail on charges of DUI and possession of a firearm while intoxicated. The other three men were arrested on charges of public intoxication. All four men were released on bond later on Sunday. Bond for Assistant Police Chief McLemore was $3,000. McLemore has reportedly been placed on 'vacation leave' with pay pending the outcome of further proceedings.
Leland who joined the Vinita Police Department first in 1993, resigned in 1996 following a previous DUI arrest. Leland who was subsequently rehired by the Vinita Police Department, in spite of his earlier DUI arrest, was arrested on DUI charges by Rogers County authorities near Claremore, OK early Sunday morning.
Following his latest DUI arrest, Leland has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending further action.
Commentary and Opinion From Bubbaworld
We have no idea what caused these two veteran officers to find themselves charged with DUI. Until both have their day in court they, like everyone, are entitled to a presumption of innocence. That they even stand accused of such conduct is alarming.
One can only assume that throughout their careers in law enforcement both of these officers have repeatedly seen the risks and tragic consequences associated with driving under the influence of drugs, including alcohol.
It is both shocking and troubling that the Vinita Police Department would hire an officer already convicted of DUI as such a conviction demonstrates a lack of the degree of judgment, maturity and responsibility which law abiding citizens have a right to expect from those entrusted to uphold the law.
Should either of these officers be found guilty of the crimes of which they are accused, justice and respect for the law demands that their punishment must include a prohibition on their working in law enforcement ever again. Anything less would be a mockery of justice and a grave disservice to the citizens of Oklahoma.
