PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh police Sgt. Tariq Francis was going to be fired after pleading guilty to his second DUI, but today 11 Investigates learned that he turned in his resignation.
11 Investigates has learned Tariq Francis, facing a five-day suspension pending termination, has resigned after pleading guilty in July to his second DUI.
Beth Pittinger is head of the Citizen Police Review Board.
“He was recovering, and something went sideways, and now we know the rest of the story and it’s just a tragic story all the way around for him,” Pittinger said.
She says Francis was a good officer, well-liked, but he had his second chance.
“He had a good career, a good future, and he blew it,” Pittinger said.
His troubles began five years ago, when he was charged with his first DUI, which was a hit-and-run accident with injuries.
Francis caught a break and was allowed to enter a program for first-time offenders the city stood by him and got him help.
His record was eventually wiped clean, and he was even promoted to sergeant, but late last year, he was found on the side of the road in Plum, passed out in his vehicle. He was charged again with DUI.
Last month, he pleaded guilty to a lesser DUI charge in hopes of saving his job, but PennDOT then suspended his license.
Under the city’s new disciplinary policy agreed to by officers in the last contract, the city can fire an officer if driving privileges are suspended for more than six months.
Pittinger praised the new leadership for taking a tougher stance than she’s seen in years, and she says this will go a long way when it comes to public trust.
“They can trust the bureau to do what they’re supposed to do when faced with challenging behavior from their officers,” Pittinger said. “We have to credit leadership for beginning the task of cleaning it up, restoring some structure.”
Pittinger went on to say she hopes Francis gets the help he needs and ultimately turns his life around.
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