A San Antonio Police Department officer, Michael Schwab, was suspended for 20 days after being recorded on his body camera taking a call from a jailed suspect accused of child sex assault. This incident occurred while Schwab, a 17-year veteran of the force, was on duty transporting a prisoner to jail in late October.
Violation of Department Rules
The suspension, issued in late March, was due to Schwab’s violation of departmental rules, including consorting with persons of ill repute and conduct unbecoming of an officer. The suspect, identified in records by the initials A.G., was incarcerated on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child and had previous allegations related to possessing child sexual content.
Schwab’s actions were deemed to have brought discredit to both himself and the department. The disciplinary records highlight the seriousness of the breach, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professional boundaries, especially in cases involving serious criminal allegations.
Impact on the Department
This incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in upholding ethical standards and the potential repercussions of failing to do so. The suspension serves as a reminder of the high standards expected of officers and the consequences of failing to adhere to them.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.