SOUTH BURLINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE
Phone: 846-4111

INCIDENT #: Internal Affairs Investigation

Fax #: 846-4102
DATE/TIME:

INVESTIGATING OFFICER: Chief Whipple

April 20, 2015

INCIDENT TYPE: Conclusion of Internal Affairs Investigation re: Lt. Jeffrey Martel
BRIEF NARRATIVE: The South Burlington Police Department has concluded the Internal Affairs investigation
regarding the arrest of Lieutenant Jeffrey Martel on March 22, 2015 for Driving while Under the Influence of
Intoxicating Liquor while off duty.
The police department investigated allegations of the following violations of department General Orders and
Rules:

1.
2.
3.
4.

Prohibited Criminal Conduct (DUI) - General Order AD 117.2.0 C

Conduct Unbecoming an Officer General Order AD 117.2.0 A
Oath of Honor AD 105
Law Enforcement Code of Conduct (Private Life)
5. Law Enforcement Code of Ethics
The investigation concluded that all allegations of General Orders and Rule violations were Sustained, meaning
that they were substantiated. Lt. Martel previously pleaded guilty to the charge of Driving While Under the
Influence of Intoxicating Liquor. The state issued a 90 day license suspension for the offense. This began on
April 1 and Lt. Martel will have to meet state requirements prior to his license being reinstated in 90 days. This
includes an alcohol assessment, attending and successfully completing the CRASH program, and providing proof
of insurance.
These are serious violations that merit disciplinary action. They have also caused concern to the public. As a
result we are not only sharing the outcome but sharing the documents that were created during the
investigation. Lt. Martel has accepted responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty to the DUI and accepting
the discipline as presented.
Lt. Martel was issued the following disciplinary action:
1. Four (4) weeks unpaid suspension to start immediately (Return to work date is May 18, 2015 if all other
conditions are met)
2. Upon return to work rate of pay is reduced by 7% due to an inability to perform all job functions, in

particular, operate a motor vehicle. Return to normal pay rate upon reinstatement of drivers license.

3. Drivers license must be reinstated in a reasonable time period but not to exceed 120 days from April
20, 2015.

19 Gregory Drive, Suite 1, South Burlington, Vermont 05403

Dispatch: 846-4111(Fax 846-4102) Records 846-4160 (Fax 846-4204) Administration 846-4165 (Fax 846-4205)

Trevor S. Whipple, Chief of Police

SBPD Press Release

April 20, 2015
Re: Lt. Martel Internal Affairs investigation result

4. Must submit to and cooperate with assessment/evaluation of dependence on or abuse of alcohol and

of any maladaptive drinking behaviors. To include authorization for sharing any results with the chief.

5. Prior to returning to duty, must submit a letter from a qualified assessor/evaluator/clinician indicating
6.

that the ability to perform job duties is not impaired or compromised by use, abuse or dependence on
alcohol or other intoxicants.
During the period of reduced duty, Department command personnel will monitor compliance. Failure

to actively and affirmatively engage in the alcohol assessment/evaluation, to pursue the reinstatement of
license, non-compliance with General Orders of the Department or other lawful orders, guidelines and
directives of the Department or of superior officers, or unsatisfactory discharge of duties and
responsibilities as a Department employee may result in additional discipline consistent with GO AD118.4.0, up to and including termination of employment.