A former Tucson police officer who filed a lawsuit against the department last year may no longer be able to work in law enforcement in the state.
The Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training Board decided Wednesday to initiate proceedings against Beau Tribolet, which could result in the suspension or revocation of his peace officer certification, said board spokeswoman Sandy Sierra.
Tribolet was an 18-year veteran of the Tucson Police Department when he resigned Nov. 4 after internal affairs determined he provided false testimony in a civil hearing, an AZPOST document obtained by the Star shows.
In November 2014, Triboletβs wife ran a red light, and a ticket was issued from a red-light camera. A process server went to their home in February and gave Tribolet paperwork for the violation, the document said.
In April, his wife was notified her license had been suspended for failing to appear in court, and when she asked Tribolet, he said he didnβt remember receiving any paperwork, the document states.
At a June court hearing to contest the suspension, Tribolet was placed under oath and denied being served the paperwork, the document said.
The process server produced a nearly four-minute recording of his conversation with Tribolet, and his wife confirmed that it was Triboletβs voice. The suspension was upheld, and the judge contacted TPDβs internal affairs division to alert them to Triboletβs false testimony, the document said.
During his internal affairs interview, Tribolet stated several times that he didnβt remember being served with the paperwork, even after hearing the recording, the document said.
He resigned in lieu of termination.
Last July, Tribolet filed a retaliation and harassment complaint against the police department in Pima County Superior Court, also naming then-police Chief Roberto VillaseΓ±or and the Tucson city clerk as defendants in the suit.
Tribolet alleged that after reporting a possible incident of sexual harassment by another TPD sergeant, he was reprimanded, demoted and subjected to two internal affairs investigations, according to court documents.
The lawsuit also said Tribolet was ordered to take forced leave during the internal affairs investigation. He claimed he was receiving ongoing psychological care as a result of the situation aggravating his pre-existing PTSD.
The court dismissed the lawsuit at the defendantsβ request, court records show.
A formal complaint will be mailed to Tribolet, who have the opportunity for an AZPOST hearing with an administrative law judge, Sierra said.
