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Health & Fitness

Disgraced police officers still collect taxpayer-funded retirement

By Kirsten Adshead | Wisconsin Reporter

MADISON — For the second time this summer, a Madison police officer is stepping down amid allegations of wrongdoing, but the officer will probably keep collecting a check from taxpayers.

Public officials who participate in the Wisconsin Retirement System continue to get their pensions and retirement benefits even if they are fired or convicted of a crime, said Mark Lamkins, director of communications and legislation for the state Department of Employee Trust Funds.

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“State law protects the individual because this is a benefit they’ve earned (regardless) of perhaps the quality of their work or whatever else may be going on with that individual,” Lamkins said.

Late last week, the Madison police department announced that Officer Morris Reid opted to retire after an investigation showed he had:

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  • Engaged in an on-duty relationship with a female
  • Mishandled two pieces of evidence
  • Caused an unlawful disturbance at a friend’s residence
  • Not addressed a domestic violence situation he was made aware of
  • Participated in a law enforcement activity involving the boyfriend of a woman with whom he was involved.

Reid hasn’t been on active duty since the accusations were made in October, said Lt. Dan Olivias of the Madison police department’s professional standards and internal affairs office.

“He was on administrative leave while the investigation was ongoing, but then since he signed his retirement agreement, he’s been using his own (accrued vacation and comp) time,” Olivias said.

Reid’s retirement is effective Aug. 30.

Read more at WisconsinReporter.com

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