Michigan State Police has decided missing 72 hours of work is punishment enough for a state trooper who killed an innocent civilian, injured two others and left the department $ 7.7 million out of pocket.
How did it happen?
On July 3, 2014 State trooper Timothy Fagin was parked on the side of the road when he noticed that a driver was not wearing his seatbelt.
This is when the officer decided to chase the car; he was in such a hurry that he did not feel the need to keep his siren on throughout the pursuit.
The fleeing driver also ran a blinking red light and stop signs.
Officer Fagin’s first unsuspecting victim Jacqueline Nichols was on her way to a beauty salon for an appointment, when he crashed into her car -causing an accident which led to her death.
He also injured two other bystanders.
The car he was following fled away.
Apart from the casualties, Fagin was also in breach of the State Police’s chase guidelines.
The officer’s father was in the car with him at the time; according to the policy a ride-along is required to sign a liability waiver before the driver can start pursuing another vehicle.
No such document was signed by Fagin’s ride-along.
How did the authorities decide the sentence?
The State Police Troopers Association helped Fagin negotiate an appropriate deal with his employers.
At first, the department had suggested that the officer should be suspended for 30 days; the association negotiated it down to 20 days.
However, this is not all that the union bargained with the Michigan State police.
Arguably, Fagin managed to walk away with a fairly sweet deal.
He must immediately serve 10 days.
The officer has decided to complete these by missing six 12-hour shifts, which totals 72 hours.
This is the equivalent of nine eight-hour days. The outstanding one day will be deducted from his pay check.
This leaves the second half of the sentence; if he can stay out of trouble and no new accusations of misbehavior are leveled at him until April 27, 2017, the remaining period will be written off.
However, if this is not the case Fagin shall have to serve 10 more days.
The association has also prepared for the eventuality that these allegations can be false.
If this is found to be the case Fagin would be compensated for any losses sustained in this period.
In addition to this, Fagin will be transferred to another location – nonetheless he can return after April 27, 2017.
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