Salamoni complained that Phares has become a more severe disciplinarian as embarrassing incidents have continued to come to light. Some officers also believe discipline has been inconsistent, that Phares gives lighter punishments to his friends or to those in investigative divisions rather than patrol, Salamoni said. Johnson said he hears the same kinds of complaints. Phares flatly denies such favoritism. Phares said he tries to take into account the officer's entire career and the circumstances of the incident in deciding discipline.
Some people come in here and save themselves.
If somebody comes in here and lies about something, they get no consideration. Some of the year's most serious cases involved improper handling of evidence. In March, Sgt. Robert McGehee and Cpl. Tommy Morrison were arrested for allegedly stealing guns from the Police Department's evidence room in 1994 and 1995.