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Madison Police Officer Drunk at Work Save Email Print
58 comments
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Friday, July 4, 2008 --- 7:50 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The Madison police department says a detective was suspended for 60 days without pay after being accused of twice coming to work drunk.

Police said yesterday that Detective Jeff McPike was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after the second incident.

Authorities say a co-worker noticed alcohol on McPike's breath in February and reported it to a supervisor.

As that investigation wrapped up, McPike's supervisor said the detective reported to work again about two weeks later with measurable levels of alcohol in his body.

A police report says McPike was suspended 20 days for the first incident and 40 days for the second.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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Posted by: newt Location: madison on Jul 28, 2008 at 01:55 PM
He is only human and made a mistake. Is is a good man and has gone through a lot. Unless you know ALL the circumstances you shouldnt judge. Love ya jeffrey!! Tee
Posted by: anon Location: madison on Jul 7, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Hey Tim, what is with you having to insult everyone? You sound like you have alot of insecurities. Is there any reason why you keep posting comments just to insult people? I am really beginning to wonder about you man. You sound like an absolute jerk, word of advise keep your mouth shut. ;)
Posted by: Susan on Jul 7, 2008 at 09:39 AM
I don't have to be related to a cop to know that ONE detective with an alcohol problem doesn't mean that every cop on the job will show up drunk when Pam, or anyone, needs them. Sure, try the State Patrol if your problem is on the Interstate. Otherwise nope, they're not coming to your house.
Posted by: A COP IM NOT! Location: citizen with mental health disorders on Jul 7, 2008 at 08:30 AM
No they dont make you go to AA but, it can be a part of rehabilitating process and AA is a very good program also you dont have to be born with mental health issues to have mental problems such as it can be brought on by a tramatizing experience such as the loss of a loved one etc. so if you did not know this then you are inncorrect with your information and yes i agree with the sympathy and compassion for the mentally sick not mentally challenged people but they also need to be treated like as if they are a danger to society or themselves and be prosecuted to its fullest just like any other person on the street. IF YOU DO THE CRIME DO THE TIME isnt that the official police motto! or shall we say to protect and serve from being in harms way.
Posted by: Mike Location: Madison on Jul 7, 2008 at 06:18 AM
When you all can show me where your umbilical cord is still healing after being born yesterday, I'll believe you are innocent enough to pass judgement on Jeff McPike! You all sound like you never, ever went 1/10 a MPH over 35 on E. Wash, or 55 on the beltline! I am sure you all have stopped and given a blind pedestrian the required 10 feet of clear space on a WI roadway, or claimed, or forgot to claim, benefits of your positions for yourself on taxes, your health benefits from work, etc. Remember, public safety is EVERYONE's responsibility... when is the last time you stopped at an accident on the roadway, or ran into a burning building to save someone... that's what I thought. being drunk at work, for anyone is unacceptable, but reacting the way you all do is grotesque!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 6, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Maybe Suzie is related to the drunk cop that will show up at your door Pam. Oh, by the way, If you need help try calling the State Patrol. I know thats not saying much either but give it a try. Or, just take matters into your own hands at what ever the cost.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 6, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Hey J,9a.m. go and ambush the department you worked for. That should let'em know you're out to set the record straight. Make an example out of the rogue cops.
Posted by: tckt wrtr on Jul 6, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Whats wrong with a guy driving a cruiser with a bottle of scotch in 1 hand while having a glock strapped to your side? Come on people, get real.
Posted by: Steven on Jul 6, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Sounds as though joshua 5:41 tipped a few with the detective while posting his comment.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 6, 2008 at 01:11 PM
Anonymous 1:19p.m."unsullied" LOL!! cops are some of the biggest law breakers there are. Plain and simple. In addition to that fact, I think thats why alot of law enforcement officers go into that field to begin with, simply because their life is so messed up. They figure why not try to help somone else.
Posted by: Susan on Jul 6, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Pam at 8:44am, over-react much? You must, if you think an alcohol problem with ONE DETECTIVE means that if you're in danger the cop who shows up will automatically be drunk. Maybe it's your overreaction that makes you sick.
Posted by: j Location: sc on Jul 6, 2008 at 09:00 AM
To anon @ 12:16am - yes, there is a lot more to my story, but no BS. I was a Union steward (my ex boss HATES the Union), and I outed a bunch of the good old boys for falsifying legal documents. They all got suspensions, then promotions. And yes, they did fire me for failing to return to work after my leave was exhausted. Even though I was on short term disability. I would love for the whole story to come out, but I guess it's too political for the newspapers to pick up. I will never work in LE again. There are a few good ones out there, but the bad ones out number them I am afraid.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 5, 2008 at 10:15 PM
hey really, you sound like a useless drunken cop. moron.
Posted by: Joshua Location: Madison on Jul 5, 2008 at 05:41 PM
I have worked with Jeff in the past! He is a real man and a great cop! Has anyone asked what is wrong or does everyone just want to hang him on the cross! This cop has kept your butts safe and has witnessed some horrific stuff during the course of his carreer! Ever heard of PTSD! How about the loss of his father, Madisons Great Educator Milton McPike! Yes, its wrong to show up to work drunk but we also have to get him some help! This is out of his character and this is one cop that need not be bashed because he is actually one that does his job to the fullest! Lets pray for him and lets recognize the problem! He needs to be punished but he doesnt need to lose his job! Especially when he is one of the Best! My thoughts and prayers are with Jeff!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 5, 2008 at 04:50 PM
To anon 12:16 a.m. After my back surgery in April, right now Im just starting to get paperwork for short term S.S. benfits. Thats not guaranteed ya know. Even though I had a spinal fusion with instramentation S.S may think I can work elsewhere. I drive long haul. Also, that can take 3-5 months to be approved which is so stupid. Its just that. short term. If I am able to start driving in sept. I assure you I will start working without telling S.S They are useless!! People who need help don't get it.
Posted by: No respect on Jul 5, 2008 at 04:37 PM
To really no kidding.9:58a.m. I will make this cystal clear. In the event I am picked for jury duty, I promise you I will walk in and start shouting I would never believe anything a cop would say. Cops are not "TESTIFIERS" cops are "ACCOMPLISHED TESTILIARS"
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 5, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Dan- McPike's cannonball shooters prior to work probably boost his courage a notch or two, too, don't ya think? ;-) Perhaps he should be relegated to shining the shoes of the beat officers now...
Posted by: Susan on Jul 5, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Pam at 8:44am, why does this incident involving ONE DETECTIVE mean that when you are in trouble a drunk cop will show up? Over-react much? You must, if something like this makes you "sick". Good thing you won't be calling 911 for help. I'm pretty sure the number for JBM Patrol and Protection is in the phone book, Ryan Brothers ambulance too for the the next time you're "sick".
Posted by: Citizen serving those with mental health disorders on Jul 5, 2008 at 01:43 PM
"A COP IM NOT!", 'they' don't send ANYONE to AA rehab. Alcoholics Anonymous is a support group of people choosing to live sober. There is also no such place as a "mental ward". There are psychiatric facilities serving people who suffer with profound mental health disorders(which are neurobiological disorders, by the way). "A COP IM NOT!", how should "people on the street" be treated, in your opinion? My profession requires treatment with compassion, empathy and appropriate services.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 5, 2008 at 01:19 PM
From Page 14 of MPD's Policies and Procedures manual (available online) "Law Enforcement Code of Conduct", paragraph #2: "I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all, maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint, and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed in both my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and the regulations of my department."
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 5, 2008 at 01:15 PM
Even police officers feck up, they're human. That doesn't mean that they should be given preferential treatment, in fact they need to be held to that high standard and oath to "protect and serve" as well as abide by the law. Send your comments to Chief Wray at http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/formspolice/feedback.html
Posted by: D Location: Madison on Jul 5, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Police Officers are suppose to be held to a higher standard than the rest of us, if that was a civilian at their job they would have been fired on the spot. Can his butt before he does hurt or kill someone. This sure isnt sayin much about MPD either
Posted by: Anon Location: USA on Jul 5, 2008 at 11:15 AM
There are always crooked public officials in every jurisdiction. It's nothing new.
Posted by: To: Greg Location: From: It's Obvious on Jul 5, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Poster "Tim" is the person insistent that I am involved in law enforcement simply because I "know so much about" the McPikes. You're right, Greg, all's one has to do is READ to get the information. It's really that simple.
Posted by: Common Sense on Jul 5, 2008 at 10:49 AM
ANOTHER EXAMPLE WHY WE NEED TOUGHER DRUNK DRIVING LAWS!!!! Even our own Law Enforcement officers aren't fearful of the consequences. Kathleen Falk now ask yourself, what's more important, you wasting precious time and money on a smoking ban or doing something to stop Wisconsin's drunk drivers and protect the innocent people. This makes me wonder how many officers are actually stone cold sober, while they are on patrol? The man should be fired, just as anyone else would be for showing up to work drunk the first time, what makes him so special? Double standards, the law doesn't apply to our law officers, do as I say, not as I do.
Posted by: ReallyNoKidding Location: Here In Madison on Jul 5, 2008 at 09:58 AM
I know Jeff, great guy! Does anyone really think this is an isolated incident? Maybe so...but let it be know that once the uniforms come off at the end of the shift, "some" officers tend to bend or break the law to a certain degree. It's always been like this for as far back as I can remember, so maybe as a society we would be better off not turning a blind eye so much anymore?
Posted by: Dan Location: Madison on Jul 5, 2008 at 09:31 AM
So Det McPike likes to cannonball a couple of shooters before work..probably gives him balance. We don't want a cop who can't aim right do we??
Posted by: Greg P on Jul 5, 2008 at 09:05 AM
Calm yourself, it's obvious. Several media reports have mentioned the situation with McPike's father. You don't have to work for the MPD to know about it. You just have to be able to read.
Posted by: Pam on Jul 5, 2008 at 08:44 AM
This is an absolute disgrace!!! Why was he not fired right on the spot??? That makes me feel so much better about law enforcement. Lets see I am in danger and a drunk cop shows up-how nice!!!! Fire him and no leave and NO leave of absence with pay! This makes me sick
Posted by: Anonymous Location: lodi on Jul 5, 2008 at 07:42 AM
and did he receive dui's for those incidents or does he walk to work?
Posted by: A COP IM NOT! Location: LAKE WIS on Jul 5, 2008 at 02:05 AM
OMG! I cant believe what im reading ok first, have sympathy for the guy then take a look at his MENTAL STABILITY its apearent that he needs psycoligical help with the loss of his father and other public problems. Then he should be treated like no other person on the street and be prosecuted and sent to AA rehab and possible mental ward for the fact that he can no longer be an officer to protect and serve the public with the fear of killing you or your family or others for that fact! Second offense he should have been cut off the force at that moment until he recieved the proper medical and mental help he deserves to have paid for through his job. Besides for all we know he has no sick pay or vacation time left from when his father was terminally ill. On the other hand death is a trying time so you know MILTON just rolled over in his grave with diguist from MPD and his own CHILD.
Posted by: BOB Location: Madison on Jul 5, 2008 at 01:31 AM
Carole, get off your high horse. Orlando has an extremely corrupt Police Force, and a very high crime rate (Read your local news sites). I think the Sun has melted Your Brain....PS. You are knocking Wisconsin, but you must be from here, or have ties if your are on this site....Let me guess, you are a better person because you live in Florida?
Posted by: BOB Location: Madison on Jul 5, 2008 at 01:09 AM
How was there a 2nd incident after only 2 weeks (14 days), when he was suspended for 20 days?
Posted by: Anon on Jul 5, 2008 at 12:16 AM
Regarding the post by "j"; you cannot be "fired" for running out of Family Medical Leave (Act)- or FMLA. Under FMLA your position is required to be held for 12wks; after 12wks your position is no longer guaranteed. That said, being an LEO you were likely a union member and had union representation available to you as well as Short & Long term disability benefits. I believe there's MUCH more to your story than you let on.... don't try to BS, it's not gonna work.
Posted by: TO Joe on Jul 5, 2008 at 12:10 AM
Detective Jeff McPike, was ordered to serve that suspension without pay for showing up to work under the influence of alcohol. An investigation showed he drove his personal car to work on both occasions, a 2007 Red Dodge four door. He was not carrying his firearm, WISC-TV reported.
Posted by: TO Anon & Tim Location: From: It's Obvious on Jul 4, 2008 at 11:59 PM
I'm not associated with or involved in any type of law enforcement agency or position of any power. I knew Milt McPike, he was an admirable man and went over and above on behalf of one of my children.
Posted by: Madison on Jul 4, 2008 at 11:18 PM
The "suspended-with-pay" drunken detective should be fired IMMEDIATELY and let the union deal with it. Another law enforcement disgrace. Where are the role models for our youth? Certainly not here, certainly not in the Dane County 911 coverup debacle. It's all a big joke.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 4, 2008 at 11:15 PM
To J, 8:51p.m. Don't feel bad about being fired. I had back surgery in April, my 3rd one. This goes back to last october with insurance wanting to exahaust all avenues before surgery. After my medical leave ran out thats when I got onto Cobra Insurance. Something you have to be offered by law. When I can go back to work hopefully in Sept. I think I would have job security with a $70,000.00 back surgery claim on the companies insurance policy.
Posted by: j Location: sc on Jul 4, 2008 at 08:51 PM
Ok, so I am really confused now. I was a former LEO and I was fired for running out of FMLA leave during a serious medical condition. And I had never been reprimanded in my 18 years there. (Different Dept)But this guy can show up drunk and only gets suspended?? And people wonder why I will never be in LE again.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 4, 2008 at 07:41 PM
It's obvious must work for The Wisconsin State Patrol.
Posted by: To It's Obvious on Jul 4, 2008 at 07:35 PM
It's obvious I just want to express my admiration towards you and the MPD about how you are able to tell the truth. When you posted to me at 11:10a.m. you made it very clear how you are not accosiated with the Department or it's employees, then to sara at 12:55p.m. if you did not know this guy, hows it possible you know that information about him and his father? Once again cop, I appreciate the level of honesty Police carry. You are another example of why there is no trust in people such as yourself.
Posted by: Carole Location: orlando on Jul 4, 2008 at 06:24 PM
Why doesn't the MPD wait until he kills someone?? I would've been fired when the first incident ocurred!!!! Wake up Madison. I think because of all the cheese you eat up there the arteries in the brain are lacking oxygen.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 4, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Wow, I wonder if this detective has enough sense to read the news article on here, the comment board and sees the anger people have with him. (And how much we care about his issues) To the detective, my dad use to get me fired from jobs because he wanted me to be depended on him. As crazy as that sounds thats a fact. Also he and my sister live alone with her husband. The Sicilian lifestyle. He would always say I will never make it in life. I will do nothing more than scrub toilets. A normal dad regardless of how they were raised would want better for their kids, exept this thing.I can assure I've had to pick the pieces up several times. Does that count if I begin to use drugs or start shooting people?
Posted by: anonymous Location: madison on Jul 4, 2008 at 05:59 PM
I find it funny that this detectives partner was the dectective that was checking out "property" and using them for his own pleasure a few months ago and almost killed in an accident. What a dinamic duo they mest of been!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 4, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Maybe the MPD is waiting for this guy to drink and drive and kill someone while on duty. That will really add to the departments long list of credentials.
Posted by: TIM on Jul 4, 2008 at 03:30 PM
P.S. I'm quite sure there will be a few cops who will be posting but will be in denial that they are in law enforcement. Very typical.
Posted by: TIM Location: Sick of excuses on Jul 4, 2008 at 03:28 PM
To everyone who is begining to foam at the mouth with my response. No, I will be the first to admit I am not perfect. However, understand realize and know this, with all the drunk driving thats going on, the people who are killed because of drunk driving you people who are "enabling an idiot, and I will call him that simply because everyone knows when you're a cop you are held to a higher standard simply because you enforce the law. Now because Police are just as human as I am, they should have the sense to take the steps needed when they themselves begin to have problems. Everyone knows, ohhh!! I'm married to a cop and the job is sooooooo difficult, YES IT IS!!! BUT DARN YOU IDIOTS!!! When you have problems take care of them!! You people make me sick!! Anyone else, JUST SHUT UP!! And Sara, COMPASSION!! Remind yourself of those words if this DETECTIVE drove drunk and killed someone YOU KNOW!
Posted by: Joe E Location: joe@somemail.com on Jul 4, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Obviously some who know him have commented that he has 'issues' going on. If they affected him this much, why is he still on the job. It is a criminal offense to be intoxicated and handle a gun. I'm guessing he had his gun with him when he reported to work intoxicated. Anyone looking into that?
Posted by: Fred Location: fredz@nmail.com on Jul 4, 2008 at 02:58 PM
If I came to work drunk twice, I'd be out of a job, plain and simple. To think police officers dont lose their jobs for such things is irritating. Thank the tree hugging MPD and the union for again showing that the officers arent accountable for their actions. Unbelieveable.
Posted by: MilwHowie Location: Milwaukee, WI on Jul 4, 2008 at 01:32 PM
McPike's dad was a former NFL player and was a principal at a Madison High School. He's black, Chief Wray is black.....how childish to think that he would be fired!!! DUH.... I think Wray will promote him in the near future. He SHOULD be terminated!!!
Posted by: TO Sara Location: From: It's Obvious on Jul 4, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Det. McPike's father, a leader in the community for many many years (Milt McPike) died in spring of cancer. I'm sure that loss (and the difficult times preceding Mr. McPike's death) had an impact on Det. McPike. I agree, too, that no matter the reasons, Det. McPike crossed the line as a law enforcement officer as well as broke the law and should no longer hold a position in law enforcement. I still have compassion and empathy for Jeff McPike. Godspeed, Jeff.
Posted by: Sara Location: Madison on Jul 4, 2008 at 12:18 PM
I also read somewhere that the detective in question was having some kind of personal issues that may have contributed to his poor desicion making. This is really unfortunate, and I hope that the dective is able to get some help to get through these issues. Nevertheless, I also think that McPike is getting off too easily. WHen someone signs on to be a police officer, they are also agreeing to be an example for others to follow as far as proper conduct. McPike didn't uphold that end of things when he showed up at work drunk, and thus I think he should probably lose his job (as most anyone else would if they chose to show up at work drunk). When people are going through tough times sometimes it makes them do really stupid things. This is a prime example of that. There is one other thing too, for TIM: a little compassion goes a long way. I hope you never find yourself in hard times, but if you do I sure hope you're shown a lot more kindness than what you demonstrated in your post.
Posted by: TO TIM Location: From: It's Obvious on Jul 4, 2008 at 11:10 AM
For the record: I'm NOT a member or in any way associated with MPD or any of it's employees. In fact I don't reside in Madison's city limits (by choice, for OBVIOUS reasons). I was NOT condoning or in any way justifying or rationalizing Det. McPike's behavior, either. I was simply making an observational statement. I'm not a "right wing smash'em down" person, like you Tim. I'm sure you're not a perfect human, either, Tim. God, I'm continually amazed at the persecution and condemnation that occurs on NBC15's message boards. Those who throw the biggest stones often live in glass houses themselves.
Posted by: TIM on Jul 4, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Hey Obvious,8:29a.m. It's nice you want to stick up for your fellow officer/detective. The fact is pal, someone else said it, everyone on this earth has problems and to show up at work being a drunken slob actually shows how weak of an indiviual he is when the pressures in life begin to clamp down. Your department should get a good crack across the head given the fact this is not the 1st time this had happened, meaning it's not the 1st time he drove drunk. What would you and your department say if this Detective drove drunk and knocked someone off? "I guess we'll see to it he gets the help he needs won't cut it. I bet a lawsuit would though.
Posted by: Anon Location: Madison on Jul 4, 2008 at 10:46 AM
MPD at its best, I am willin to bet the DA will try to get shoved under the carpet in record time, he doesnt want his record tarnished when it comes to Wray and HIS BOYS, MPD needs major management changes NOW, starting with gettin Wray out
Posted by: C Location: Sauk County on Jul 4, 2008 at 09:26 AM
"You Know You Live In Wisconsin When: Your own police officers are showing up drunk to work..." great job officer, way to encourage people to respect police officers...NOT!
Posted by: It's obvious Location: Madison on Jul 4, 2008 at 08:29 AM
Det. McPike has significant issues right now. Hopefully he gets the help he needs.
Posted by: Setting the example on Jul 4, 2008 at 08:22 AM
I don't understand why someone like that would do something so stupid. These are the people who are suppose to be setting an example. Sure everyone on the planet has problems, but go seek help moron. You're a cop and drunk at work. How admirable. I bet this guy has a pretty good 4th of july weekend.

 
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