A seasoned Texas law enforcement officer with more than two decades of service has been dismissed following an investigation into allegations of excessive force, dishonesty, and misconduct. Joseph Montez, a former officer with the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) Police Department, was terminated on February 22, 2024, after an internal probe found that he violated numerous departmental policies during an arrest in November 2023. Despite this, Montez has since found new employment with another school district’s police force, sparking debate about the oversight of law enforcement personnel.
Investigation Reveals Serious Violations
The investigation into Montez’s conduct was launched after an incident on November 5, 2023, where he was accused of using unnecessary and excessive force during the arrest of a suspect. According to SAISD Police Chief Johnny Reyes, Jr., Montez struck the suspect’s legs five times with an ASP baton after the individual had been handcuffed and no longer posed a threat. Investigators determined that the use of force was unwarranted and violated departmental training standards. Furthermore, Montez reportedly made several false statements in his reports and during the investigation, undermining his credibility.
The findings outlined in the termination letter described Montez’s actions as retaliatory, unprofessional, and a breach of multiple policies. These included prohibitions on excessive force, dishonesty, and failure to maintain civility while performing his duties. The report emphasized that Montez’s conduct was not only inconsistent with departmental expectations but also failed to set a positive example for the school district’s students.
A Long Career Tarnished by Controversy
Montez’s law enforcement career spans more than 20 years, with roles at multiple Texas police departments, including Edgewood ISD and Somerset Police Department, before his long tenure with SAISD. Throughout his career, Montez completed over 2,100 hours of professional training, including courses in de-escalation techniques, firearms handling, and crisis intervention. Despite his extensive training and experience, the November 2023 incident marked a significant deviation from acceptable law enforcement practices, leading to his dismissal.
While Montez’s training record demonstrates a deep understanding of law enforcement protocols, Chief Reyes stated in the termination letter that his actions during the arrest were “far outside the department’s training standards” and represented a serious lapse in judgment.
New Employment Raises Concerns
Despite his termination from SAISD, Montez was hired by the Judson Independent School District (Judson ISD) Police Department on July 1, 2024. Records from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) confirm that he is currently serving as a peace officer at Judson ISD. This has prompted questions about the hiring practices of law enforcement agencies and the transparency of information shared between departments regarding officer misconduct.
Montez’s re-employment highlights what experts call the “wandering officer” phenomenon, where law enforcement personnel dismissed for serious violations find new positions at other agencies. Advocates for accountability argue that such moves undermine public trust and create potential risks for the communities these officers serve. On the other hand, some argue that officers deserve opportunities to learn from past mistakes, provided they undergo appropriate evaluations and demonstrate a commitment to change.
Pursuing Transparency
In an effort to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Montez’s termination and subsequent hiring, this publication is actively pursuing public records from both SAISD and Judson ISD. These records requests aim to provide further insight into how each district evaluated Montez’s conduct and the processes that led to his dismissal and re-employment. Understanding the policies and decisions of these institutions is crucial for ensuring that public safety and accountability remain priorities.
The records will also help determine whether Judson ISD was fully aware of the findings from SAISD’s investigation when it decided to hire Montez. The results of these inquiries will be shared in future reports to keep the public informed about the transparency and accountability of these law enforcement agencies.
Disclaimer
The content provided above is for informational and educational purposes only. The details outlined in the complaint and the allegations against the involved parties are based on the information available at the time of composition. Any actions or decisions taken based on this information should be carefully considered and coupled with professional legal counsel where necessary. The accuracy, completeness, and current nature of the information cannot be guaranteed, and no liability is accepted for any losses or damages incurred as a result of the use of this information. It is advisable to consult with a qualified legal professional regarding specific legal issues and concerns.
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