“The man lost his job and he is addicted to pills,” said District Attorney General Steve Bebb.
Josh West resigned his position Jan. 6, as an officer with Cleveland Police Department. West resigned just days after a CPD Internal Affairs investigation began, citing possible narcotic drug use while on duty.
During the course of the investigation, West was found to be using hydrocodone while on duty. He was also found to be in violation of city policy and procedure regarding notification to his superiors that he was on the prescribed drug, which is a painkiller.
Chief Wes Snyder said a urine sample provided by West indicated he tested positive for hydrocodone in his system. West willingly complied with investigators regarding the sample, according to Snyder.
Early in the investigation, Snyder indicated policy and procedure violations were evident; however he also indicated findings would be turned over to the DA’s office for review of any alleged criminal activity or intent.
Snyder said officers have vacation or sick days which are to be used if they are on any type of medication which may affect their performance as a police officer.
“If an officer is on this type medication, he or she has sick days which can be used until their doctors have released them,” Snyder explained early in the investigation.
In all, West was found to have committed a number of policy and procedure violations while working as an employee of the city.
