11-02-09 Sheriff Investigates Off-Duty Deputy

 

 

Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke ordered an internal inquiry when he learned of a deputy who was found to have a loaded firearm inside her carryon bag as it passed through the x-ray machine at the screening checkpoint.

 

The deputy, Catherine Trimboli, a lieutenant assigned to the Internal Affairs Division, was traveling off duty on Friday, October 23, 2009, when the loaded Glock .40 caliber handgun was discovered. Law enforcement officers are only allowed to travel armed on airplanes when the weapon is declared and approved through federal procedures. The weapon never got past the screening checkpoint.

 

The deputy indicated to a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) supervisor that she had the weapon in her computer bag she uses for work along with her agency badge and photo identification. Her weapon always stays in that bag and she neglected to remember to remove it for her air travel.

 

TSA officials were satisfied with the explanation and after their investigation allowed the deputy to board her flight and resume her travel. The firearm was turned over to the Sheriff’s office. No disruption occurred at the screening checkpoint.

 

Sheriff Clarke states, “ I’ve had a week to review the incident and I’m totally satisfied with the explanation given by the lieutenant. She indicated in talking to me that she fully understands the federal regulation regarding the prohibition of air travel with a firearm by anyone unless prior approval is granted. She is embarrassed about the situation and offered no excuse. She apologized for the potential embarrassment to the agency and is willing to accept any discipline that I might hand down. I don’t hear that from a lot of members when a bad outcome occurs. She learned a valuable lesson as to paying attention to detail. This matter is closed with no further action.”

 

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