ORLANDO, Fla. – Two Orlando police officers who were fired after an internal investigation concluded that they tried to cover up an unauthorized vehicle chase in 2015 have been rehired, authorities said.
Officers Michael Favorit Jr. and Frederick Rolle were fired June 29, 2016, for their conduct on Dec. 28, 2015, when the officers started to follow a Jeep.
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A police report said the officers didn't use lights or sirens when they pursued the Jeep and never informed dispatchers of the chase. The officers later reported the Jeep as a stolen vehicle and drove it to a liquor store after finding it abandoned in a field, which tainted a crime scene, authorities said. Rolle never mentioned the chase in his report.
The officers will be back on the job next month, the Orlando Police Department said.
"The city and officers tentatively agreed to settle the arbitration by reinstating the officers to duty. Both parties agreed to a total of 248 hours of suspension in lieu of termination for the offenses they were sustained on. The officers will retain their seniority; however, they will not be given back pay. The decision made in the settlement is final and binding on both parties and the grievance shall be considered permanently resolved," OPD said.
The officers will be required to attend mandated training in order to return to duty, according to OPD. Their assignments will be based on current vacancies in the department.
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