Officer who drove drunk still a good cop: police department

A West Vancouver police officer who crashed her car last year while off duty and with a blood-alcohol level more than twice the legal limit is still in line for promotion, says the department.

Const. Lisa Alford ran into another car in Burnaby early in the morning on Nov. 26, 2005.

She pleaded guilty to driving with a blood-alcohol level of more than .08, and was sentenced toa one-year driving suspension.

West Vancouver police spokesman Cpl. Fred Hardingsaid Thursday that Alford is second in line for a promotion at the department because she's a good officer, despite the conviction.

"This one incident, we all know —and she knows more than anybody—it fell well below the standard that is expected. It fell well below the standard that she would like to present to anybody.

"But in every other aspect of her policing careerand personal life, she performs exemplarily."

Harding says Alford is currently working at a desk job,on a system that shares information between police forces.

Drinking happened at police station

West Vancouver police Chief Scott Armstrong said Alford had been drinking with colleagues after work at the West Vancouver police station before her accident.

He said such drinking sessions happened occasionally on police premises, and were sanctioned by the force.

He said he had even attended some of the parties himself.

After Alford's conviction, he put an end to the events, he said.

MADD not happy

The national president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving says she's disappointed a police officer would get behind the wheel after drinking.

However, Karen Dunhamis restrained in her criticismof the officer's behaviour.

"Of course it's disappointing for us. We work hard to get the message out there that if you're going to consume alcohol, you don't get behind the wheel."

Dunham said any punishment on the job is anissueto be dealtbypolice department.

Armstrong said Alforddid face adisciplinary hearing and was disciplined, but isn't saying what her punishment was.

She was put up for promotion afterthe incident, and the chief said she will get a promotion when a position becomes available.