Standards subcommittee decertifies several officers, postpones others to January

The Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission informal hearing subcommittee voted Dec. 12, 2024, to decertify multiple law-enforcement officers and postpone hearings for several others while investigations or litigation continue.

The subcommittee approved motions to decertify former and current officers in separate cases presented during the session and agreed to reset other matters to the commission’s January docket. Commissioners recorded at least one abstention during a decertification vote and directed staff to explain next steps for affected officers.

The most immediate decision removed certification for a corporal from the Ashland City Police Department after the agency reported the officer’s termination following a drug-related incident. Jason Matlock, deputy chief with the National City Police Department, told the commission that on Oct. 10, 2024, the officer was selected for random drug or alcohol testing and that the department’s review led to termination. When given the chance to speak, Ricardo “Rick” Arguello said he did not refuse testing but told investigators he had taken a nonprescribed narcotic the day before and did not think he would pass: “I didn't refuse to take the test... I said, hey, this is what I did day before yesterday and I I don't think I could pass this.” Matlock and commissioners…