Mount Pleasant Police Department terminated 10 officers for cheating on a South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy recertification exam for DataMaster DMT breathalyzer operation. The online test, assigned around November 4, 2025, with a December 5 deadline, certifies officers to conduct breath tests admissible in DUI cases.
Investigation Details
An internal probe began after a tip, leading to two initial firings. A follow-up revealed eight more officers shared answers. Chief Mark Arnold confirmed the separations on January 23, 2026; all 10 have appealed via SCCJA. This echoes a 2021 statewide cheating scandal involving MPPD.
DUI Case Implications
Prosecutors depend on certified officers for breath-test evidence validity. Attorney Stephan Futeral notes cheating doesn’t auto-invalidate cases but invites defense challenges on training. No public review of specific DUI cases yet; town leaders eye independent probes amid ongoing inquiries.
Broader Impact
Town Council discussed transparency issues post-scandal. Mount Pleasant officials withhold officer names pending appeals. This raises Lowcountry training standards scrutiny, vital for public safety in DUI enforcement.
