By Kimber Solana
Salinas Californian
KING CITY, Calif — King City Police Chief Nick Baldiviez has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the results of an investigation into allegations he showed up to crime scenes drunk and inappropriately promoted a reserve officer.
Baldiviez was placed on leave at 10 a.m. today, said City Manager Michael Powers. Capt. Bruce Miller will be acting chief during the investigation.
Powers announced the decision to place Baldiviez on leave two days after he met with the City Council behind closed doors for nearly two hours on Wednesday to discuss allegations raised by the King City Police Officers Association.
The police chief is accused of showing up to crime scenes intoxicated and promoting a reserve officer to full-time without following department procedures.
At one homicide scene, the memo states, the police chief contaminated the crime scene by stepping in blood and placing his coffee cup within the scene before the area had been processed for evidence.
Powers said the city intends to conduct a thorough but speedy investigation. The investigation will also be conducted in accordance with state law and the Peace Officer’s Bill of Rights.
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