Ex-Maricopa officer loses certification

The Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training Board stripped former Maricopa Police Officer Martice Berry of his certification Wednesday, Nov. 17.

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The decision means Berry, will not be able to seek employment in law enforcement in any capacity in the state of Arizona.

“This decision by the AZ POST was based on a faulty investigation conducted by the Maricopa police department,” Berry said. “I plan to immediately appeal this decision.”

Berry was fired Aug. 11, 2009 for conduct unbecoming of an officer for allegedly harassing women both on and off duty, sending pictures of male genitalia to various women and kissing and groping a 16-year-old girl.

However, during a city merit board hearing that upheld the termination, Berry claimed he was not guilty of the accusations, and said he was actually terminated in retaliation for filing a Feb. 10, 2009 complaint with the Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Division alleging employment discrimination.

The Arizona Attorney General’s Office has since determined reasonable cause exists to conclude Berry’s termination was racially driven

That decision led Berry to enter into negotiations with the city on a settlement.

However, Berry said the city was not willing to meet his demands and he now plans to file a claim against the city in federal court.

While he is yet to file that claim, Berry said he plans to ask for in excess of $3 million. “The city’s investigation has now cost me my certification and the ability to find work not only in Arizona, but in any other state,” he said.

The city declined to comment.