Packer’s body was discovered inside his home on March 13. The circumstances surrounding his death are still being investigated, according to San Jose Police Chief Anthony Mata. In a statement issued Saturday, Mata said: “Any allegations of drug use by a San Jose police officer are alarming. The police chief said, “There are no free passes for police officers and we will not make excuses. When an officer violates the public’s trust, inside or outside the service, I will hold them accountable.” The police chief said the full details of Packer’s death are not yet known and are being investigated by the Milpitas police department, with the full co-operation of the San Jose department. “This behavior is not something we approve of and will continue to assist the Milpitas PD in its investigation,” Mata said. The police chief noted that grief counselors will be made available to the department’s officers and counselors will reconsider the importance of participating in wellness programs. “We have already planned substance abuse prevention training for our staff, not only for themselves, but also for recognizing the signs for those around us and how to get help,” he said. “We will not hesitate to keep our officers well, not only physically but also emotionally.” Copyright © 2022 by Bay City News, Inc. Democracy, retransmission or any other reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
