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Officer reprimanded in 'gun' case

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By JOSE PATINO GIRONA

jpatino@tampatrib.com

Published: August 28, 2009

TAMPA - A Hillsborough County courthouse security officer has received a written reprimand for allowing a woman to pass through courthouse security this month with what appeared to be a gun.

The object turned out to be a lighter shaped like a pistol, but it still forced the evacuation of more than 3,000 people from the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse and the annex across the street.

Officer Armando Arroyo was cited for failing to follow standard operating procedures and inattention to duties on Aug. 5, jeopardizing the "safety of judges and citizens," according to the letter of reprimand.
Arroyo received the disciplinary notice on Aug. 18. The letter warns that similar errors in the future could lead to his firing.

Arroyo's job was to view the video monitor. He was talking with another officer and a citizen when a purse with what appeared to be a gun passed through the scanner. By the time Arroyo noticed the image, the woman had picked up her purse and walked into the courthouse.

The letter gives Arroyo credit for immediately notifying his supervisor.

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