Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A Springfield Police officer arrested in Chatham July 4 for allegedly driving drunk has been demoted and will serve a suspension.

Police say Lindzee Carpenter, who was a sergeant, has been moved down to patrol officer, will serve a 30 day suspension, and will be on a 12-month probationary period.

Those are the results of an internal investigation into the incident with Carpenter.

“In addition, personal and professional development measures, along with other corrective actions, have been implemented to maintain accountability, reinforce departmental standards, and support the health and wellness of our officers,” said a statement on the department’s transparency portal.  “(Carpenter) will also serve a probationary period of 12 months with additional oversight to ensure full compliance with SPD policies and the aforementioned discipline.”

It is not clear if the suspension is paid or unpaid, but police say all the moves were done in accordance with the police union’s collective bargaining agreement.

Carpenter was to have been in court Friday, but that hearing was continued.

Police — in conjunction with the launch of a part of the department’s transparency portal that includes interactive maps and more data — say stronger personal and professional development measures have been implemented.

FULL STATEMENT FROM SPRINGFIELD POLICE

The Springfield Police Department has concluded its internal investigation of the July 4 arrest of Lindzee Carpenter. Consistent with the findings of the investigation and the parties’ collective bargaining agreement, Carpenter has been reassigned to the rank of Patrol Officer and is serving a 30-day suspension. In addition, personal and professional development measures, along with other corrective actions, have been implemented to maintain accountability, reinforce departmental standards, and support the health and wellness of our officers. She will also serve a probationary period of 12 months with additional oversight to ensure full compliance with SPD policies and the aforementioned discipline.

The Springfield Police Department is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and service to our community. When concerns arise involving the actions of our officers, they must be thoroughly and objectively reviewed. This investigation was conducted with that commitment in mind, and appropriate action has been taken based on its findings.

Our responsibility is not only to hold ourselves accountable, but also to continually learn, improve, and support our officers as they carry out the important work of serving the Springfield community. We will continue to uphold the standards our community expects and deserves from its police department.