Suspension records obtained by mySA.com details how SAPD Detective Kenneth Valdez mishandled dozens of cases within the department's Special Victims Unit, events that led to his termination Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017.
lessSuspension records obtained by mySA.com details how SAPD Detective Kenneth Valdez mishandled dozens of cases within the department's Special Victims Unit, events that led to his termination Thursday, Nov. 2,
... moreSuspension records obtained by mySA.com details how SAPD Detective Kenneth Valdez mishandled dozens of cases within the department's Special Victims Unit, events that led to his termination Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017.
lessSuspension records obtained by mySA.com details how SAPD Detective Kenneth Valdez mishandled dozens of cases within the department's Special Victims Unit, events that led to his termination Thursday, Nov. 2,
... moreSuspension records obtained by mySA.com details how SAPD Detective Kenneth Valdez mishandled dozens of cases within the department's Special Victims Unit, events that led to his termination Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017.
lessSuspension records obtained by mySA.com details how SAPD Detective Kenneth Valdez mishandled dozens of cases within the department's Special Victims Unit, events that led to his termination Thursday, Nov. 2,
... moreSuspension records obtained by mySA.com details how SAPD Detective Kenneth Valdez mishandled dozens of cases within the department's Special Victims Unit, events that led to his termination Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017.
lessSuspension records obtained by mySA.com details how SAPD Detective Kenneth Valdez mishandled dozens of cases within the department's Special Victims Unit, events that led to his termination Thursday, Nov. 2,
... moreSuspension records obtained by mySA.com details how SAPD Detective Kenneth Valdez mishandled dozens of cases within the department's Special Victims Unit, events that led to his termination Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017.
lessSuspension records obtained by mySA.com details how SAPD Detective Kenneth Valdez mishandled dozens of cases within the department's Special Victims Unit, events that led to his termination Thursday, Nov. 2,
... moreSuspension records obtained by mySA.com details how SAPD Detective Kenneth Valdez mishandled dozens of cases within the department's Special Victims Unit, events that led to his termination Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017.
lessSuspension records obtained by mySA.com details how SAPD Detective Kenneth Valdez mishandled dozens of cases within the department's Special Victims Unit, events that led to his termination Thursday, Nov. 2,
... moreSuspension records obtained by mySA.com details how SAPD Detective Kenneth Valdez mishandled dozens of cases within the department's Special Victims Unit, events that led to his termination Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017.
lessSuspension records obtained by mySA.com details how SAPD Detective Kenneth Valdez mishandled dozens of cases within the department's Special Victims Unit, events that led to his termination Thursday, Nov. 2,
... moreA San Antonio police detective who was effectively fired for allegedly botching over 130 sexual assault and family violence cases was fired a second time, according to city records.
On Jan. 8, Detective Kenneth Valdez received a second indefinite suspension, which is tantamount to firing, in addition to the suspension he received on Nov. 2, according to meeting records from the Fire Fighters’ and Police Officers’ Civil Service Commission.
It is not clear why he was fired a second time. A police spokeswoman said it was for a separate issue but could not provide additional details, as the city’s collective bargaining agreement with the police union limits what city employees can say about disciplinary actions.
RELATED: Records reveal details of cases disgraced SAPD sex crimes mishandled
The move comes nearly three months after the department accused Valdez of failing to act on DNA evidence, not properly handling evidence, and closing cases without supervisor approval.
Many sexual assault survivors are waiting for justice across the country due to a system that one woman calls inefficient.
Media: JW PlayerValdez has appealed the two suspensions.
This is not the first time the department has issued two indefinite suspensions: In late 2016 and early 2017, Police Chief William McManus issued two indefinite suspensions to Officer Matthew Luckhurst, who allegedly provided a feces sandwich to a homeless man and, in a separate incident, defecated in a women’s bathroom stall.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the San Antonio Police Department unveiled a handful of changes throughout the department to improve the investigative process and prevent similar wrongdoing.
The new procedures, which are still being finalized, ensure only supervisors have the authority to close a case in the department’s case management system and aim to improve communication with victims about the investigative process.
RELATED: SAFD: Firefighter sent revenge porn to ex's new boyfriend the day before Valentine's Day
“These revisions make them some of the strongest (standard operating procedures) I’ve ever seen,” Bob Stewart, a law enforcement expert hired by the city to review the recommendations, told City Council’s public safety subcommittee Tuesday.
McManus said the procedures were already solid. But there were a couple loopholes that allowed investigators to close cases without the approval of a supervisor, which the department alleges Valdez took advantage of.
The department decided to review additional procedures within all seven investigative units — including the homicide, narcotics and property crimes units — to make sure there weren’t any additional loopholes.
At the suggestion of City Council’s public safety subcommittee, the review process included input from Stewart, several police officers with varying ranks, two UTSA professors and six community members.
No victims were included, but representatives from organizations that work closely with victims, such as the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter, were part of the process.
McManus said he’s “very confident” in the new procedures and their ability to prevent similar wrongdoing.
The city attorney’s office has also has started an external audit of the Special Victims Unit that is being led by Lisa Tatum, former president of the State Bar of Texas. It should be completed mid- to late February.
Read more about the changes at ExpressNews.com.
eeaton@express-news.net | Twitter: @emilieeaton