This bodycam footage, provided by police in Bradley Beach, New Jersey, shows their allegedly intoxicated Chief of Police, Leonard Guida, self-dispatching to a motor vehicle accident in plain clothes, and interfering to the point that he is physically restrained. No direct evidence that the Chief was intoxicated has been provided to Funker530; this descriptor is based on comments made in the video.

On the list of things no cop ever wants on the call they’re working, “the Chief showing up drunk” is probably after “acorns” but before “the Chief showing up at all.” Here we see Bradley Beach Police Sergeant William Major (not to be confused with any Sergeants Major), dealing with a DWI crash. An EMT can be overheard talking to someone involved in the crash, when Chief Guida arrives in plain clothes. He pulls Sgt. Major aside from the investigation and proceeds to give him shit about the lettering on his jacket. I could “dress up” my description of the conversation, but to the initiated, that’s exactly what it is. He both undermines the Sergeant in front of other officers and distracts from the investigation.

Sgt. Major takes the petty criticism from someone who showed up apparently under the influence and making twice his salary pretty well, returning his attention to the crash. However, Chief Guida demands his attention, and can be seen visibly staggering at 01:12. Ten seconds later, Guida closes in on Major and grabs him, and the camera footage switches to that of another officer. This allows us to see Major pushing Guida back from the scene and onto the hood of a patrol car, warning Guida not to touch him and to leave the scene. During this exchange, Major remarks that “he’s drunk again.” Guida then tries to flex his powers as Chief and get Major removed. Even after being told he’s suspended, Major puts his officers and the crash victims first, making sure the scene is adequately protected when he leaves.

Although Major was ostensibly suspended, he was later reinstated to full duty. The Chief has been placed on paid administrative leave- maintaining his salary of over $200K.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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