Former San Jose Police Department (SJPD) officer Matthew Dominguez, previously dismissed for lewd behavior at a crime scene, was arrested again last Friday in connection with a hit-and-run case. As reported by KRON4, Dominguez's recent arrest raises concerns about police background checks and public safety.
Dominguez was dismissed from the SJPD in August 2022 following allegations that he indecently exposed himself in front of a woman and her adult daughter during a 911 call. As KRON4 disclosed, Dominguez was arrested for indecent exposure in May 2022, put on administrative leave, and subsequently fired.
Post-dismissal, Dominguez has had numerous run-ins with the law. He's faced multiple accusations of groping and had a domestic violence restraining order filed against him last month as per NBC Bay Area. In October, local police filed a gun violence restraining order, temporarily confiscating his firearms. Dominguez currently remains in custody after his recent arrest for assault with a deadly weapon, hit-and-run, and failure to yield to police officers.
Reacting to Dominguez's series of offenses, retired San Jose police officer Michael Leininger questioned the effectiveness of background checks conferred on individuals given the authority of a police officer. "Comprehensive backgrounds should dig deep. These people are going out there with a badge and a gun. They have the ultimate authority in the United States," Leininger pointed out, based on a report by NBC Bay Area.
