Officer probed for moving mattresses on patrol car

[March 09, 2012]  MIAMI (AP) -- A veteran Miami police officer caught using her patrol car to haul mattresses has been relieved of duty with pay while the department investigates.

Several Miami television stations aired viewers' video or photos of the marked patrol car with mattresses fastened to the top on Monday.

Officer Sandra Lyles' vehicle, gun and badge have been taken. The 32-year veteran of the Miami-Dade Police Department is set to retire Monday, but a police spokeswoman said the investigation wouldn't affect her retirement.

Major Nancy Perez, the department spokeswoman, says Lyles violated department policy and embarrassed herself.

A phone number listed for Lyles has been disconnected.

Personnel records show that Lyles has received merit increases since she was hired in 1980, but she's also been disciplined than a dozen times.

[Associated Press]

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