James Matt French OKC Police Captain’s DUI Arrest Video

limit. An on-duty officer initiated a traffic stop after French failed to signal while turning into a private driveway. Upon approach, the officer noted signs of intoxication, including the smell of alcohol, watery eyes, and slurred speech. French admitted to consuming “three or four” beers at a poker game earlier that night. Notably, during the interaction, French identified himself as a police captain and repeatedly requested the officer to turn off his body camera, which the officer declined, citing departmental policy. Subsequently, French failed a series of field sobriety tests and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and failure to signal a turn.

IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH AND DEPARTMENTAL RESPONSE

Police Captain James Matt French Arrested for DUI – Following his arrest, Captain French was placed on administrative leave with pay, in accordance with the department’s protocol. OKCPD Police Chief Wade Gourley addressed the incident in a press conference, emphasizing that an administrative investigation would proceed separately from the criminal investigation. He commended the arresting officer for adhering to protocol and handling the situation professionally.

Chief Gourley stated, “Once criminal charges are filed, per our Fraternal Order of Police contract, we conduct a predetermination hearing to then place that person on leave without pay.” He also refrained from speculating on French’s repeated requests to disable the body camera but clarified that officers are permitted to turn off their cameras only after completing their duties.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND CURRENT STATUS

Police Captain James Matt French Arrested for DUI – As of February 2025, there have been no publicly available updates regarding the specific charges or court outcomes related to Captain French’s DUI case. Following his arrest, French was placed on administrative leave, and details about the legal proceedings or any disciplinary actions taken by the Oklahoma City Police Department have not been disclosed.

IMPLICATIONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC TRUST

Police Captain James Matt French Arrested for DUI – This incident underscores the critical importance of accountability and integrity within law enforcement agencies. The arrest of a high-ranking officer for alleged DUI not only tarnishes the reputation of the individual but also raises concerns about the broader culture within the department. The arresting officer’s refusal to disable his body camera, despite pressure from a superior, highlights the significance of transparency and adherence to protocol. Such actions are vital in maintaining public trust and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of rank or position, are held to the same legal standards.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE OKC POLICE CAPTAIN’S DUI ARREST VIDEO

Police Captain James Matt French Arrested for DUI – The DUI arrest of Captain James “Matt” French serves as a poignant reminder of the ethical responsibilities inherent in law enforcement roles. While the legal proceedings remain pending, the incident has already prompted discussions about departmental policies, the enforcement of accountability measures, and the preservation of public trust. As the case progresses, it will be imperative for the Oklahoma City Police Department to demonstrate a commitment to transparency and justice, reinforcing the principle that no individual is above the law.

QUICK SUMMARY ON THE OKC POLICE CAPTAIN’S DUI ARREST VIDEO

Police Captain James Matt French Arrested for DUI – The DUI arrest of Oklahoma City Police Captain James “Matt” French has sparked widespread discussion about law enforcement accountability and transparency. On March 12, 2023, at approximately 1:40 a.m., an officer observed French driving erratically along South May Avenue, swerving between lanes and failing to signal a turn before pulling into a private driveway. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer detected signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and the strong smell of alcohol. French admitted to consuming alcohol earlier in the evening but repeatedly attempted to use his rank to influence the situation, even requesting that the officer turn off his body camera. The officer declined, citing departmental policy, and proceeded with a series of field sobriety tests, which French failed. He was subsequently arrested and charged with driving under the influence.

Following the arrest, the Oklahoma City Police Department released the body camera footage of the incident, which showed French’s repeated attempts to have the officer disable his camera. The footage also captured his visible struggle with field sobriety tests and his demeanor throughout the stop. The department’s decision to release the video aligns with its commitment to transparency and public accountability, especially in cases involving law enforcement officials. Given the high-profile nature of the arrest, making the video public ensures that the department is not perceived as covering up misconduct within its ranks. By doing so, OKCPD reinforces its stance that no officer is above the law, regardless of rank or tenure.

After Police Captain James Matt French Arrested for DUI, French was placed on administrative leave with pay, as per department policy. The police chief later addressed the incident, commending the arresting officer for handling the situation professionally and refusing to disable his body cam. The department also confirmed that a separate administrative investigation would be conducted alongside the criminal proceedings. This approach allows the department to assess whether additional disciplinary actions, including termination or unpaid leave, would be warranted if criminal charges are formally filed.

As of early 2025, no further updates on the legal proceedings or disciplinary actions have been publicly released. However, this incident highlights the importance of body cameras in maintaining police accountability, preventing undue influence, and ensuring the fair application of the law. The case serves as a reminder that public trust in law enforcement hinges on consistent enforcement of justice, regardless of an officer’s position. The handling of French’s arrest and the release of the body cam footage reinforce the necessity for transparency in maintaining credibility within the community.

OKC Police Captain’s DUI Arrest Video, Police Captain James Matt French Arrested for DUI

OKC Police Captain’s DUI Arrest Video, Police Captain James Matt French Arrested for DUI

OKC Police Captain’s DUI Arrest Video, Police Captain James Matt French Arrested for DUI