By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• Body-worn camera video shows Holyoke, Massachusetts, City Councilor Israel Rivera invoking his position and making budget threats during a suspected DUI traffic stop.
• Massachusetts State Police stopped Rivera Dec. 21 after observing traffic violations and signs of impairment.
• Rivera allegedly referenced his role in setting the police budget and used profane and racially derogatory language during the encounter.
• Local police unions have called for Rivera’s resignation and filed an ethics complaint over the conduct.
• Rivera pleaded not guilty to OUI and related traffic charges and is scheduled to return to court.
(HOLYOKE, MA —) Body-worn camera footage released this week shows Holyoke City Councilor Israel Rivera invoking his elected position and making budget threats while being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence during a Dec. 21 traffic stop.
Massachusetts State Police troopers pulled Rivera over around midnight after observing him speeding, running a red light and later driving onto a sidewalk, according to court paperwork and released footage.
During the encounter, Rivera allegedly referenced his role in approving the local police budget and told officers, “That’s fine, I’ll just cut the budget,” as captured on video, officials said. The footage also includes profane and racially derogatory language attributed to Rivera.
Following the release of the recording, the Holyoke Police Supervisors Union and the Police Patrolmen’s Union have called for Rivera’s resignation and filed a formal ethics complaint, contending his statements raise ethical concerns.
Rivera pleaded not guilty in Holyoke District Court to operating under the influence, speeding and failure to stop or yield. He is scheduled to appear for a pretrial hearing later this month.