San Jose rookie officer, former football star, suddenly dies
DeJon Packer, a San Jose rookie police officer, died last month as a result of “substance abuse,” the San Jose police department revealed Saturday.
Packer, 24, was a former running back for the San Jose State University football team. He was discovered dead on March 13 at his Milpitas home.
According to KTVU, Packer died of fentanyl toxicity. Police Chief Anthony Mata stated that he does not condone police officer drug use.
“This behavior is not something we condone, and we will continue to assist Milpitas PD with their investigation,” the statement said.
To combat drug abuse, the SJPD stated that it provides services to officers who may require assistance coping with traumatic experiences while on duty.
“We need to be mindful of the fact that we are not immune to issues that plague society, in this case substance abuse,” Mata’s statement said. “As humans we are not perfect, and mistakes will be made. Officer wellness is paramount and a priority at our agency.”
Additionally, the department stated that it has a strict policy against cops using drugs.
“Any allegation of illegal drug use by a San Jose Police Officer is concerning,” Mata’s message said. “There are no free passes for police officers, and we will not make excuses. When an officer violates the public trust, on or off duty, I will hold them accountable.”
