The cause of death of the San Jose de John Packer police officer was “fentanyl toxicity”, the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed on Saturday.
Packer’s body was found at his home on March 13. The circumstances surrounding his death are still being investigated, according to San Jose Police Chief Anthony Mata.
In a statement issued Saturday, Mata said: “Any allegations of illicit drug use by a San Jose police officer are worrying.”
The police chief said: “There are no free passes for police officers and we will not make excuses. When an employee violates public trust, at work or outside, I will hold him responsible.”
The police chief said the full details of Packer’s death were not yet known and were being investigated by Milpitas Police Department with the full co-operation of the San Jose Department.
“This behavior is not something we approve of and we will continue to help the Milpitas police with their investigation,” Mata said.
The police chief noted that grief counselors will be provided to department staff and counselors will reconsider the importance of participating in wellness programs.
“We have already planned training on substance abuse prevention skills for our staff, not only for themselves, but also for recognizing the signs of the people around us and how to get help,” he said. “We will not hesitate to support our officers well, not only physically but also emotionally.
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