Ex-Tucson Cop’s Appeal Denied: Fallout from Unauthorized Records Checks

A former Tucson police officer, Randy Quinn, has lost his appeal against a termination ruling by the Civil Service Commission for violating department policies regarding records checks. The board, which consists of citizen members, upheld the dismissal, asserting that Quinn should have recognized the potential disciplinary consequences of his actions.

Quinn, who joined the Tucson Police Department in 2007, was dismissed in December after a comprehensive investigation revealed that he had accessed law enforcement databases without legitimate reasons. His actions came to light after a report filed by a woman in March 2016, who alleged that Quinn used his work computer to conduct records checks on people visiting her home. This individual is the ex-wife of University of Arizona police Sgt. Andre Lyko, with whom Quinn reportedly had a friendly relationship.

Concerns about stalking behaviors arose when the woman, having recently moved out, was alarmed by claims that Quinn and others had checked the backgrounds of her visitors. Investigators found that on one occasion, Quinn conducted a records check on a friend of hers while assigned to a traffic-control duty. Further inquiries uncovered phone records linking him to a conversation with Lyko at the time of the check.

When approached by investigators, Quinn’s memory of the events appeared uncertain. He suggested that while he could not recall being asked directly by Lyko to run these checks, such a request was “possible.” He later clarified that his conduct stemmed from attempts to identify traffic violations, which he pursued in compliance with department expectations, although he claimed these efforts were ultimately futile.

Despite the lack of criminal prosecution, as determined by the Pima County Attorney’s Office, the investigation concluded that Quinn violated several police department policies, including those governing criminal conduct and honesty. The case was initially referred for prosecution, but rulings under the Garrity Warning protected his statements from being used in criminal proceedings.

Currently, Sgt. Andre Lyko remains employed with the University of Arizona Police Department, while the department declined further comment on the ongoing situation.

For more information, contact reporter Caitlin Schmidt at cschmidt@tucson.com or 573-4191. Follow her on Twitter: @caitlinschmidt