Miami police sue over report on Panama connections

MIAMI (AP) -- Miami's police union is suing over a report accusing high-ranking officers of improperly moonlighting with the national police in Panama.

The Miami-Dade Inspector General's office alleges a handful of officers abused their positions and destroyed payroll records while earning $400,000 as Panamanian consultants. Second jobs are allowed, but they must be approved and require less than 20 hours a week.

The Dade County Police Benevolent Association says the report is full of misrepresentations and should be retracted. The union sued the inspector general's office Monday in circuit court, arguing the agency has no legal standing for the investigation.

The report alleges a sergeant, training director, assistant police director and major made at least 40 trips to Panama from 2007 through 2009.

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