A South Bend Police Lieutenant, who is also the president of the F.O.P., is set to face discipline after a recommendation by the police chief.

On Wednesday the Board of Public Safety heard an appeal of discipline by Lieutenant Scott Ruszkowski.

Back in March, Ruszkowski arrested Stephen Range at the Burger King parking lot in downtown South Bend.

Ruszkowski arrested Range for public intoxication and disorderedly conduct. He eventually was only booked into the St. Joseph county jail for disorderedly conduct after passing a portable breath test.

Almost six months later Range filed a complaint claiming the arrest was unjust. An internal investigation in the South Bend Police Department was launched.

South Bend Police Chief Thomas Fautz recommended disciplinary action for Ruszkowski.

Ruszkowski appealed the letter of reprimand he received from Fautz claiming he acted appropriately in March. The Board of Public Safety said they reviewed the “dash cam” video from the arrest and denied the appeal.

“I understand that you did watch the video tape, but I just want to be clear that the board is saying I did not have probable cause to make an arrest. Is that what the board is saying.. that is correct?” asked Ruszkowski at the board hearing.

“I'm saying that the arrest in my opinion did not meet the statuary standards of public intox or disorderly conduct… however he was not booked for public intox but he was arrested for disorderly conduct,” says Chief Thomas Fautz.

Several officers say Ruszkowski is being punished as F.O.P. President because the union recently endorsed mayoral challenger Juan Manigault.

Fautz denies any political involvement.

If Ruszkowski is disciplined Fautz recommended a letter of reprimand be placed into his personnel file. He is also ordered to take remedial training in verbal and constitutional law.