PEMBROKE PINES, FL — Newly released records give a closer look at how a disagreement between Pembroke Pines police supervisors and the union over a proposed shift swap escalated into an internal affairs investigation and, eventually, a federal lawsuit. The records obtained by the Pembroke Pines News show department leaders viewed the proposed shift swap as a way to address a patrol staffing shortage while avoiding overtime pay. But the union objected, arguing the switch could violate its collective bargaining agreement.
The dispute ultimately centered on communications between then-Sgt. Joel Cuarezma and Detective Scott Kushi, president of the city’s branch of the Fraternal Order of Police.