Original Article Police probe unmarked-car theft By Katie McDevitt, Tribune August 9, 2005 Tempe police are investigating a commander whose unmarked police car was stolen Saturday when he drove a female friend and her daughter to Phoenix and left the car running while he walked them to their door. Cmdr. Thomas Long, who oversees downtown Tempe and is also a SWAT commander, called Phoenix police about 11 p.m. from the 3600 block of East Clarendon Avenue after he turned around and saw his 1998 gold Chevrolet Lumina driving off. Long had driven the pair home and left his car running at the womans driveway after giving them a late-night tour of the Tempe police station after his shift. Phoenix police have not located the car. "Its a bad thing and no one is happy about it," said Laura Forbes, assistant Tempe chief of police. "Given what I know right now, this is not something he would be terminated for, but after we investigate it further, I will take the appropriate action." Forbes is Longs supervisor and will oversee the internal investigation of the commander, who she called "a very good employee." The city managers office is helping in the investigation, which could result in anything from a report of unsatisfactory performance to suspension, Forbes said. "He may have potentially made a bad mistake," she said. Whats already known: Long wasnt supposed to be using his car for personal reasons while off duty, shouldnt have been driving people around for personal reasons, and wasnt supposed to leave his car unsecured, said Tempe police Sgt. Dan Masters. Long, who has been on the force for 17 years, declined comment when reached at home. Chief Ralph Tranter did not return calls. "Well get this thing straightened out," Forbes said. "Were worried about his car and his weapons, so were putting a blitz out." Police are warning people to be aware of anyone carrying a police identification card that reads Thomas Long, although the card has been deactivated for entering the Tempe police building. They are also asking people to be on the lookout for a gold Chevrolet Lumina with the license plate 334BRW. Missing items 1 police ID card 1 set of keys 1 cell phone 1 Glock 30 with loaded magazine, 45-caliber, serial number CKV690 2 holsters 6 uniforms 1 set of Commander oak pins 5 SWAT T-shirts A Tempe Police Department duffel bag filled with SWAT uniform items Several pieces of personal mail Contact Katie McDevitt by email, or phone (480) -898-633