I have no idea if they do get sanctioned with admin leave. But people often confuse "suspension with pay until a determination of guilty" as a punishment. However, it's really just a way to suspend them until guilt can be determined.
Unlike a regular job, government employees have a due process right to their job. You cannot suspend them without pay without due process.
I don't think they should have a due process right to a job, but the courts disagree. Trump sort of suggested removing that right during the state of the union, but it won't happen.
And those who do get fired get rehired later, after the news media heat cools off, either by the same department, or by another law enforcement agency in the same area.
Unlike a regular job, government employees have a due process right to their job. You cannot suspend them without pay without due process.
I don't think they should have a due process right to a job, but the courts disagree. Trump sort of suggested removing that right during the state of the union, but it won't happen.