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Treated with Disrespect

Relations between the Board of Selectmen (BOS) and the Police Commission have often been contentious. This has lead to BOS decisions that are bad for the Police Department and bad for Clinton. The reason for elected commissions, along with several supporting state statutes, is to blunt political influence. It’s the reason a statute prevents firing of a chief without “just cause.”

Relations worsened when the BOS formed an outside group to look at police command structure. It was clear the BOS did not want two commanders under the chief. Relations fell again in fall 2015 when the search began for a new chief. Relations hit a new low when the BOS slashed the proposed police budget request from a four percent decrease to a 5.9 percent decrease! No other town department proposed such a reduction nor was treated with such disrespect.

One cut was a measly $2,300 for continuation of the police K-9 program. In response, the chief asked the Board of Finance to restore those funds, which it thankfully did. To counter financial arguments, the chief raised $17,000 in private funds that will be turned over to the town. The BOS requested another discussion. The meeting was contentious, but the BOS voted to support the program. Perhaps the outpouring of public support for the K-9 had something to do with their change of heart.

Likely behavioral motives are: The BOS, considering itself a police expert, wants to micromanage the department. Other likely motives are retaliation for the arrest of a police commissioner, the selectmen’s desire for an internal chief candidate, and an obvious attempt to defund a reorganization plan.

We have a knowledgeable, experienced, nationally recognized chief who is here to stay and is working for the betterment of Clinton. Ask any officer if they agree.

Phil Sengle

Clinton

Phil Sengle serves on the Police Commission.