Proposed Police Liaison Position Continues To Cause Controversy

The proposed appointment of a Harrison police liaison who will report to the town board about the actions of the department continues to raise serious controversy within the town board, police department and town as a whole.

This week Harrison Mayor/Supervisor Joan Walsh shot back at some of the criticism, backing the need for a new consultant.

Some against the proposal  have labeled the position a retaliatory attempt by Walsh and fellow democratic Councilman Pat Vetere to reign in the police department's powers and operations, following the personal attacks against Walsh in the infamous "Facebook scandal" in 2009. Three police officers were suspended at that time over comments on their Facebook pages including racist remarks about President Barack Obama and sexually discriminatory comments regarding Walsh.

The mayor is refuting this allegation strongly, saying that there is no truth behind it and no connection between her sometimes shaky relationship with the department and the proposed position.

"The position was actually proposed by Councilmen Cannella and Sciliano the night of the appointment of Chief Marraccini," Walsh said. "Contrary to statements made by others, neither Councilman Vetere nor I had any knowledge that there would be such a proposal nor were we part of any discussions prior to that night."

At a town board meeting earlier this month, an attorney for the police officer's union (PBA), further ignited emotions on the issue, expressing union concerns over the position's responsibilities and powers. The attorney for the PBA threatened legal action if the position is eventually implemented.

Walsh said those concerns were also ungrounded.

"Contrary to the impassioned address by the PBA attorney on May 6, there never was any suggestion that this person would function as a police officer, no suggestion that he would carry a gun or be authorized to make arrests, no suggestion that he would have authority over any officers," she said.

Walsh did, however, confirm that the board is seeking a former police officer for the position.

"There is a requirement that this person be a former police officer, so that he will have the knowledge and experience to review, to analyze, to discuss with the police chief and other officers, the present operation of the department and then report his findings to the town board in their capacity as police commissioners," she said.

The person who fills the position will have the responsibility to advise the board of anything that occurs within the department including policy and procedural issues, promotions, training, community relations, long-term planning and anything else that he believes should be brought to the attention of the board, according to the official proposal approved in March.

The mayor said she is surprised by the level of emotion the proposal is generating, comparing the position to similar consulting positions that are par for the course in corporate America.

"I have to question why there is such opposition to this action.  Most well-run businesses from time to time bring in outside consultants to review their operation, particularly when there is substantial change, such as going from 72 officers down to 63 as well as the appointment of a new chief.   These changes necessarily mean changes in operation. An experienced consultant can only benefit the department. He will be there not only to analyze and review, but to answer questions, to give the benefit of knowledge gained in other municipalities. These are new times, and we all must adjust," Walsh said.

There has also been some opposition coming from within the board. Just a few days after the PBA attorney addressed the board, Councilwoman Marlene Amelio spoke out against the position, saying that after reviewing the facts she can no longer support it.

Later that week Walsh said that the rest of the board will still support the position and that despite the opposition she remains supportive of the proposal.

"While the idea for the position originated with Councilmen Cannella and Sciliano, I will say that I agree with the proposal. It is good business practice when there is a change of leadership that there is a review of the current operation. Open any newspaper or listen to any newscast and you hear of businesses that are evaluating their operations in light of today's conditions. The town board should do no less."

The mayor went further and expressed her concern over the antagonistic manner in which this matter has been discussed.

"Some of the statements the PBA attorney made were far out of line for a person addressing the highest authority in town government," said Walsh. "It is my sincere hope that, after the conclusion of this process, the negative comments and opinions of our police department are laid to rest, and the men and women who serve the town will get the recognition they deserve and have earned."