Police Commission Meeting May 10, 2021

Police Commission Meeting May 10, 2021

This is an open letter to the Police Commission.

At the April 12, 2021 meeting of the Police Commission, I had my comments at Public Audience read aloud.

Commissioner Mike Long took exception to my comments that were televised so he decided to suspend Public Audience at the Police Commission meetings.

Commissioner Mike Long convinced all the Commissioners, Chairman Jennifer Caulfield, Tenesha Grant, Travis Schweizer and Terry Fogarty to go along with his punitive actions.

The Police Commission was appointed under the Town Charter in 1993 and has had Public Audience on their agenda until the Commissioners unanimous vote to suspend Public Audience.

If Mike Long can convince the Police Commissioners to suspend Public Audience, I can ask the next Charter Revision Commission to return the duties of the Police Commission to the Board of Selectmen.

I asked the Board of Selectmen to remove Mike Long from the Police Commission as he has subverted the Public’s First Amendment rights to address their concerns in a public forum. Commissioner Mike Long, along with the other Commissioners were appointed to serve the community and oversee the Police Department. As a result of their actions, they too should be removed from serving the public.

I received a letter from the Police Commission on April 22, 2021 stating that the Commission, “found no basis for further action” on my concerns on the Investigation of the Vandalized Footlocker that led to inconclusive findings although it was alleged that one Officer was lying.

Previously an Officer was fired for being untruthful as Chief Boulter considered lying cause for dismissal.

Chief Boulter has stated during sworn statements that he does not tolerate lying.

However, Chief Boulter determines the severity of the offence depending upon the Officer.

An email from Ed Kosinski, IBPO National Representative to Town Manager Maria Capriola, stated, “I am writing this to you on behalf of the IBPO, Local 458, It is our stance that during the termination hearing of Sgt. Trombly, Chief Boulter was untruthful in his testimony, which he provided under oath and penalty of perjury.”

Has the Police Commission or Town Manager Maria Capriola investigated Ed Kosinski’s allegations?

What were the findings?

As a result of the changes to the vacation policy, it is alleged that the Simsbury Police Union filed a complaint under the Municipal Employee Relations Act which governs the collective bargaining relationship between a municipal employer and a union.

Has any action been taken?

It is my opinion that conclusions of no further action, prosecutorial discretion or a momentary lapse in judgement does not meet the high standards we expect from Simsbury’s Commissioners or Chief Boulter.

Actions have consequences.

Nobody should be above the law.

This letter is to express my concerns of the abuse of power of the Police Commission and Chief Boulter.

Sincerely,

Joan Coe, Simsbury