The Rutland City Police Commission on Friday held a meeting regarding "Police Issues". They opened up the discussion to the room full mostly of Police Officers and a few residents. Then went into executive session for about two hours.
The details of what exactly were discussed in that executive session are unknown. There have been many situations over the past few months stemming from the lack of management within the Police Department. One specific issue they discussed was why the Police Chief didn't notify the Police Commission of an internal investigation. Chief Bossi explained "there was no internal investigation. I was not therefore required to inform the commission." Bossi also stated "We made the decision early on that a criminal investigation needed to take place." Chief Bossi was concerned enough initially that a criminal investigation should take place, but the commission should not be informed of a criminal investigation being conducted inside the Police Department? One would conclude that if the Chief has to inform them of an internal investigation, he should be required to inform them of an external criminal investigation. So does the policy state the Chief shall inform the commission of any criminal investigations within the department?
The Herald was accused of witch hunting last night as well by one of Rutland City's Police Officers. The warrant became unsealed due to the Rutland Herald's request for this information be made public. The Herald has many other documents that were requested via the Freedom of Information Act. Some have been released, others were denied and some are still pending.
The Board of Alderman are expected to discuss the outcome of this decision and may act in opposition to the commission's findings. The Board of Alderman has no direct oversight of the Chief, but they can create policy that the Police Commission must enforce. The Board of Alderman also have control of the purse strings of the city via the Board of Civil Authority, which is made up of the Board of Alderman.
The details of what exactly were discussed in that executive session are unknown. There have been many situations over the past few months stemming from the lack of management within the Police Department. One specific issue they discussed was why the Police Chief didn't notify the Police Commission of an internal investigation. Chief Bossi explained "there was no internal investigation. I was not therefore required to inform the commission." Bossi also stated "We made the decision early on that a criminal investigation needed to take place." Chief Bossi was concerned enough initially that a criminal investigation should take place, but the commission should not be informed of a criminal investigation being conducted inside the Police Department? One would conclude that if the Chief has to inform them of an internal investigation, he should be required to inform them of an external criminal investigation. So does the policy state the Chief shall inform the commission of any criminal investigations within the department?
The Herald was accused of witch hunting last night as well by one of Rutland City's Police Officers. The warrant became unsealed due to the Rutland Herald's request for this information be made public. The Herald has many other documents that were requested via the Freedom of Information Act. Some have been released, others were denied and some are still pending.
The Board of Alderman are expected to discuss the outcome of this decision and may act in opposition to the commission's findings. The Board of Alderman has no direct oversight of the Chief, but they can create policy that the Police Commission must enforce. The Board of Alderman also have control of the purse strings of the city via the Board of Civil Authority, which is made up of the Board of Alderman.
