MERIDEN Ct. - A city police officer has received a 10-day
suspension without pay for "conduct unbecoming an employee."
Michael Lancaster was disciplined Feb. 26. Detective Lt.
Mark Walerysiak, the police spokesman, wouldn't say why Lancaster received the
suspension, citing privacy concerns, but said it was related to "off-duty
conduct."
The suspension has not yet been scheduled by Chief Jeffry
Cossette. Cossette did not return messages left Wednesday. Detective Michael
Seigler, president of the Meriden police union, said Lancaster hasn't yet
chosen to grieve the suspension.
"I don't believe he wants to," Seigler said.
"I think he just wants to put this behind him."
Lancaster could not be reached for comment.
Suspensions are sometimes taken a day per week over several
weeks, according to Seigler, since an officer out for consecutive days of
suspension costs the city more money. Suspensions can also be served by giving
up vacation time, he said.
In January, former Sgt. Robii Abouchacra was demoted to
officer for four months after being disciplined for conduct unbecoming an
employee. In a hearing letter, dated Jan. 3, Personnel Department Director
Caroline Beitman told Abouchacra that the hearing was scheduled to address
"the conclusion of the investigation into your retaliation toward another
officer."
Walerysiak wouldn't say whether the two instances of
disciplinary action are related.
City and police officials have refused to comment on the
exact reasons for Abouchacra's demotion, citing the officer's privacy. City
officials have also kept silent on the identity of the other officer involved
in the incident.
The police union characterized the reason for Abouchacra's
demotion as "failure to quell a rumor." The officer is contesting his
discipline.
The union filed a grievance in January, asking that the
demotion be rescinded and lost wages restored. The union is Local 1016 of the
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Council 15,
Connecticut Council of Police.
City officials refused to release police internal affairs
reports on either incident, saying they are not subject to the Freedom of
Information Act since their release would constitute an invasion of the
officers' privacy.
City Council Majority Leader Brian Daniels declined to
comment on either case of discipline.