Despite the push in past months from Mayor DePaul, to have Police Consultant Robert Mahady sworn in as Police Chief being rejected by Council, because all that is needed for a police force hasn’t been obtained, he tried again on Monday.
I admire his tenacity.
His newest proposal was to have Mahady sworn in to only perform specific duties, rather than full law enforcement. The idea was that West Easton would consider him our Chief of Police, but because he wouldn’t be sworn in by a Judge, his duties could be limited.
This newest suggestion of limited enforcement was also rebuffed by Council at the May 13th meeting. Solicitor Steve Goudzousian also advised Council that swearing in Mahady as Police Chief for the borough without having him sworn in by a county judge was not a good idea.
However, Council is hopeful that a proper Police Chief for West Easton can be had on June 10th, if the last of the items on what was a long checklist of tasks and needs is delivered, or accomplished.
Council approved purchases for a computer system and its installation at the police station, 2 taser guns as non-lethal options for police, and 2 body cameras. The cameras will record interactions with the public, should future accusations be made against any officer.
On the Friday that followed the meeting, the police station’s security system was installed and activated.
Safety Committee Meetings have been scheduled over the next three weeks with Police Consultant Robert Mahady to discuss the final needs of the police force, including important Standard Operating Procedures and manuals needed for part-time officers, needed changes to ordinances regarding the amounts of fines imposed, and other details.
Mr. Mahady informed Council that he believes everything might be in place, or ready for Council approval, by the time Council meets again on June 10th.
If Mr. Mahady informs Council, at the June meeting, he is ready to accept the position of Police Chief and be properly sworn in, his installation will likely take place that evening.
Disclaimer: On January 4, 2016, the owner of WestEastonPA.com began serving on the West Easton Council following an election. Postings and all content found on this website are the opinions of Matthew A. Dees and may not necessarily represent the opinion of the governing body for The Borough of West Easton.
