Politics & Government
City Of Lawrenceville: Independent Party Investigates Complaints In The Lawrenceville Police Department
In October 2021, City of Lawrenceville Administration was made aware of internal sexual harassment, hostile work environment, and improp ...
January 27, 2022
In October 2021, City of Lawrenceville Administration was made aware of internal sexual harassment, hostile work environment, and improper use of City property complaints in the Lawrenceville Police Department. Due to the nature of the complaints, the City, through the City Attorney, immediately engaged a third party to investigate the claims. The independent report was forwarded to the City Attorney. In consultation with the City Attorney, decisions related to all personnel matters were finalized on January 21, 2022.
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“I was disturbed by the findings of the investigation and issued penalties to the appropriate employees, including a requirement for individual training,” said City Manager Chuck Warbington. “The City of Lawrenceville prides itself as an inclusive and safe workplace for all employees. The workplace culture revealed through this investigation did not meet the standards of excellence expected of all departments in the City. This is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
The consequences issued to the Chief of Police (10 day suspension without pay) and the Assistant Chief of Police (documented verbal counseling) were based on consultation with the City Attorney. A Police Captain declined to be interviewed as part of the investigation and announced his unsolicited resignation from the City and retirement from POST before the investigation was completed.
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In addition, the following immediate actions are being taken:
As outlined in the City Charter, the Chief of Police reports directly to the City Manager.
The Chief has been out of the office on a medical modified work from home status since December 13, 2021 due to unrelated health issues.
The City is committed to moving forward in a positive manner. No further comment will be made by the City.
This press release was produced by the City of Lawrenceville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
