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Mayor Sarno Appoints Board of Police Commissioners

Springfield, MA – Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, per the decision of the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) and as the appointing authority for the City of Springfield, announced today the five (5) members to the Board of Police Commissioners.

 

Mayor Sarno stated, “I respect the SJC’s decision and my administration will continue to work within the guidelines of the SJC decision and under the prevailing statutes and laws of the Commonwealth, and prevailing ordinances of the City of Springfield.”

 

Those residents to be appointed to the Board of Police Commissioners are:

 

  • Dr. Gary Berte:  Professor of Criminal Justice at Springfield College, former Springfield Police Officer and former Director of Public Safety for Amherst College.  Current member of the Civilian Community Police Hearing Board

 

  • Madeline Fernandez:  20-year veteran of the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, Director of the re-entry program.  Master degree in public administration with a concentration in criminal justice from Westfield State University.

 

  • Robert C. Jackson:  Owner of a local security business and longtime community activist.  Current member of the Civilian Community Police Hearing Board and this year’s Ubora Award honoree.

 

  • Norman Roldan:  Former School Committee member and community advocate.  Current member of the Civilian Community Police Hearing Board

 

  • Albert Tranghese:  Retired Human Resource manager and former Labor Union representative.  Current member of the Civilian Community Police Hearing Board

 

“I want to thank the residents who have agreed to serve as members of the Police Commission.  They are all very respected, dedicated and accomplished citizens of our city,” said Mayor Sarno.  “Some of them have served as members of the Civilian Community Police Hearing Board and have volunteered countless number of hours as members of that board.  I’d also like to thank the other members of the Community Police Hearing Board who have served with honor.”

 

In accordance with the SJC ruling and per my authority as outlined by the decision, I am charging the Board of Police Commissioners with responsibilities related to all disciplinary matters.  They will conduct disciplinary hearings and will determine conditions of discipline, termination and reappointment where warranted.  The Board will have final say on all disciplinary matters.

 

“The SJC ruling reaffirmed subpoena power to the Board of Police Commissioners, something I have sought for several years, so that they have all the tools at their disposal to conduct thorough investigations,” Mayor Sarno added.

 

“Cheryl Clapprood, as Superintendent of Police, will continue to have authority of the day-to-day duties concerning the operation of the police department.  As stated in the SJC ruling the Board will not have the day-to-day oversight.  This authority, including ‘command and control’ of all department members, professional standards, as well as hiring, promotions, and as well as assignments will be under Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood.  I continue to have the full confidence in Cheryl Clapprood and the dedicated men and women in Blue,” said Mayor Sarno.