BEACON – Teamsters Local 445, the parent union of the Beacon Police Benevolent Association, has blasted Mayor Lee Kyriacou and the city council saying it has “lost all trust, faith, and confidence” in their ability to lead the city and police department.
Teamsters’ Business Agent Mike Pitt also said the mayor and council “have continued their push of anti-police rhetoric and policies, which have included the thought of disarming and de-vesting police.” He questioned how a police officer could respond to an emergency call without a weapon or protective gear.
Pitt also said the city officials “have failed to correct untrue public accusations of police mis-conduct.” That could lead to “a wholly unfounded, dangerous reaction from the public, causing a dangerous environment for the members of the police department, as well as the public,” the union official said.
Pitt also called into question the city council’s vote to appoint William Cornett as temporary chief saying he has not worked actively as an officer since 2002. He said Cornett’s certification must have lapsed due to the length of time since he last served as a cop. That certification lapses after four years, he said. “If this chief sees a crime being committed, he cannot make an arrest; he needs to call the police,” Pitt said.
Cornett, a retired Beacon City police officer, has agreed to lead the department for 90 days while the city searches for a new chief.
Mayor Lee Kyriacou has not responded to the union’s charges.
