HIGHLAND – In recently released court documents, State Supreme Court Judge Stephen Schick outlined his decision following a compliance conference in a case between the Town of Highland and former constable Marc Anthony. Anthony filed a suit against the town in 2022 alleging the town failed to follow the proper process when the town’s constabulary force was disbanded.
In his decision, Schick dismissed two causes of action brought by Anthony and denied his motion for a summary judgment. Schick scheduled the remaining two causes of action to be heard in March.
Town board lauded the decision, stating, in part, “This decision affirmed that the town had the right and ability to abolish the Constabulary in the execution of their duties.”
Town officials have defended their decision to disband the constabulary force, previously calling it, “a dated construct under the state statute that didn’t adequately support the modern law enforcement needs of the town.”
Officials have also maintained that the new policing arrangement, an intermunicipal agreement with the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, saves money and provides better law-enforcement services to the town’s residents and visitors.
