STATEMENT OF MAYOR DOMENIC J.

SARNO REGARDING
COMMUNITY POLICE HEARING BOARD DECISION
RELEASED BY COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR THOMAS T. WALSH

October 21, 2010 - Police Commissioner William Fitchet has informed me of the employment
discipline he has imposed with regard to the citizen’s complaint involving the arrest of Melvin
Jones.

I have discussed the discipline imposed with Community Police Hearing Board Chairperson,
Attorney Cynthia Tucker, who worked with other members of the Hearing Board as the Police
Commissioner’s designee under Civil Service Law to assist the Commissioner in carrying out his
duties.

Attorney Tucker has expressed to me that the discipline imposed by the Commissioner was
consistent with the recommendations of the Board. Attorney Tucker also reported to me that the
Board spent three (3) nights, from approximately 4:30 P.M. until 10:00 P.M., holding this
hearing on the multiple disciplinary charges involving the four police officers.

She informed me that the Board heard testimony from the four Officers accused (each
individually represented), the Complainant Melvin Jones III, three (3) Springfield Police
Department personnel and one civilian witness which included the direct and cross examination
of each of them. In addition, the Board reviewed extensive documentation and information
presented into evidence through 19 exhibits which included internal affair and training
records, viewed multiple versions of the audio/video tape of the incident (actual, enhanced,
slowed, forensically examined) and, at the Board's request, had the four officers engage in a
reenactment of the incident. As to the disposition of the charges against each officer, Attorney
Tucker reported that the Board voted as follows:
 • The Board unanimously recommended termination for Officer Jeffrey Asher

• For Lt. John Bobianski, the Board recommended a suspension without pay of
between 30-60 days, and retraining which was approved unanimously

• The Board recommended termination for Officer Michael Sedergren, or in the

alternative, an extended suspension without pay and retraining in the areas of
anger management, use of force, and otherwise as deemed appropriate by the
Police Commissioner which was approved by a vote of 4 in favor (Tucker, Bailey,
Alejandro, Morales) and 1 vote that no specific recommendation be made
(Aberdale)

• For Officer Theodore Truoilo, the Board recommended a suspension without pay
of less than 30 days, and retraining at the Police Commissioner’s discretion which
was approved by a vote of 4 in favor (Tucker, Bailey, Alejandro, Morales) and 1
vote that no specific recommendation be made (Aberdale)

Chairperson Tucker has asked that the Law Department review the materials and documents
presented during the executive session at the hearing and determine which documents qualify as
public records and make those available for public inspection, as requested.

Chairperson Tucker commented that the process can only be successful if the public steps
forward to cooperate with law enforcement and the Hearing Board and that this matter moved
forward primarily, in this forum, once the Complainant agreed to testify. Additionally, she noted
when civilian witnesses fail to come forward with information, the Board is somewhat stymied
because we are left to assess these matters without a broader base of knowledge. The Board was
fortunate to have had the benefit of a civilian witness in this case and the audio/video tape .
Attorney Tucker reiterated that, in order for the process to work, it is important that all
parties participation in the process.

In my opinion, the Board has carried out its duty throughout this long process with integrity. The
City will continue to provide to the public any information which can be made available with due
consideration to the public right to know and the need to respect the privacy of personnel
information, as well as the confidentiality of investigatory materials, the disclosure of which
would not be in the public interest. My administration will continue to work to provide a fair and
efficient process where all participants, civilian and police, are comfortable participating.

As criminal charges are pending against some of the witnesses in Holyoke District Court, and the
incident continues to be the subject of an investigation by the District Attorney and FBI which
could result in criminal charges, it is important that the City cooperate with other Law
Enforcement agencies so that all parties are treated fairly and those matters can be resolved in an
efficient manner.

I am thankful to the members of the Board, representing a diverse cross section of our
community, who volunteered their time to act as the Police Commissioner’s official designees
under state Civil Service law, for their service.
(END)