SUNBURY -- It’s another black eye for the city of Sunbury’s police department.
Two officers have been suspended without pay for improper behavior while on duty.
Two police officers in Sunbury are suspended without pay after their department held an internal investigation into two separate complaints.
Mayor David Persing announced that investigation`s findings at a council meeting Monday night.
“Everything`s up front and that`s why I`m here tonight to put an end to this,” the mayor told the packed room in council chambers.
The mayor would not name the officers citing personnel reasons.
He did say one of the officers admitted to using inappropriate language while at the Northumberland County 911 Center.
That officer was suspended for one week with no pay.
“We clearly had some words that were said that shouldn't have been said and the officer recognizes that,” said Persing.
The mayor said the other officer admitted to meeting up with a private citizen while on duty in his patrol car to make plans for after work.
That officer was suspended for three weeks with no pay.
“The findings provide details of the two individuals meeting on city time and having discussions that led to situations that happened after working hours.”
Many residents say state police should have handled this investigation.
“You cannot do an internal investigation, it's a conflict of interest, clearly,” said Julie Brosius.
“It`s the same old personnel issues, they're hiding behind personnel issues when they should just come right out and tell us what's going on,” said Joe Bartello.
“No names are given so they're all guilty because nobody knows who it is, so that's bounded to destroy the morale that they have,” said Gordon Lamb.
This is a police department that's been embattled for nearly a year.
Last may the mayor demoted the then-chief for low morale in the department.
In December, council cut an officer due to lack of funding and said more cuts could come this summer.
“I'm very disillusioned and my grandkids area growing up here and the crime issue going up, the drug issue is going up,” said Becky Enders.
According to the Sunbury Police Chief, there will be no gaps in police service due to these suspensions and his department will cover for their absences.