LIBERTY Review: Police have poor public image

Clear policies and procedures and long-range training for police officers are two issues that need attention, according to the review.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LIBERTY -- If perception is reality, the public has a dim view of the township police department.
The negative assessment is contained in an organizational review of the department conducted by the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police.
The report calls for the removal of Police Chief Michael Pilolli and retirement of Capts. James J. Cerenelli and Janet Virostek. The three make up department's management team.
In a news story published Friday, Michael Pilolli was misidentified as his brother, Anthony Pilolli. A photograph of Anthony Pilolli accompanied the story.
Anthony Pilolli retired as police chief in December 1992. He is now an investigator with the law firm of Harshman, Bernard & amp; Ramage.
Public perception: During the township-commissioned review, the association interviewed not only members of the department and township officials but also Liberty residents.
There is a public perception that some officers may engage in profiling -- singling out people because of their race.
Although the consultants don't give any examples, it's what the public perceives, the review says.
"That bothers me," said Jack Simon, trustee board chairman.
Trustee Patrick Durina said he disagrees with the suggestion that racial profiling may be taking place. He said the township doesn't tolerate the practice.
The public also believes trustees interfere with the department through political pressure on the chief and that internal strife may adversely impact future levy support.
Administration: The review is littered with criticism of the police administration.
For example, policies and procedures are not adequately explained, resulting in confusion by officers as to what's expected of them.
The association found that the process of controlling property and evidence is flawed. Because the chief is the property control officer, there is no one who inspects the property room for compliance of department procedures or state law.
There is training within the department, but the association found there is no strategy to determine what training is needed for officers as they progress through assignments and their careers.
Also, although money has been budgeted for training, there is no specific plan for how it will be spent.
Labor relations: The chief is hampered by labor contracts because there is no one on the administrative team, specifically the two captains, with whom he can discuss labor relations. He can't get a purely administrative nonunion opinion because the captains are union members.
Trustees are urged to remove the captains from the collective bargaining agreement.
During the interviews, Pilolli's residency outside the township surfaced as a problem both within and outside the department.
Trustees advertised the position with township residency as a requirement.
"On the surface, this may not appear to be a significant issue. However, the underlying perception is that the chief is obligated to the trustees," the report says.
The association recommended that the trustees require Pilolli to move into the township or pass a resolution waiving the residency requirement.