WARREN Officials assure an investigation is taking place

The mayor hopes citizens will cooperate while officials discuss recent arrests.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Mayor Hank Angelo is hoping that the alleged beating of a black man by police last weekend will not raise the level of tension between police and the community they are sworn to protect.
The city has a framework to address police and community relations, but Angelo stressed it's an ongoing process.
"We are asking all citizens to let the process work," Angelo said.
City officials, minority group representatives and U.S. Justice Department officials started meeting in summer 2001 after the Justice Department said it received several calls from residents concerned about police and community relations. A letter of understanding was reached in May 2002, Angelo said.
The same issues that sparked the 2001 visit by the Justice Department are being voiced again, said Atty. Richard Olivito.
Tom Conley, president and CEO of the Warren-Trumbull Urban League, has contacted the department and is hoping representatives will return.
Justice Department officials could not be reached.
"I expect to hear something back from them soon," Conley said. He noted that minority leaders are planning a press conference for 4:30 p.m. today to discuss last weekend's arrest.
Olivito is representing Lyndal Kimble, 29, and Alfonse Hogan, 27, who both say there were beaten by police. Kimble's arrest was videotaped by a neighbor and broadcast on local and national news.
Preliminary reviews show officers acted properly, said Police Chief John Mandopolous.
Other allegations
Since Kimble's arrest, however, Olivito said he has been swamped with calls from others with similar allegations.
"We are in a tension period right now, and my [clients] understand -- they have a grasp of the situation -- they know that the only way to solve the tension is to get some changes," Olivito said. "This situation won't get better unless some changes are made."
City residents should not have to fear police or be beaten during an arrest, Olivito said.
Both the mayor and chief said a process has been set up so residents who feel officers have abused their power can file complaints.
Neither Kimble nor Hogan filed written complaints.
"I didn't file one because I don't think anything will happen," said Thomas Pavela of Woodbine, who said he was hit by police when he was arrested June 25 on a charge of disorderly conduct.
He has pleaded innocent to the charge and has a hearing next month.
"I swore at the cops because the handcuffs were too tight, and then they slapped me," Pavela said.
The chief said he never was informed about Pavela's complaint.
"I'm sure lots of people are going to making complaints now," Mandopoulos added.
sinkovich@vindy.com