WARREN Safety-service director considers discipline for cops taped at club

He did not say what type of action he will recommend.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The city's safety-service director plans to discuss possible disciplinary action against several police officers for their recent behavior at a nightclub.
Fred Harris, safety-service director, is investigating the actions of Chief John Mandopoulos, Patrol Officer Manny Nites and others.
"Something has to be done," Harris said. He noted that Mayor Hank Angelo is out of town and will return Wednesday morning. "The first thing I plan to do when the mayor is back is to discuss this matter," Harris said.
He declined to say what type of discipline he might recommend.
The department's policy and procedures state that "no officer at any time shall ridicule, taunt, or shame any person."
What happened
Mandopoulos and other officers stopped by 77 Soul on May 24. He has noted that police have been regularly visiting the nightclub because of complaints from a local business owner about noise. The chief also has said that there have been several disturbances at the club and that the business had to be shut down because of occupancy violations.
A friend of club owner LaShawn Ziegler's taped Mandopoulos and Nites, who put their faces up to the camera, giving the cameraman close-up views of their eyeballs. Mandopoulos also asked the cameraman if in high school if he was voted "the nerd most likely to succeed."
The chief said he and Nites were just joking. Nites can also be heard calling the cameraman a snitch and telling customers walking into the club that the cameraman is a snitch.
"That is just plain wrong," Harris said.
Uniform order
He noted that though he will be reviewing Nites' and Mandopoulos' behavior he will also be looking at discipline for all the officers for not wearing their hats.
"It is a direct order that they wear the hats, and no one was," Harris said.
A videotape released two weeks ago by a citizen shows three white officers arresting Lyndal Kimble, who is black.
Kimble states he was beaten by police. Mandopoulos says a preliminary review shows the officers acted appropriately. That tape was broadcast nationally.
Tom Conley, president and CEO of the Warren-Trumbull Urban League, said a community meeting has been scheduled for 6 tonight in Second Baptist Church on Main Street to discuss Warren residents' relationship with the police department.
sinkovich@vindy.co