Accused wants outsider to investigate

Harris says he will take a polygraph test.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The city's safety-service director says he wants an outside agency to investigate a complaint that was filed against him by a police detective.
Fred Harris, safety-service director, said Friday that he is asking other agencies, such as the Ohio State Highway Patrol, to probe the matter.
"I'm not sure who would do this sort of thing, but I will find out," Harris said. He added that he also will take a lie-detector test and would hope the detective, Jeff Hoolihan, will do the same.
Hoolihan, who could not be reached to comment, filed a complaint Thursday over a matter that took place Jan. 28, 2002.
Hoolihan states in a two-page, typed statement that he was working off-duty security at a local grocery store when Harris walked toward him and asked what was on his belt. The detective said Harris then grabbed his cell phone and held onto it for a few seconds.
The safety-service director remembers touching the cell phone but said the two were laughing. He noted that he thought the phone was "fancy."
"This was a happy conversation," Harris said.
Hoolihan said in his statement that he felt the director's actions were unprofessional.
Police Chief John Mandopoulos said he does not believe it is necessary to call in an outside agency and plans to have his captains investigate the matter.
"When you think about it, I think the director is making a little too much out of this whole thing," Mandopoulos said. "Do I think charges are going to come out of this? No. I don't think there is anything criminal."
The mayor and Harris said they think Mandopoulos had Hoolihan file the complaint to distract attention from the administrative charges the chief is facing.
The chief, a civil servant, denied the allegation.
The mayor has recommended that Mandopoulos receive a 10-day suspension for gross neglect of duty, gross dereliction of duty, conduct unbecoming an officer and dishonesty in the performance of his duties.
The chief has filed an appeal. A hearing will be set in the next 30 days, city civil service commission members said.
sinkovich@vindy.com