WARREN Officer disciplined over nasty words

The officer issued a written apology.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A police officer accused of threatening and swearing at the city's human resource director has received a written reprimand.
Patrol Officer Christopher Martin, 35, a nine-year veteran, received the discipline last week, said Fred Harris, safety-service director.
A disciplinary hearing was scheduled for Friday, but it was canceled after Harris learned that Police Chief John Mandopoulos issued the discipline last week.
Martin also issued a written apology, Harris said.
"He [Martin] is an excellent police officer, and there had been some foul-up with his pay and he was undergoing some stress," Harris said.
Martin was accused of violating several departmental policies, including being disrespectful to other officers, commanders, supervisors, subordinates or citizens; use of indecent, profane or harsh language in the performance of official duties; and not cooperating with public officials, Harris added.
The safety-service director said Martin was in the office of Gary Cicero, city human resources director, discussing his military leave pay about 1:30 p.m. Sept. 3.
Accusations
In his letter to Martin, Harris said the officer was accused of making threats and profanity-laced comments during his discussion with Cicero as he was leaving city hall. Harris said another city worker overheard part of the discussion.
Martin stated in his report on the matter that he was informed Sept. 3 that the finance department was ordered by Cicero to take an additional four days of military time from him.
"As this has been an ongoing problem for the past 10 years, I reasoned that attempting to talk with Mr. G. Cicero would be easier and less time-consuming than filing another grievance," Martin's report states.
"As the conversation ensued, it became clear to me that the issues had become personal with Mr. G. Cicero, and that reasoning would be ineffectual. "
Cicero has declined to comment.
sinkovich@vindy.com