LAW ENFORCEMENT Training of police begins

The mayor hopes another training session will begin next month.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- In an effort to reduce citizen complaints and lawsuits, training of all city police department personnel began this week.
In the past year, several people have filed complaints alleging police misconduct and illegal searches.
"The training is going to reduce the number of these complaints," said Mayor Michael O'Brien. "The clerks, police officers and dispatchers will all take part in a four-hour course this week that deals with how to treat the public."
Lt. Joseph Marhulik, who is assisting with the training, said about 10 employees took part in Monday's session.
Each day other employees will attend the training, officials said.
Police Chief John Mandopoulos and O'Brien have said they are instituting mandatory training for every officer.
The chief will also take part in the training. The 40 hours of in-service training will deal with new laws, communication skills and diversity issues.
Additional training, dealing with searches and other police issues, will be offered throughout the year. Only police officers will attend those sessions, officials said.
"We hope next month to begin the next training session," the mayor said.
Rising complaints
In 2003, the department registered 59 complaints, compared with 26 filed in 2002 and 27 filed in 2001.
The chief has noted that some of the 59 complaints were unfounded but that others were sustained, meaning he found the complaints justified.
"The training is a good start," said Tom Conley, president and chief executive of the Warren-Trumbull Urban League.
Five federal lawsuits have also been filed.
One of those lawsuits, filed by LaShawn Ziegler and Brandon Rogers, was settled about two months after it was filed. The men stated in the lawsuit that they were illegally strip-searched when stopped on traffic charges. According to city officials, the suit was settled for about $52,000.
sinkovich@vindy.com