POLICE No action taken in matter of racial slur

The chief says he will handle the matter when he gets around to it.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A city police officer who was caught on videotape last year using a racial slur has not been disciplined, and the chief says he is not sure when any action may be taken.
Mayor Michael O'Brien and Doug Franklin, safety-service director, however, said Patrol Officer Manny Nites' matter will be addressed soon, though neither gave a date.
"It is something that is pending, and we will review it and make a decision on the Nites' complaint," Franklin said. "We will review and rule on it like we do with every allegation."
The tape was made May 24, 2003, by Charlie Adams, a friend of LaShawn Ziegler's. Ziegler operated 77 Soul nightclub. Adams was videotaping in the club parking lot.
The chief and Nites were seen on the videotape sticking their eyes into the camera lens. The chief has maintained that he and Nites were just joking with Adams, but Adams has contended he didn't consider the matter a joke. Adams said he felt threatened.
Nites can be heard on the tape using a racial slur and calling the cameraman a snitch.
"I'll handle it when I get around to it," Mandopoulos said Wednesday. "I'm tired of working 16 to 18 hours a day. I'm only one person. I'll do what I got to do."
Tom Conley, president and chief executive officer of the Warren-Trumbull Urban League, said he is surprised no action has been taken against Nites.
"I would expect the new administration will take swift action and to bring to a conclusion this unresolved issue," Conley said. "It's unfortunate that this important matter is not an issue for the chief of police."
Discipline for chief
In December, the chief received a 10-day suspension on administrative charges stemming from his actions at the club and allegations that he told a television reporter that he would give addresses of local journalists to drug dealers.
The chief has denied the allegations. As long as he attends training seminars he will not have to serve the suspension, the city's civil service commission ruled.
The chief also said that he hasn't taken any action against Nites yet because the officer was on an extended sick leave and also because he needs to locate Fred Harris, the former safety-service director. The chief said he would need Harris as a witness.
Harris, reached on his cell phone, says he has not been contacted by the chief.
"He has all my numbers, and I live at the same place," Harris said. "He should be able to find me."
Harris and former Mayor Hank Angelo ordered Mandopoulos in November to take disciplinary action against Nites.
Angelo did not seek re-election. In January, O'Brien took over and appointed Franklin the city's new safety-service director.
sinkovich@vindy.com