The president of the Law Enforcement Supervisors Union (LESU) has filed a grievance against the Turnbull administration regarding the appointment of Jose A. Garcia as the territorial Police Chief.
LESU President, Capt. Al Donastorg wrote that Garcia has begun to exercise duties of his office without have been duly sworn into office in accordance with provisions of the 1954 Revised Organic Act.
Donastorg wrote that more than two weeks have passed since the appointment of Garcia as territorial chief and he is yet to be sworn in. The union boss contends that the chief is presiding over disciplinary hearings but is still in an acting capacity.
Donastorg said if such things are not questioned it could be another three years before the territorial chief is sworn in.
The union president further said that to keep the union in limbo by not swearing in the presiding officer of grievance hearings is neither fair to the chief nor to the rank and file of the department. Donastorg said he believes the union is entitled to a higher degree of respect and professionalism.
According to Donastorg, the issue of Garcia serving as the hearing officer despite not being officially sworn into office was first raised on Dec. 9 during a hearing involving the LESU.
Traditionally, the chief entertains complaints and conducts disciplinary trials involving members of the police force and makes recommendations for disciplinary action to the deputy commissioner for the respective district.
