[Amended 6-15-2021 ATM, Art. 20]
If a complaint is not resolved as a result of
an initial investigation and preliminary consultation with the Chief
of Police as appropriate, the full Board may convene to review and
investigate the matter. The Board shall within 30 days recommend to
the Chief of Police and/or to the Select Board any discipline that
it deems appropriate to impose. The recommendations of the Board are
advisory. Any report of findings involving a civilian complaint shall
be made a matter of public record. In the event the complaint is against
the Police Department or any employee of the Police Department, the
person(s) shall be presumed innocent and shall not forfeit any pay
or seniority rights pending final action by the Board. All pleadings
filed and all hearings before the Board shall be public. Each party
has a right to counsel. The complainant's case may be presented by
the complainant or by the complainant's counsel. Any probative evidence
may be admitted.
Special meetings may be called by the Chairman
or by any two members of the Board upon personal notice being given
to all members of the Board or written notice being mailed to each
member and received at least 48 hours prior to such meeting unless
notice is waived by said members. In the absence of an emergency any
special meeting shall be posted in the office of the Town Clerk at
least 48 hours in advance of such meeting.
[Amended 6-15-2021 ATM, Art. 20]
On the written petition by 10 or more residents
of the Town of Barre filed with the Board, the Board shall hold a
special hearing for the purpose of responding to said petition. Copies
of the petition shall be delivered to the Select Board. Notice of
said hearing shall be given in the same manner as provided for other
hearings of the Board. The Board shall conduct said hearing upon the
subject matter within 30 days of the filing of said petition with
the Board.