TYNGSBOROUGH — Chief Richard D. Howe reports that, upon his recommendation, the Tyngsborough Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to place Patrolman Daniel Whitman on unpaid leave.
Whitman, hired June 13, 2011, had been on paid administrative leave since Aug. 26, 2019. The board voted to place him on unpaid leave as of June 16.
The move comes following the indictment and arraignment of Officer Whitman on nine (9) criminal charges at which it became clear that the timeline for the criminal trial process would be lengthy going forward. As a condition of Officer Whitman’s release, he is not allowed to use any weapons. Therefore, it is now very clear that Officer Whitman will not be able to perform his duties as a police officer for the foreseeable future, necessitating the decision to place him on unpaid leave. The move to unpaid leave was recommended upon the advice and guidance of legal counsel and is consistent with the Tyngsborough Police Department’s collective bargaining agreement and general management rights.
The police department and town have reserved the right to commence termination proceedings against him in the future for his alleged conduct as part of a process of managing employees who engage in wrongdoing or conduct that violates Massachusetts or Federal law.
“I wish to acknowledge and thank the Tyngsborough Board of Selectmen for their support in taking decisive and appropriate steps in this matter,” Chief Howe said.
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