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Union Files Complaint Against Chief Who Made Off-Duty Arrest
The Times-Tribune
April 19, 2011
Scranton, Penn. — The Scranton police union has filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the city for an off-duty drug arrest made by Police Chief Dan Duffy in March.
The complaint, which was filed with the state Labor Relations Board on April 14, takes issue with the chief arresting a man who was allegedly in possession of marijuana because the chief is not a member of the collective bargaining unit and was “off duty” when the March 20 arrest was made.
“I think it’s absurd. I’m not going to turn my head on crime that takes place,” Chief Duffy said. "I took the same oath (as a police officer) that everyone else took.
“On my day off and I’m driving around as the police chief, and that’s wrong?” he asked.
The complaint states that “the work of apprehending and arresting individuals has been the sole and exclusive province of members of the bargaining unit,” and that the city did not inform or negotiate with the union that the chief would be “performing bargaining unit work.”
Because of this, the union says the city violated the state Labor Relations Act and the Policemen and Firemen Collective Bargaining Act.
“We’re not out to bust his chops,” Sgt. Bob Martin, police union president, said. “It’s not against the chief. The action is against the city.”
Mayor Chris Doherty declined to comment on the matter Monday.
While the chief has been known for several off-duty arrests in the city, the complaint only makes mention of the March 20 incident.
salarson272
about 2 years ago
18 Comments
this is just plain dumb
mericlejr
about 2 years ago
228 Comments
Pinch some off or give me $20. For my union dues.. Is this what we are coming to..
mericlejr
about 2 years ago
228 Comments
OATH and SWORN TO UPHOLD/ UNION!!!???!
JImGNYCDC
about 2 years ago
22 Comments
Good going chief....to the MORONS IN THE UNION, get a real job, you knoiw the one at the front door at WALLY World or for those of you union reps who filed that complaint, not smart enough to know better, Wal-Mart.
mz66
about 2 years ago
3462 Comments
All the subsequent comments proved my previous one. I for one believe unions serve a good purpose--but this is idiocy. All this proves is that idiots are everywhere, including unions. Time to for the union membership to vote in new leadership that has some sense.
Dshef76
about 2 years ago
38 Comments
More reasons to remove unions from Leo. We cops first!! Union members if it applies 2nd.
forensicinvestigator
about 2 years ago
252 Comments
I hate to say it guys but there is no separation in the Thin Blue Line. A cop is a cop is a cop and who's to say if the chief had taken the time to call for a uniformed officer to make the arrest, the guy wouldn't have left the scene or, worse yet, met up with armed friends? Any officer in the Chief's shoes would have done the same thing. I mean, let's get real....the guy had an active warrant and the drug arrest resulted from holding AFTER the warrant arrest was made. This suit is a waste of court time and tax dollars. The chief was right in that he took the same oath as his officers and any cop would have done the same thing in his shoes. The union needs to get off their high horse and thank the chief for being part of the department and not hiding behind his desk. On a note to the chief, next time you decide to take a ride to check out complaints, on duty or off, bring another officer with you for backup....especially when you're dealing with drug dealers who are usually armed and not alone themselves. Watch your six chief and keep up the good work. I'd work for you anytime.
ppc
about 2 years ago
188 Comments
I have been a union member since 1972, with various positions. Who in the hell got the hairbrained idea to file this complaint. Yes its out of class, but lets get real, a cop is on duty 24/7 to uphold the laws of the city,state, and the United States . Not just when in uniform. I would a lot rather work WITH a supervisor than for a BOSS. there is a lot of difference. with draw the suiit, and ask the CHief when he is going out again. that you would ride with him. CHIEF DUFFY good job, be careful without backup.
wst
about 2 years ago
2 Comments
Good to see everyone is agreeing that the Chief did a good job. As for the comment about defense lawyers tearing the case apart....Who cares the guy didnt beat the ride
CivilianGal
about 2 years ago
42 Comments
This is clearly ALL about the fact that this chief isn't a union member.
Sierrasport
about 2 years ago
14 Comments
This is absurd! If anyone is looking for a reason to disolve unions, this is it. Unions/associations do serve a purpose in negotiating contracts and maintaining a check and balance against employee abuses. However, when they resort to protectionism, it is an abuse in itself.
Look at the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA), the State prison guards' union. They are bankrupting the State of California with their protectionist, elitist back room deals with present and former governors. I'm sure that the $2M campaign contribution had nothing to do with it.
Kudos to the Chief for doing the job he was sworn to do!
black6g
about 2 years ago
352 Comments
I'm sorry so what your saying is that if "you" see a crime being committed and "you" have taken the "oath" and this is your chosen career, and you chose NOT to interact than that is something "you" have to live with. But not the Chief he chose to do the right thing his own "zero tolerance" its against the law and that is his job as the Chief Law Enforcement officer. So to the Chief Great Job Sir, and to the Union who yet one more time have over stepped their bounds "shut up" let us do our jobs and you do yours by making sure the "powers that be" give us what we deserve and we will survive the "status quo" that the chief ads too.
coshane220
about 2 years ago
682 Comments
As an LEO, "Off-Duty" to means that I'm just not getting paid. Police work in and of itself is a 24/7 job. I am 100% pro union, but this even makes me ask questions. I praise the chief for getting out there and doing the work that his guys do! GOOD FOR HIM!
js6455
about 2 years ago
30 Comments
TWO THUMBS UP FOR THIS CHIEF! He is from the old school, where you were on duty 24/7 not like some today who look at it as, 'off duty is my time, not yours'.
Be glad he got off his can Sgt. Martin and is willing to work the trenches with the men of his department. I don't know how long you have been in the suit but it will be 38 years for me coming this October. I have seen my share of C of P's come and go. One I had early in my career would put on his uniform when off duty in order to get the discount at a local eatery when picking up carry-out for his family.
You would do better to battle with the politicians during contract negoations, than battle a fellow officer.
There is no non ethical conduct here.
harborcop4
about 2 years ago
234 Comments
All I can say as Carlos Mencia would say> "DEE DEE DEE"