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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.
bsibley
about 2 years ago
620 Comments
Great job Chief! I wonder if the uniion would have the same view if the Chief was driving by while one of the "union members" or their family was being attcked by some thug and the Chief said, "Oh I'm not on duty today, so I'll just drive away because I don't want to "perform bargaining unit work." The union should be thankful that they have a REAL COP for a Chief and not some political hack.
knight523
about 2 years ago
192 Comments
Chief or not he is a police officer, and if he witnesses a crime, he has a duty and obligation to enforce the law, equally, fairly and impartially. Sounds like this is a chief I would be proud to work for. A chief yes, but first and foremost a police officer. My compliments to the Chief. Jay
bikecop45
about 2 years ago
206 Comments
Mr. Union president - How much union experience do you have anyway? The chief of police, like others is management and isn't required to be a member of a bargaining unit. I would say, he is leading by example and this is one more area where unions should be forbidden to interfere. Most cities don't have enough officers and I believe at least one day a week, a department should close down and EVERYONE hit the streets and practice their crime fighting skills. Do you think you really have an unfair labor practice? What I think you do have; awaken a sleeping giant.
You keep on going...wish you were my chief of police!
Feez
about 2 years ago
48 Comments
Wait a minute. A Chief actually gets off his butt and does some policing, and people are upset about it?? I have have seen very few command staff willing to actually police in my years. I am very familiar with Scranton and its politics. I love the area and have a great number of family members there. This response is unfortunately not a surprise. There are plenty of things more jacked up than this in Scranton.
619Reeves
about 2 years ago
230 Comments
Stupidass unions, good job brother! I wonder if the union would have the same stance on the issue if that crackhead sold that shit to there kid!?!?
chiefkcr
about 2 years ago
3626 Comments
This is TOTALLY REDICULOUS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All this does is make their so called union look like a bunch of FOOLS ! Does 24 x 7 mean anything to this union. Do they really expect the Chief or any other Good Officer just to let something like this go ? GET REAL ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Deputy522
about 2 years ago
76 Comments
GREAT JOB Chief I think I can speak for "most" of us we appreciate the help. This is a prime example of the unions are out of control.
sacscorpio
about 2 years ago
60 Comments
WFRED....I'm with you 10000000000000000000000000%
mericlejr
about 2 years ago
228 Comments
Unions=Lazy Labor..Here's your proof...
JayaR1st
about 2 years ago
42 Comments
The Union's stance is nothing short of immoral. I wish I had brass that would be more willing to get their hands dirty on the streets. I'm impressed that the chief is willing to stick to his convictions on this matter.
WFRED
about 2 years ago
324 Comments
You're a COP 24/7...the Union had better un-@#$% Themselves on this issue...Good Job, Chief!
trueblue1221
about 2 years ago
32 Comments
This is the most incredibly ridiculous thing I have ever read. What is the rationalization behind suing the city? Kudos to the Chief for taking his oath seriously!
mericlejr
about 2 years ago
228 Comments
Good job chief. As for the UNION they need to redefine OATH and Sworn.
jworrell
about 2 years ago
66 Comments
It's actions like this why I would NEVER become a Union member with any department. Good police work, Chief. You're the only REAL cop in Scranton, it would appear.
rhood
about 2 years ago
23592 Comments
This is patently absurd, the union needs to get its head out of the collective backsides. Sinse when does the union determine when and by whom an arest can be made??