PELHAM MANOR, NY — As previously reported Pelham Manor Police Chief Jeffrey Carpenter resigned for the purpose of retiring. Lt. Thomas Atkins, who has served as second in command since 2017, is currently in charge of the Pelham Manor Police Department.
But what led to the unexpected resignation?
According to an on official statement from the Village of Pelham Manor, Trustee and Police Commissioner Breda Bennett received an anonymous communication alleging low morale in the department on February 11, 2021.
Bennett responded directly, and Village Manager John Pierpont expeditiously commenced an internal investigation, despite the difficulty in verifying anonymous statements.
On March 16, 2021, Trustee Bennett received a communication from a PMPD officer containing a formal complaint. The officer requested that the information in his communication be kept confidential. The Board took the complaint seriously and promptly contacted outside employment counsel. Working with counsel, the Village hired a seasoned, independent investigator to conduct a thorough review of this internal personnel matter. The investigator interviewed several members of the PMPD, many of whom agreed to speak with the assurance that their statements would be kept confidential.
As the investigator concluded his interviews, Chief Carpenter decided to retire. The Village entered into an agreement with Chief Carpenter, which under federal law, was not enforceable until 7 days after execution.