Former Police Chief Sues Monroeville As Whistleblower

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Monroeville’s former police chief has sued the municipality in federal court, alleging mistreatment after he exposed lapses in how officials protected sensitive law enforcement and medical information about residents.

In the suit filed late Monday night, Steven Pascarella, a 26-year veteran, is claiming civil rights violations, retaliation despite his status as a whistleblower, and failure of the municipality to accommodate an unspecified disability.

Mr. Pascarella, 46, was quietly fired in April. By then he had returned to the rank of lieutenant at his request because of medical issues.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2014/07/15/Former-police-chief-sues-Monroeville-as-whistleblower/stories/201407150135#ixzz37Y2z8uqz

Monroeville Hires Private Investigator To Conduct Internal Probe

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For the second time in the past year, Monroeville has hired a private investigator to conduct an internal probe of the municipality’s turbulent affairs.

Interim Manager Timothy Little on Wednesday confirmed the existence of a broad and comprehensive investigation that will address, among other issues, recent personnel upheaval that involved his predecessor, the current police chief and several 911 dispatchers who were fired.

“We just want to get to the truth of what occurred here, that’s all,” Mr. Little said.

CSI Western PA is conducting the investigation. Its managing director, Joe Bellissimo, declined comment, citing client confidentiality and the ongoing nature of his work.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2014/04/03/New-investigation-personnel-Monroeville/stories/201404030243#ixzz2xqhYSNG9

Monroeville Municipal Manager Threatened After Firing Former Police Chief

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Police are investigating a threatening letter left at the home of municipal manager Lynette McKinney last week.

Police Chief Steven Pascarella said police are awaiting results from the crime lab.

“It’s credible enough that we’re taking additional precautions,” he said without elaboration.

Ms. McKinney said today she was “disturbed” by suggestions in the community that the letter was placed by Ms. McKinney herself.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-east/monroeville-manager-threatened-after-firing-former-police-chief-703720/#ixzz2fC1VIqCa

Demoted Monroeville Police Chief Terminated

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Former Monroeville police Chief Doug Cole, who was demoted to sergeant in February and then placed on paid administrative leave a week ago, has been terminated, manager Lynette McKinney confirmed late Wednesday night.

He was informed via a letter delivered this afternoon, she said.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-east/demoted-monroeville-police-chief-terminated-702873/#ixzz2egw7Hu00

Demoted Monroeville Police Chief Placed On Leave

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Former Monroeville police Chief Doug Cole, who was demoted to sergeant in February, has been placed on paid administrative leave, manager Lynette McKinney confirmed today.

She also confirmed that three dispatchers were fired for violating the computer usage policy of the municipality’s employee handbook.

She said Sgt. Cole was placed on leave Tuesday pending further action.

She declined to provide further details about the discipline against Sgt. Cole and would not name the terminated dispatchers.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-east/demoted-monroeville-police-chief-placed-on-leave-701953/#ixzz2dyxaCT92