The council deliberated on serious allegations against Acting Chief William Castro, with concerns raised about the integrity of police reports and hiring practices. Castro was accused of falsifying a police report for personal gain and hiring unqualified officers, including an individual named Mr. Ferman, despite knowing their disciplinary histories. The recommendation for Castro’s termination due to these violations highlighted the gravity of the situation. Allegedly, Castro exerted undue influence on the hiring process, instructing Lieutenant Rossi to halt an internal investigation related to Ferman’s past conduct. These actions raised significant ethical questions and prompted the council to consider the broader implications for the police department’s leadership.

The meeting delved into the intricacies of the investigations, particularly the Bennett report, commissioned to examine these allegations. Although the report involved over 18 interviews and the review of nearly 50 documents, it faced criticism for redactions and perceived incompleteness. The absence of an interview with Chief Castro was a notable gap, attributed to scheduling conflicts. This led to a second investigation by Maverick, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest due to its connections with former police officials. The council expressed frustration over the delays in the release of the Bennett report and questioned the transparency of the process.

The mayor’s involvement in engaging consultants for the investigations was scrutinized, with council members debating whether this compromised the integrity of the process. It was clarified that the mayor’s office had engaged both the Bennett and Maverick consultants, and concerns were raised about the appropriateness of the mayor’s involvement, especially given the absence of a permanent human resources director. This situation created tension between the council and the administration, as members sought greater transparency and accountability in the investigation process.

Lieutenant Razzo, representing the Lawrence Police Paralysis Association, addressed the council to voice concerns about the department’s internal issues. He highlighted a culture of fear within the police department, asserting that officers were hesitant to speak out due to potential retribution from the administration. Razzo called for an independent investigation into the allegations surrounding Chief Castro, emphasizing the need for unbiased oversight. He criticized the administration’s lack of transparency and expressed doubts about the thoroughness of Maverick’s investigation, questioning its impartiality given its connections to the mayor’s office.

The council also examined the procedural aspects of the investigations, including the hiring of consultants and the release of reports. The City Attorney explained the redaction process, emphasizing the need to protect sensitive information, which contributed to the delays in releasing the Bennett report. Council members questioned the necessity of waiting for the mayor’s approval before making the report public.

In a notable exchange, the council discussed the legality of contracts for acting police chiefs, particularly in relation to Chief Castro. Concerns were raised about the potential conflict of interest in an employee drafting their own contract and the need for the City Attorney’s signature.