Gloucester police chief put on paid administrative leave pending internal investigation
"I have absolutely no concerns in my personal or professional life that I've done anything wrong to warrant any action against me," Police Chief Leonard Campanello told the Gloucester Times.
Gloucester Police Chief Leonard Campanello has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation, according to a statement from Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken on Tuesday night.
Romeo Theken said the leave was effective immediately and will last until further notice pending the completion of the investigation.
Campanello has received national attention over the last year for his stance on treating addiction as a disease, not a crime or moral failing, and granting amnesty to drug addicts seeking help. He told the Gloucester Times later Tuesday night that he does not know the details of the investigation.
“I have absolutely no concerns in my personal or professional life that I’ve done anything wrong to warrant any action against me,” he said. “I am absolutely and completely unconcerned with this at all. If the city feels they have to take some kind of process with this, go at it. This will run its course. I am honestly unconcerned.”
“I think being in a public position and being thrust into the spotlight in these last 15 months, you have to expect this sort of thing,” he added to the Times. “You have to expect it will get the attention not only of supporters, but also of people who want to strike it down and maybe take it personally.”
The mayor’s office did not release any other information about the circumstances surrounding the investigation Tuesday night.
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