Operating concerns

I have read with interest the ongoing conflicts in the City of Charlottetown concerning some hiring positions, including statements made by city councillors.

Chief administrative officers in cities where policing is done by municipal police officers, usually have interference by the CAOs. This is allowed to happen when the local mayors of any municipality do not have a proper understanding of what powers police officers have.

CAOs work for council and its his/her duty to see instructions by council are followed. The Chief of Police for any municipality answers to the council, through the police committee.

Police officers are a paramilitary organization that is structured by discipline, accountability, and standard policies and procedures, in the daily duties.

I cannot speak for any other department but if the CAO is tied to the mayor as Coun. Doirion suggested, this usually brings complete discord and poor morale.

Each department hires a director whose duties are to run their respective departments within budget.

Police services always should be at arms length to any CAO or mayor, solely because of their discretionary powers in doing their lawful duty. Concerns go through Police Services Committee, which then takes them to council, where any operational decision is made. If anyone questions my opinion, one only has to look at the City of Summerside over the last 20 plus years.

David Griffin, Summerside