Ex-Schenectady police chief faces two years of 'structure and routine'

PHOTOGRAPHER: Ana Zangroniz

Former Schenectady police chief Greg Kaczmarek issues a public apology in front of the Schenectady County Courthouse on Dec. 2 before he and his wife, Lisa, appeared to accept plea deals on drug charges.

Former Schenectady police chief Gregory Kaczmarek will have to submit to the indignities of prison life over the time he is behind bars.

Meals will be set. Shower times will be set. And a day’s work is worth only $1.05.

At the same time, his medical needs will have to be provided for, as well as his security needs as a former member of law enforcement.

“We will take into consideration that he’s a former law enforcement employee and evaluate those needs and risks throughout the process, state corrections spokeswoman Linda Foglia said Wednesday. “A more permanent facility could include a protective custody unit.”

Kaczmarek, the one-time Schenectady police chief, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a felony drug possession count, related to a larger drug organization that saw two dozen indicted.

He is slated to be sentenced Feb. 2, along with his wife Lisa Kaczmarek. She pleaded guilty to attempted drug possession and is to get six months in the local jail. Her husband’s time will be spent in state prison.

They both remain free pending sentencing. On a two-year sentence, Greg Kaczmarek could do as little as one year, five months in custody, depending on his behavior record. That time would begin running once he surrenders himself.

Lisa Kaczmarek’s six-month sentence would be reduced to four months with good behavior, but no further than that, officials said.

Prison jobs pay $1.05 per day, money that can go toward commissary items like stamps or snacks. Inmates can supplement that with their own money and can spend up to $50 over two weeks, Foglia said.

In addition to the $1.05 per day, Kaczmarek will also receive his state pension of $36,096 annually, officials with the state Comptroller’s Office said. The pension is guaranteed and not affected by criminal convictions.

As a former member of law enforcement, Greg Kaczmarek’s status will be taken into account when deciding where to house him, Foglia said.