Quick resolution expected in Schenectady police lieutenant probe

PHOTOGRAPHER: Steven Cook

A veteran city police lieutenant has been suspended, pending an investigation of allegations made against him, Public Safety Commissioner Wayne Bennett confirmed Monday.

Lt. Edwin Marcinkowski was suspended with pay last week, said Bennett, who declined to say what the investigation was about.

But the commissioner did say he expected the matter to be resolved sooner than similar investigations into other officers.

“I don’t expect this is going to go any long distance at all,” Bennett said.

Marcinkowski came on to the force in 1975. He was one of several officers to express interest in an early retirement incentive that would take effect next year, Bennett said.

“Whether or not he’ll still be an employee as of Jan. 1 remains to be seen,” the commissioner said.

An official with the state Comptroller’s Office confirmed Monday no retirement papers had been filed concerning Marcinkowski.

Bennett spoke with reporters after a ceremony Monday swearing in seven new police officers. The recruits are to enter the academy this week.

Bennett said the younger officers bring fresh attitudes to the force. He also noted that Mayor Brian U. Stratton has been clear on what will happen to members of the force if they stray.

“I’m disappointed when any of them find themselves in these circumstances,” Bennett said. “But, my God, the mayor’s made it abundantly clear, certainly by his words and his actions.

“The mayor intends to follow through with his word. So shame on you if you find yourself on the other side of the circumstances.”

Marcinkowski began his career in 1975 and made sergeant in 1989. By the late ’90s, Marcinkowski was a lieutenant and seen as a possible assistant chief, though that promotion never materialized.

The confirmation of Marcinkowski’s suspension comes days after the latest in the saga of another police officer, Darren Lawrence.

Stratton announced Friday that the city will again try to fire Lawrence for abusing alcohol.

The first attempt to fire Lawrence failed when the city’s hearing officer said Lawrence should get no more than one month’s suspension for getting into a bar brawl while off-duty.

The city has already fired two officers; two others resigned at the last minute before termination.

A fifth resigned before an arbitrator could write a recommendation.