Nazareth council to decide fate of TV in police headquarters

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

Nazareth’s borough council president and vice president backed the mayor, who previously blasted the use of a television in police headquarters.

At last month’s police committee meeting, Mayor Fred Daugherty Jr. scolded Police Chief Thomas Trachta about the television, saying police need to be on patrol, not watching TV. In memos between himself and Trachta, the mayor called the television unauthorized department equipment.

“What the problem really boils down to is the abuse we sense is happening with this TV,” Council President Dan Chiavaroli told the public during tonight’s borough workshop meeting. “Everyone has expressed there are so many vehicles parked behind the police station for extended periods of time, and other police vehicles. I’m concerned there is abuse and I don’t think it should be hooked up to cable at this time.”

The television was removed last month. Council members said they felt the equipment had been misused.

Nazareth borough council members Monday will decide whether to reconnect cable and allow the television to be used in the station.

Trachta said he is rarely aware of the television ever being misused, but doesn’t know what happens when he leaves for the evening. He said it was donated by an officer at no cost to the borough and is used by officers as a learning tool to stay updated on events that could affect the borough. He said during the police committee meeting several police and fire departments in the area have television sets.

Trachta also said during the police committee meeting he didn’t ask for permission to hook up the television because, at the time, he was uncertain of the status of the police department.

Council Vice President Larry Stoudt said no one can see into the window to the room with the television.

“There’s only one door and you have that covered,” Stoudt said. “You can’t see in.”

Councilman Jack Herbst, who chairs the police committee, said the department could use the Internet or a projector onto a screen to train police officers. Police can receive emergency reports from the Northampton County 911 Center, he said.

Stoudt, chairman of public property, in a heated argument said he asked the chief to remove the television and accused Trachta of not following orders, saying when he returned, the television remained and was playing.

“My vote’s going to be ‘no,’” Stoudt said. “Who’s running the borough? The police chief and police department or this council sitting here running the borough? It’s time this council decided who’s running the borough ... Nobody gives a damn what we say here in this council. Now, it’s time.”

Councilman Charles Donello asked if there is any documentation of police officers misusing the television for anything other than a training tool. He said those misusing the television should be properly disciplined.

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