This is a copy of an INTERNAL INVESTIGATION provided by Brian Jordan. Brian had made a complaint to the Winchester Police Department and this is the response he received from Chief Gary Phillips. This is the result of INTERNAL INVESTIGATION conducted by Chief Phillips and handed to Brian in response to his concerns.
Winchester Police Department
6 Parker Street
Winchester, NH 03470
Telephone: 603-239-4814 .Fax: 603-239-6845
police@winchester.nh.gov
GaryA.Phillips
Chief of Police
INTERNAL INVESTIGATION
Case #s: IV09-3a, 3b, 3c
Date: May 19,2009
Complainant: Brian Jordan
Officer: Chief Phillips
On May 18, 2009 Brian Jordan of Winchester, NH came to the police station and filled out citizen complaint forms on three officers for three different complaints: Complaint on Sergeant Reppucci will be investigated by myself. Complaints on Officer Nathan Jette and Officer Kenneth Smith will be"' investigated by Patrol Sergeant Roberts.
IV09-3a Mr. Jordan alleges that on April 17,2009 in the rear of the Emergency .Services Building Mr. Jordan was talking to Paul McComb. Sergeant Reppucci approached the two and Brian left. After Brian departed allegedly Sergeant Reppucci told Paul McComb' " What ever you talking to him about, he's a troublemaker."
I interviewed Sergeant Reppucci. I asked Sergeant Reppucci if he remembered approaching Brian and Paul talking. Sergeant Reppucci stated that he did approach the two talking. Brian left immediately while staring at the ground acting strange. Sergeant Reppucci did not recall telling Paul to watch what he said to Brian, as he is a troublemaker.
I called Paul McComb. I inquired if Sergeant Reppucci had told him not to talk to Brian Jordan or that whatever you say to Brian Jordan he is a troublemaker. Paul stated that Dan, (Sergeant Reppucci) never said anything like that when Brian left from behind the police station..
Paul further told me that the next day or so Sergeant Reppucci saw him at the garage and inquired what he was talking to Brian about. Paul told Sergeant Reppucci that it was about cars etc. Sergeant Reppucci then told Paul that he was going to put an end to all of the gossiping. Paul stated that he thought Sergeant Reppucci might have meant that Brian was trying to cause someone trouble.. ..No basis for a formal complaint.. UNFOUNDED.
IV09-3b. The Officer observed a vehicle parked at Evergreen Cemetery in the dark. The officer performed his duties by checking out what initially appeared to be a suspicious vehicle. When the Officer lighted up the vehicle he observed it was" Mr. Jordan who routinely parks like that. Basis for inquiry, not for formal complaint.. .UNFOUNDED.
IV09-3c Officer Jette observed a vehicle pass the E.L.M. Center exit with a rear plate lamp out, Officer Jette got behind the vehicle and ran the plate. When it came back to Mr. Jordan Officer Jette decided not to stop the vehicle as, he was familiar with the owner, (Mr. Jordan) and felt that stopping and conversing with him would not be productive. Basis for inquiry, not for a formal complaint.. .UNFOUNDED
In addition to the letter above, Brian has had other issues with Officer Jette including in Richmond, where Nate Jette also works as a police officer and here is a letter to the Richmond Selectmen regarding a complaint about Nate Jette that was forwarded over to the Richmond Chief Andy Wood for review. This letter was also sent to the Town of Winchester Selectmen
Winchester Police Department
6 Parker Street
Winchester, NH 03470
Telephone: 603-239-4814 .Fax: 603-239-6845
police@winchester.nh.gov
GaryA.Phillips
Chief of Police
INTERNAL INVESTIGATION
Case #s: IV09-3a, 3b, 3c
Date: May 19,2009
Complainant: Brian Jordan
Officer: Chief Phillips
On May 18, 2009 Brian Jordan of Winchester, NH came to the police station and filled out citizen complaint forms on three officers for three different complaints: Complaint on Sergeant Reppucci will be investigated by myself. Complaints on Officer Nathan Jette and Officer Kenneth Smith will be"' investigated by Patrol Sergeant Roberts.
IV09-3a Mr. Jordan alleges that on April 17,2009 in the rear of the Emergency .Services Building Mr. Jordan was talking to Paul McComb. Sergeant Reppucci approached the two and Brian left. After Brian departed allegedly Sergeant Reppucci told Paul McComb' " What ever you talking to him about, he's a troublemaker."
I interviewed Sergeant Reppucci. I asked Sergeant Reppucci if he remembered approaching Brian and Paul talking. Sergeant Reppucci stated that he did approach the two talking. Brian left immediately while staring at the ground acting strange. Sergeant Reppucci did not recall telling Paul to watch what he said to Brian, as he is a troublemaker.
I called Paul McComb. I inquired if Sergeant Reppucci had told him not to talk to Brian Jordan or that whatever you say to Brian Jordan he is a troublemaker. Paul stated that Dan, (Sergeant Reppucci) never said anything like that when Brian left from behind the police station..
Paul further told me that the next day or so Sergeant Reppucci saw him at the garage and inquired what he was talking to Brian about. Paul told Sergeant Reppucci that it was about cars etc. Sergeant Reppucci then told Paul that he was going to put an end to all of the gossiping. Paul stated that he thought Sergeant Reppucci might have meant that Brian was trying to cause someone trouble.. ..No basis for a formal complaint.. UNFOUNDED.
IV09-3b. The Officer observed a vehicle parked at Evergreen Cemetery in the dark. The officer performed his duties by checking out what initially appeared to be a suspicious vehicle. When the Officer lighted up the vehicle he observed it was" Mr. Jordan who routinely parks like that. Basis for inquiry, not for formal complaint.. .UNFOUNDED.
IV09-3c Officer Jette observed a vehicle pass the E.L.M. Center exit with a rear plate lamp out, Officer Jette got behind the vehicle and ran the plate. When it came back to Mr. Jordan Officer Jette decided not to stop the vehicle as, he was familiar with the owner, (Mr. Jordan) and felt that stopping and conversing with him would not be productive. Basis for inquiry, not for a formal complaint.. .UNFOUNDED
In addition to the letter above, Brian has had other issues with Officer Jette including in Richmond, where Nate Jette also works as a police officer and here is a letter to the Richmond Selectmen regarding a complaint about Nate Jette that was forwarded over to the Richmond Chief Andy Wood for review. This letter was also sent to the Town of Winchester Selectmen
because again Nate Jette is a full time police officer with the Town of Winchester and has exhibited this type of behavior before.
July 19, 2009
Town of Richmond/Town of Winchester
Board of Selectmen
105 Old Homestead Hwy
Richmond, NH 03470
Dear Board of Selectman,
On Saturday morning while on my way to a birthday party with my mother, we stopped at the Four Corners store in Richmond for some coffee.
Nate Jette was just ringing up his order when me and my mother walked in and should have been gone by the time we got our coffee and what not.
Instead Nate Jette deliberately waited and was confrontational and saying this crazy thing inviting me to his house to save me the time of having to send an anonymous letter to Nate's wife because Nate said word is out around the town, people are talking and have said you were going to send her an anonymous letter at some point in the future.
The look in Nate Jette's eyes was very concerning for my mother and she fears for her son's safety.
I have to say even more alarming is that Nate Jette was in full Richmond uniform (the same officer who is also a full time police officer in Winchester) at the time and on duty. At what point do the police stop the harassment and act like the professionals they are paid to be?
At what point do the police relinquish the power and control trip they are on and start abiding by the laws that they are supposed to enforce.
Sincerely,
Brian S Jordan
UPDATED: Signed copy of the response from Richmond Chief Andy Wood in defense of Officer Nate Jette actions.
Town of Richmond/Town of Winchester
Board of Selectmen
105 Old Homestead Hwy
Richmond, NH 03470
Dear Board of Selectman,
On Saturday morning while on my way to a birthday party with my mother, we stopped at the Four Corners store in Richmond for some coffee.
Nate Jette was just ringing up his order when me and my mother walked in and should have been gone by the time we got our coffee and what not.
Instead Nate Jette deliberately waited and was confrontational and saying this crazy thing inviting me to his house to save me the time of having to send an anonymous letter to Nate's wife because Nate said word is out around the town, people are talking and have said you were going to send her an anonymous letter at some point in the future.
The look in Nate Jette's eyes was very concerning for my mother and she fears for her son's safety.
I have to say even more alarming is that Nate Jette was in full Richmond uniform (the same officer who is also a full time police officer in Winchester) at the time and on duty. At what point do the police stop the harassment and act like the professionals they are paid to be?
At what point do the police relinquish the power and control trip they are on and start abiding by the laws that they are supposed to enforce.
Sincerely,
Brian S Jordan
UPDATED: Signed copy of the response from Richmond Chief Andy Wood in defense of Officer Nate Jette actions.
Richmond Police Department
Andrew M. Wood Chief of Police
17-2 Winchester Road Richmond, NH 03470
August 4, 2009
Brian Jordan
4 Lawrence Street
Winchester, NH 03470
Ref: Letter regarding Officer Nate Jette Dear Mr. Jordan
I have reviewed your letter dated July 19, 2009 and have spoken with Officer Jette regarding the day you referred to. Officer Jette indicated that he did know you and did speak to you that day. His account of the meeting was very similar to yours with a few exceptions. He indicated that he was waiting in line, behind a female patron to check out when you and your mother came into the store. He stated that while you were standing behind him to check out, he acknowledged you and invited you to his home to speak with his wife in person regarding rumors.
Although you were concerned about "the look in Nate Jette's eyes" during the conversation, there is no indication in your letter or in my conversation with Officer Jette that he acted inappropriately or unprofessionally. There is no indication that Officer Jette violated any department policy nor any Federal, State or Local law, therefore, there will be no disciplinary action taken.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact me.
Respectfully
Andrew M. Wood Chief of Police
Cc: Board of Selectmen
Dispatch Tel: (603) 355-2000 - Business Tel: (603) 239-6007 - Fax (603) 239-8630 - E-mail police@richmond.nh.gov
Why did officer Nate Jette do what he did instead of just bidding Brian Jordan a good day and then walking away?
Do you think Chief Wood should have disciplined him when he didn't just walk away and instead invited him back to his house while on duty to discuss rumors?
Does it seem like Officer Jette can't seem to leave Brian Jordan alone?
What do you think Officer Jette trying to accomplish?
Especially when in uniform Officer Jette should be making good and sound decisions.
Do you feel this is appropriate behavior for a police officer to exhibit?
Brian Jordan can be contacted and he will be more than happy to provide copies of any or all of these documents.
Andrew M. Wood Chief of Police
17-2 Winchester Road Richmond, NH 03470
August 4, 2009
Brian Jordan
4 Lawrence Street
Winchester, NH 03470
Ref: Letter regarding Officer Nate Jette Dear Mr. Jordan
I have reviewed your letter dated July 19, 2009 and have spoken with Officer Jette regarding the day you referred to. Officer Jette indicated that he did know you and did speak to you that day. His account of the meeting was very similar to yours with a few exceptions. He indicated that he was waiting in line, behind a female patron to check out when you and your mother came into the store. He stated that while you were standing behind him to check out, he acknowledged you and invited you to his home to speak with his wife in person regarding rumors.
Although you were concerned about "the look in Nate Jette's eyes" during the conversation, there is no indication in your letter or in my conversation with Officer Jette that he acted inappropriately or unprofessionally. There is no indication that Officer Jette violated any department policy nor any Federal, State or Local law, therefore, there will be no disciplinary action taken.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact me.
Respectfully
Andrew M. Wood Chief of Police
Cc: Board of Selectmen
Dispatch Tel: (603) 355-2000 - Business Tel: (603) 239-6007 - Fax (603) 239-8630 - E-mail police@richmond.nh.gov
Why did officer Nate Jette do what he did instead of just bidding Brian Jordan a good day and then walking away?
Do you think Chief Wood should have disciplined him when he didn't just walk away and instead invited him back to his house while on duty to discuss rumors?
Does it seem like Officer Jette can't seem to leave Brian Jordan alone?
What do you think Officer Jette trying to accomplish?
Especially when in uniform Officer Jette should be making good and sound decisions.
Do you feel this is appropriate behavior for a police officer to exhibit?
Brian Jordan can be contacted and he will be more than happy to provide copies of any or all of these documents.
16 comments:
It's troublesome to know this officer's behavior goes unchecked. You would think his supervisor would have at least said although nothing was found to break any rules or laws this "could" be considered to be in bad taste and in bad judgement and I spoke to him to that about it. Instead of just saying that there is no problem when this isn't the first complaint about this officer no matter where he's working and with his actions with the public. There is definetly no accountability to the public and taxpayers when it comes to our employees no matter what the department.
Interesting the Richmond Chief doesn't try to hide this happened. More interesting he doesn't say it was a misunderstanding. Must be a new management style employed by the Chief's in these 2 towns. Hope this isn't county wide.
Why would any police officer invite confrontation by inviting someone to their house? It's just plain wrong. For Jette not to be reprimanded is also wrong. Should be "Peace Officer." Not Rambo Cop. See the pattern here folks?
Oh yes Officer Jette, the same guy that last winter was in a Richmond cruiser on Route 10 by P-Squares. I seem to remember he left the accident scene during a snow storm and banged a donut in the middle of the road in front of Winchester Police Officers, Fire and Rescue personnel and traffic that was stopped in both directions. This was such a dangerous thing to do and very inappropriate. If you or I did this we would lose our license. Double standards for Officer Jette and the other Winchester Officers? Phillips just keeps protecting these guys.
Wow ...I stumbled across this blog while doing some research and am shocked that this guy is still even working for Winchester. In early 2007 he was talking about his problems with fitting in as a cop and how he had been getting into all sorts trouble and was getting written up for this and that different offense, some which are already stated here on this blog. He wasn't following the rules and doing stupid things and getting caught and was on the verge of being fired. I'm not even gonna bother to ask, looks like you have your hands full but it sure is interesting. Good luck.
If you had strong leadership in charge these things wouldn't keep happening over and over.... That's why in professionally run police departments bad seeds get weeded out quickly. Ask Keene how they handle officers that don't follow the rules. It's simple they don't work there anymore. Most cops don't like bad seeds giving them a bad name, it's tough enough out there.
Gary Phillips released this information and to a civilian no less. He had no right to release an internal investigation which contains confidential information and by department policy can not be released to anyone especially the public. Gary Phillips violated his own policy when he released this internal investigation to Brian Jordan. A policy that he himself wrote. Again he consistantly breaches the very policies and proceedures that he has written and implimented of which he expects the members of his department to follow.
Maybe he's getting senile and forgetful and doesn't remember what policies he puts in place or how to follow them.
Maybe he can use that argument when he has to defend himself for firing Repucci when they go to court.
I hear he accused Repucci of not following the rules.
I'll bet it was the other way around.
I'll bet the detective can prove it.
The Chief has been known to change his policies to make it look like he follows them when he finds out he isn't. It's a well known and establsihed fact amongst former and current employees of his that he can't admit when he is wrong and does the next best thing - covers his tracks.
Exactly the reason why he can't get good officers and he can't keep good officers. Low pay, low morals, low integrity. Not a town worth a good officers time and good officers know that. Good luck Chief Phillips with this mess you created.
That sure does look like a report that was released. It has:
1.) Case Numbers that starts with IV – abbreviation for internal investigation
2.) A Date
3.) A Complainant
4.) The name of the Officer releasing the report - Chief Phillips is the only person in the Winchester Police Department with access to internal investigations.
5.) Number of complaints filed
6.) The investigating officers and who the investigating officers will be investigating
7.) Individual case numbers that contain the following:
a) Specific allegations
b) Investigation, including any questioning of witnesses.
c) A finding at the end of each of the Investigations.
How does this get explained away?
Where are the BOS for this?
How much more do they need to see before the act on the matters going on under their noses and with their permission?
How much longer are they gonna keep this going on?
Multiple written complaint letters have been filed against Nate Jette from different people and this is beginning to look like a pattern of confrontational behavior towards certain members of the public.
These letters exist in several different departments in Cheshire County. Nate Jette works in two different police departments in Cheshire County. Richmond and Winchester and he has had a situation with a Fitzwilliam resident.
These incidents if they occurred point to integrity problems.
Nate Jette confronted Brian Jordan in public because of a rumor he heard,a rumor that hadn't even happened,and he did this while on duty and in uniform?
Simply, Nate Jette said to Brian I hear you are going to send my wife an anonymous letter. Why don’t you just come back to my house with me and you can tell her yourself.
Inviting him back to his house to discuss this with his wife and have her subjected to Brian Jordan telling her about his infidelities? Because that's what Nate Jette said to Brian Jordan.
What kind of man would do that let alone a police officer on duty?
More disturbing is Chief Wood doesn’t dispute a misunderstanding and in fact confirms the relevant issues contained in Brian’s letter – the invitation to come to the officers house for confrontation about a rumor that had not even happened.
What kind of paranoid and lawless worlds do some of these people live in?
Thankfully, at least Brian Jordan wasn’t intimidated by this abuse of power tactic and has the decency and moral aptitude to bring things like this to light.
Brian Jordan is a very credible person who does not have integrity issues and who can substantiate his claims unlike some of the other people we have and have not heard from.
Chris Roberts asked Chief Phillips to be hired as a Sergeant because he was a Sergeant in Hinsdale.Talk about arrogance! Phillips told Roberts he would not do that right away but he would give him Sergeants pay and bring him on as a Master Patrolman. In essence Roberts was hired as a supervisor. Chris Roberts told a fellow officer he was told by Chief Phillips all he had to do was to "keep his nose clean for six months and he would be promoted to Sergeant". In fact when Roberts was promoted at the department meeting the first thing he asked about was the 3% raise.Keep in mind folks,Chris Roberts was a Sergeant in Hinsdale without supervisory authority because of his pis poor attitude. He was not liked by his fellow officers there. Even his best friend Mike Bomba no longer associates with Roberts except to say hello because of a falling out they had. Chris and Mike grew up together as if they were joined at the hip. They were insepperable growing up through high school and in law enforcement. Bomba even helped Roberts build his house. What happened to ruin their friendship? I doubt it had anything to do with Bomba.Roberts was a Lieutenant who was demoted because of his poor attitude towards fellow officers and citizens of Hinsdale. He did not completing supervisory training classes so he could learn how to deal with people, (which, by the way he was given 2 years to complete). This is in his personnel file at Hinsdale and documented in his background investigation at Winchester. Also, Chief Phillips's promotional process is without merit. There are no testing or interview processes. Seppe, Rivera, Reppucci as well as Roberts were all "tossed" their stripes, chevrons and Lt. bars in front of other dept members during a department meeting. There is nothing formal about promotions. Reppucci was promoted to Corporal and then a week or two later he was promoted to Sergeant. Let's face it folks, the promotional process in Winchester is based on the "good old boy" syndrome. Its " hey buddy you have been here a while I'll make you a sergeant". Nate Jette was given the rank of Master Patrolman based on what, his quality of work or lack thereof, his negative attitude, his taking of property without permission, no wait, he had permission from Sergeant Rivera,repeated policy violations,insubordination and being on the cusp of termination or being let go. These are your prequsites for being a supervisor under Gary Phillips. Here is a prediction folks: Phillips retires, selectmen promote Roberts to Chief, Jette promoted to Patrol Sergeant, Fisher promoted to Detetive Sergeant if he hasn't already been , Hurley promoted to Master Patrolman at his three year anniversary in October 2010. Mary an is given the "boot" and Erin Gusan is made department secretary. Hell, promote em all I say. Lets see,a seven man department with a Chief, Lieutenant, 2 Sergeants and a Master Patrolman. Who supervises who? I guess figment comes in at 7, alter comes in at 8 and ego comes in at 8:30.
Sorry - not all the police members who have worked at the Winchester Police Department should be lumped in with the likes Phillips, Roberts and Jette.
Some of the officers were very respected in the community and deserved the promtions they got and worked hard to get them and some of the officers deserved more and got nothing.
Let's not forget there was some good in this department, it just got overshadowed by the bad.
Regarding Chief Wood's response letter to Mr. Jordan. What a joke!
First of all, by what means did Nate Jette indiacte to Chief Wood he talked to Mr. Jordan. Jette either did or did not confront Mr. Jordan and tell him he could meet with his wife about an anonymous letter he was allegedly sending.
I seriously doubt Jette invited Mr. Jordan anywhere let alone to his house so he could talk to his wife especially with the history between him and Mr. Jordan.
Also, Jette confronted Mr. Jordan about an alleged anonymous letter he was going to send to Jette's wife which is a personal matter not a work related matter. This is a conflict of interest dealing with personal issues while on department time and in uniform.
Plain and simple:
1. Mr. Jordan wrote a letter of complaint to Chief Wood regarding Jette's unprofessional performance.
2. Chief Wood investigated Mr. Jordan's complaint.
3. Jette admitted he did confront Mr. Jordan inside 4 Corner's Store and told Mr. Jordan he could go to his house talk to his wife about an alleged anonymous letter.
4. Jette was in uniform and on the job addressing a personal issue which is a conflict of interest.
Who is kidding who? Wood's letter is nothing more than a smoke and mirror show in an attempt to cover his butt.
This is another example of a cop protecting another cop.
GAry Phillips is not a leader , he is a liability and needs to be told by the BOS he has to go.
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