Smith named president of Gary police commission
by Lori Caldwell lcaldwell@post-trib.com|648-3258 January 3, 2013 10:06PM
Updated: February 5, 2013 6:28AM
GARY — The Gary Police Civil Service Commission made quick work of its first meeting of 2013, moving through its agenda efficiently.
Longtime board President Oliver Gilliam was replaced by Commissioner Charles Smith, the Republican member elected by the rank and file.
Commissioner Hector Lopez, the Democrat representing officers, nominated Smith. Gilliam declined Lopez’s nomination to serve as vice president.
In other business, the board declined to hear an appeal by Patrolman Greg Tatum, who had filed a complaint against Sgt. Anthony Stanley and Cpl. Reginald Woods.
Tatum accused the pair of conspiring to fail him at his firearms qualification test and treat him rudely in the process.
The hearing officer who listened to witnesses and reviewed evidence ruled the pair did not violate any rules, but suggested that letters be placed in their files regarding the incident. The board declined to take the action at a prior meeting.
Board attorney Clorius Lay, in his first meeting as the legal adviser, said Tatum did not file his appeal request within the 10-day time period, adding that Tatum “failed to state a claim.”
The board unanimously adopted Lay’s recommendation without comment.
