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Select Board backs Chief Doty, plans legal-reviewed response after Epping terminates mutual aid
Summary
Following a July 17 letter from Epping alleging unprofessional behavior by Brentwood officers, the Select Board approved a proclamation of support for Chief Justin Doty and authorized the chair to draft a response for legal review.
The Brentwood Select Board unanimously approved a statement of support for Chief Justin Doty and the Brentwood Police Department on July 17 after the chief received a letter from the Epping Police Department dated July 17 terminating mutual aid and alleging a pattern of unprofessional and "at times dangerously incompetent behavior." The board also authorized the chair to draft a response to Epping and have it reviewed by town counsel.
Select Board member read into the record an emailed statement from an absent member that said, in part, "On behalf of the Brentwood Select Board, we write to express our strong support and appreciation for Chief Justin Doty and the Brentwood Police Department." After discussion and public comment, a motion to accept and publicize that statement passed.
During public comment, resident Liz Faria said she believed Epping's letter accused Brentwood of a "pattern of unprofessional and at times dangerously incompetent behavior" and asked the board whether it had plans to seek proof or explanation from Epping. Chief Doty told the board he had "not received any complaints" and described the accusations as "infuriating and frustrating" and, in his view, "defaming." The chief also said he previously received correspondence from Epping in April that praised Brentwood officers.
Board members debated whether to address the matter in public or in nonpublic session because the subject touches on personnel matters. The chair (with legal consultation) and several board members recommended drafting a board response to Epping. One motion that passed directed the chair to draft the letter, circulate it to the board, and have town counsel review it before sending it to Epping's town administrator.
The board also voted to go into nonpublic session under RSA 91-A provisions to discuss personnel and hiring matters; the chair said specifics about the accusations would be considered in nonpublic when appropriate.
No personnel discipline or other formal personnel action was announced in open session; the board instead signaled official support for the chief and a legal-reviewed reply to Epping's letter.
