Council debate intensifies over Clark Hill report and police conduct; resignation of a sergeant accepted

Council discussion on Jan. 6 turned sharply to internal police department matters after the council president described concerns stemming from a recently delivered Clark Hill report and other testimony about workplace conduct and policing practices.

The council president said the report and officer testimony revealed a "hostile work environment" and alleged problems including what he called target‑driven enforcement and a pattern of conduct that could prompt legal fallout. "I am alarmed by the findings in the Clark Hill report," the council president said, adding that dozens of officers and other victims may have had their civil rights affected and that legal consequences could persist for months or years.

During the meeting council accepted the resignation of Sergeant Ryan Eastman; the motion to accept his resignation passed after a roll‑call vote. Council discussion noted that Eastman had been placed on paid administrative leave and had been issued a letter of reprimand prior to tendering his resignation. Council also moved to certify the civil service commission to fill two full‑time patrol officer vacancies; that motion passed by voice vote.

Several council members engaged in a heated exchange on social media postings and alleged outside political influence; council president said he had attempted internal outreach and fact‑finding and offered to meet one‑on‑one with colleagues to resolve disputes.

Why it matters: The council president characterized the issues as serious and said they could result in prolonged legal actions. Acceptance of a sergeant's resignation and steps to refill patrol positions are immediate personnel outcomes from the ongoing reviews.

"None of this had to happen," the council president said, describing the situation as a "nightmare" for victims and the borough.