March 29, 2024

Seekonk Town Administrator Said No Systemic Problem With Public Safety

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Town Administrator Shawn Cadime is standing by his decision to suspend Police Chief Dean Isabella, who was placed on paid administrative leave on January 6. Cadime previously said the Board of Selectmen intends to rescind Isabella's appointment.

Deputy Chief David Enos is running the department until a new chief can be hired.

"I do not believe there needs to be any concerns from our residents nor do I believe that there is a systemic problem," Cadime said Thursday. "The media’s spin of the situations has created the idea of a systemic problem. Each situation that the media has reported on has had their own set of circumstances. As town leaders, we took actions that we felt were appropriate for the town and our organization. Far too often, we see people in leadership positions who ignore and fail to address personnel matters because of their complexity and the (difficulty) associated with having to take action. We have never subscribed to that approach. We will continue to address personnel issues regardless of the complexity or positions and will continue to act in the best interest of the town."

Isabella has been working for the town of Seekonk since November 2020. He is in the final year of his three year contract.

Isabella told the Reporter Tuesday that under his leadership, the department has either "met or exceeded" the standards used to determine a successful police department.

"We have reduced crime every year for the last two years," Isabella noted. "As far as professionalism is concerned, we have had only one civilian complaint lodged. I think that's a testament to the professionalism of the officers involved but also a testament to the command staff and the standard by which they hold those officers."

Isabella's predecessor, Frank John, had a short-lived tenure as Police Chief. John was placed on administrative leave in March 2019, less than six months after being appointed to the position. John resigned in July 2019. Enos served as interim Chief until Isabella was hired.

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