PBA scrambles to keep officer

No resignation, no proof

The deadline came and went with no resignation or proof of residency for a Granville Police Department patrolman who remains of administrative leave, but was not immediately let go by the village.

Granville officer Joseph Castle had been informed by the village he must prove residency in the State of New York or face losing his job despite seeking and being granted permission to reside in Vermont when hired by the department nearly five years ago.

The board met Wednesday evening in an executive-session  meeting to discuss the status of the case with village attorney Mike Martin, Mayor Jay Niles said Thursday.

Despite informing Castle of the requirement to provide the documentation, the village had no communication from Castle, Niles said.

As a result of the meeting Castle has been sent a registered letter detailing the village’s position on the residency issue, Niles said. Castle had until March 28 to prove residency or face action by the village – he did not and the village has called for a hearing on the matter.

Niles said the village was informed of the requirement for officers enforcing the laws of New York State to be a citizen of the state by a resident who came to speak with the mayor.

The area resident told Niles the information came from a lawyer.

When the matter was researched by Martin it was found to be correct – Castle must have state residency to work as a police officer in the state – or face losing his job.

In the letter the village reiterates their requirement for proof of residency to retain a job with the Granville Police, failure to produce the information now makes the matter disciplinary, Niles said.

Failing to meet the March 28 deadline resulted in the village calling for a disciplinary hearing where Castle will be represented by council.

“He’s entitled to due process in this matter,” Granville Police Department union president David Williams said.

Castle remains on 30 days paid administrative leave beginning when the matter was first found to be a part of civil service law.

Williams said Castle has the union’s full support going forward in the matter.