CITY WINS ARBITRATION CASE WITH OFFICER

For over two years now the Marco Island Police Department has been criticized and at sometimes demonized within the media and through the ever-growing influence of social media sites.  On those sites anyone can follow an agenda which is capable of destroying individuals, families and departments, through innuendos, half- truths and lies themselves.

This last week, a sad chapter has hopefully ended regarding the last of the three officers, who after a thorough investigation were found to be involved in a sordid tale of on duty consensual sexual relations with a local female subject.   Through the technical assistance of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and the cooperation of the female subject the first two officers resigned in disgrace.

Then Chief Al Schettino petitioned the certifying authority in the State of Florida to revoke their certifications, which unfortunately was restored to one of those officers after his attorney petitioned for that restoration.  Council Chairman Eric Brechnitz would strongly protest that action to no avail in a communication approved by the entire city council.

The third officer, Kevin Hennings was fired by the city in September of 2018 after an extensive investigation by the Marco Island Police Department.  The damming evidence which resulted in his suspension and ultimate firing was found on the female’s electronic devices, linking both Hennings and former Sergeant Neil Giansanti.

Hennings would subsequently challenge the city’s firing, and under the Collective Bargaining Agreement in force with the city he exercised his right to have the firing taken to arbitration, denying any involvement with the female.

Technology would play a large part in the city’s case.  The utilization of text messages and GPS tracking of the city vehicle that was assigned to Hennings would play a large role in the defense of the city’s case.  Throughout the arbitration period Hennings would continue to deny ever having a sexual relationship with the woman.

In the end, the evidence provided by the city in addition to the testimony by the woman would weigh heavily on the side of the city’s case.  Arbitrator William Hobgood would determine that the city had met its burden of proof and ruled that it did not have to reinstate Hennings.

When reached for comment on the ruling Police Chief Tracy Frazzano was looking forward to the future and would comment, “I think we need to continue to concentrate on making this the great department that both our officers and the community wish to see.  We will continue to reach out and recruit some of the finest law enforcement professionals from across the state and the nation to be part of this great team,” said Frazzano.