UPDATE: Clarkstown Police Chief Suspended

UPDATE: Clarkstown town officials have released a statement:

"Following a unanimous decision by the Town Board, Chief Michael Sullivan has been suspended. While the Town cannot comment on ongoing investigations and personnel matters, we take disciplinary matters very seriously."-Vincent Balascio, Chief of Staff / Director of Finance

NEW CITY, NY — Chief Michael Sullivan has been suspended by Clarkstown town officials, according to news reports.

Wednesday's action did not come with an explanation. Capt. Robert Mahon will serve as interim chief while Sullivan is on paid leave, according to The Journal News.

Sullivan has been with the department since 1987.

He is one of the highest-paid local government officials in the state of New York, and the Clarkstown police department is one of the highest-paid (second only to Ramapo). Sullivan was the ninth-highest-paid local government official in New York state in 2014-15, with a salary of $272,037, according to the Empire Center’s 2015 “What They Make” report. Mahon was No. 10, at a salary of $270,753.

At the beginning of 2016, the new town administration commissioned an outside consultant, the Bonadio Group, to do a thorough review of the police department. That report has not been issued.

PHOTO: Clarkstown Police Chief Michael Sullivan

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