Independent Investigator To Follow Up On Police Officer's Party

NORTH FORK, NY — A public outcry following the retirement party of a Southold police sergeant where a crowd gathered, many not wearing masks, despite social distancing protocols, has sparked a review by an independent investigator.

The Southold town board, at a special meeting held Tuesday, directed Town Attorney Billy Duffy to hire the investigator.

The independent review will include scrutiny of the events surrounding a party held on May 29 for Southold Police Sgt. Steven Zuhoski, who had retired that day from the Southold Police Department, Town Supervisor Scott Russell said.

In the days following the party, the town received numerous complaints that the police department failed to respond to calls from the public complaining that social distancing protocols were not being followed and that fireworks were being shot off, Russell said.

The decision to retain an independent investigator came after board members went into an executive session and were briefed by Duffy on the preliminary investigation performed by Southold Police Chief Martin Flatley.

“It is of paramount importance that the people of the Town of Southold are able to maintain trust and confidence in their local police department, and local government,” Russell said after the meeting. “As a board we decided that the best way to maintain that trust and confidence was to retain an independent investigator.”

The town board, Russell said, "wants the residents of Southold to know that we are taking the allegations very seriously and are determined to get to the bottom of what happened. These allegations are very troubling, the public wants answers — and they deserve answers.”

Russell explained that as part of the investigation there are certain procedures under civil service law that must be observed; he asked residents for patience while the investigation is ongoing.

“Once the investigation is complete and all the facts are known, the board will be able to comment further," Russell said. "We have been advised by our legal counsel to refrain from commenting on the events of that night, or on the investigation, in order to ensure the integrity of the process.”

At a recent rally organized to protest police brutality and the death of George Floyd in Peconic, organizer Kenny Black spoke out about the controversial party.

The gathering generated a sea of angry comments on social media, with residents asking how, at a time when large gatherings are banned because of coronavirus and graduations and even funerals had not been allowed to happen, police could attend a large retirement party.

"I know there are a lot of angry feelings about that retirement party," Black said. "That's in the past. The only thing we can do now is ask for accountability. For our law enforcement to stand up and say that they did what they did and take accountability for their actions."

"Thank you!" one woman in the crowd yelled, as many clapped.

"If you don't make amends, you can't heal," another shouted.

As a restaurant manager, Black said he is accountable for the actions of his staff. "That's all we want, is accountability," he said.

Southld Town Councilwoman Sarah Nappa brought the issue up at a Southold town board work session and mentioned Gov. Andrew Cuomo's social distancing protocols, which has put the brakes on social gatherings of more than 10 people.

"Members of our community have missed birthday parties, graduations, weddings, births, funerals except for a select group who felt they are above the law because they are the law —untouchable, privileged. No one is above the law."

She called for an investigation of the incident and asked for coronavirus testing of town employees who were present.

Russell said any matter that includes specific actions or directions of the town board is a personnel matter. "However, I support Councilwoman Sarah Nappa's suggestion of having any employees in attendance be tested for COVID-19 — although it is not clear if we have that authority."

Flatley did not immediately respond to a request for comment.