6 Code Enforcement Officers Resign In Port Jefferson: Report

PORT JEFFERSON, NY — Weeks after the village board banned employees from carrying guns, Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow told Newsday that six code enforcement officers, including the chief of the division, left their jobs, the outlet reported.

In apparent protest of the policy, Chief Andrew Owen resigned, Assistant Chief Charles Gennaro retired and four other code enforcement officers also resigned two weeks after the measure was approved, according to the outlet.

The measure was prompted by the Sept. 27 discovery of a code officer's unattended weapon in a restroom inside Village Hall, officials said.

Sheprow said the measure has been in discussion since August 2023, after a resident asked if the code enforcement officers were covered under the village's insurance while carrying a weapon, and the village took "a deep dive" in reviewing code and consulting law enforcement and labor experts, as well as other municipalities.

The village does not issue firearms to personnel, and there is no provision in its code to allow the carrying of weapons, according to a statement sent out to residents.

Code enforcement officers have administrative roles to issue tickets for code violations, and they do not constitute a police force, Sheprow said. She went on to say that while there have been several resignations, code enforcement shifts have not been affected.

"The Board of Trustees wants to emphasize that this change will not compromise safety, security, health, or welfare of our residents or visitors," she added.

She reminded the residents that the Suffolk County Police Department's 6th Precinct is the primary law enforcement agency patrolling the village, and that the brass there has agreed to increase patrols.

For more in Newsday, click here.