Email Chastises 2 Dormont Patrolmen Over Regulations

Two Dormont patrolmen apparently watched TV beyond their lunchtime, didn’t always wear bulletproof vests and turned off their radios because they were “annoying,” according to emails from a sergeant.

The emails, sent in November when Phil Ross was chief, were recently obtained by Patch and take the two patrolmen to task.

“Apparently, I have been remiss in my duty for almost two years … both you are to strictly adhere to the following minimum requirements …” one email read.

The sender's and recipients' names were blacked out, but the emails were sent by Jim Burke, when he was a sergeant. He has since been to patrolman.

The emails were referenced during Ross’ April of his demotion from chief to sergeant. The borough civil service commission is expected to issue its findings Tuesday in that matter; Ross is appealing a further to patrolman.

According to testimony at the hearing, Ross presented the emails to council during an executive session concerning his job performance, saying that’s what he wanted for his officers.

Council demoted Ross to sergeant in part because it contended he did not have control of the department and was insubordinate.

“As you can see by the tone of these emails I am fed up with how both of you approach your job. Your days of being retired on duty are over,” one of the emails said.

The emails list 20 requirements, including:

• Games and any non work related computer activities are completely forbidden
• Television watching is limited to your 45 minute lunch break
• Sleeping on duty is never permitted either at your desk or hiding somewhere in your vehicle
• Alarm calls require you actually exit your car and check all doors and ground floor windows
• Each and every complaint will be handled in a manner consistent with the experience level you both posses, this includes what you may feel are routine complaints
• Banks escorts require you actually physically leave your vehicle
• Bulletproof vests are not an option they are mandatory
• We have portable radios for a reason, having yours shut off because they are “annoying” is not an option