CLINTON — Two local police officers have been placed on paid administrative leave while the town investigates an allegation of unnecessary force, Town Manager Aaron J. Chrostowsky said Thursday.

Chrostowsky said one officer works full time and the other works part time. He declined to identify them or the woman who filed the complaint, citing the situation as a confidential personnel matter.

The woman alleging that unnecessary force was used had been arrested on a warrant by the two officers last Friday night during the Clinton Lions Club Fair, Chrostowsky said. She claimed the officers injured her, he said.

“The complaint was by a resident on the use of unnecessary force,” Chrostowsky said. “There was an arrest warrant for this individual, and she was taken into custody.”

Chrostowsky said no weapons were involved.

As a result, the town has hired Patricia Dunn, of the Portland law firm Jensen, Baird, Gardner and Henry, to investigate the complaint, Chrostowsky said. Chrostowsky said he and Police Chief Craig Johnson  would evaluate the results of the investigation and determine whether any disciplinary action should be taken. Their decision can be appealed to the Board of Selectmen, Chrostowsky said.

“It’s an ongoing personnel matter and the town takes this matter seriously,” Chrostowsky said. “We’re going to be fair to all parties involved.”


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