Chief John Martin has placed himself on administrative leave shortly after the town received a report that his police department had "low morale" according to a report published in the Reformer.
Martin's request followed a verbal report to the police department's steering committee from Tad Dwyer, of Keene, N.H., an organization development consultant specializing in organizational strategic planning and culture change initiatives.
Acting Town Manager Barbara Sondag told the Reformer that Martin's request had nothing to do with the use of Tasers on nonviolent protesters by Brattleboro police officers July 24 or the recent dismissal of grievance filed by former police officer Terry Parker.
Sondag also refused to confirm or deny whether Martin's request was a result of the new report.
"Dwyer determined moral is very low," said Sondag.
Martin started with the department in 1976 and was appointed acting chief in 2001. The following year he was officially appointed to the position.
The steering committee is made up of Sondag, Selectboard Chairwoman Audrey Garfield, Martin, three police union representatives and a lieutenant in the department.
read the rest at: http://www.reformer.com/ci_6772359