Suspension upheld for Naugatuck cop

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BY ANDREAS YILMA

REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

NAUGATUCK — The Police Commission has upheld the suspension of a borough police officer with a history of discipline issues.

Ian Kosky talks at a special Police Commission meeting on March 9th, at the Naugatuck Police Department.
ANDREAS YILMA CITIZEN’S NEWS

The commission made the decision after Officer Ian Kosky’s discipline was challenged.

During a special meeting on March 9, the Police Commission unanimously denied the grievance and upheld a 15-working-day suspension for Kosky.

The grievance claimed the discipline was excessivle.

Deputy Police Chief Daniel Norck said Kosky was involved in two separate pursuits on two separate shifts on Dec. 20, 2022, one in the evening and the other at midnight. The pursuits were determined to be in violation of the department’s policy, although it was a technical minor violation, Norck said.

Newly appointed lieutenants, Otis Baskins and Alexia McMasters were responsible for reviewing one pursuit each.

In a supervisor meeting soon after the incidents, Kosky became insubordinate by yelling and being argumentative.

Commission Chairman Ralph Roper Jr. said upholding the original discipline actions was the right decision.

“I think the commission looked at the facts that were provided, gave the officer (Kosky) an opportunity to respond and I think (the decision) was just,” Roper said.

Norck has had six previous disciplinary incision) was just,” Roper said.

Norck has had six previous disciplinary incidents, including two  with other supervisors, Police Chief Colin McAllister said.

Norck said he told Kosky that he was concerned that a routine minor meeting led to an outburst. Kosky replied he felt that he was cornered and attacked by two supervisors at the same time

“He (Kosky) stated he felt they were confrontational and degrading, treating him like he was a rookie officer with no experience,” Norck said.

“Officer Kosky further stated Lt. Baskins got in his face at one point, yelling, which wasn’t right.”

Norck said he believed his outburst was a result of compounding stresses in his life, unrelated to the supervisor meeting and recommended Kosky seek Employee Assistance Programs, or counseling.

A worker’s compensation claim was started for Kosky and all the officers that responded to the murder scene of an infant in November. The worker’s compensation claim expands Kosky’s ability to receive treatment beyond the routine three visits, Norck said.

Norck said Kosky stated he didn’t have time for EAP counseling due to the exhausting amount of overtime that led to insufficient sleep. Kosky’s niece also passed away from cancer the previous week.

Kosky was placed on administrative leave, with him surrendering his duty weapon, badge and department ID until there was a full investigation, Norck said.

Based on Police Captain Antonio Bastos’ review and the reports, it was found that Kosky was in violation of the Naugatuck Police Department policy regardomg insubordination to a superior officer, Norck said.

Norck said Kosky attended a pre-disciplinary meeting where he apologized for the incident but didn’t fully agree with the circumstances or the description of the incident as it had been documented.

McAllister said insubordination of this nature could call for up to a 30 day suspension but police took into account other factors in Kosky’s case.