HAMLET — The exact reasons for Dennis Brown’s termination as chief of the Hamlet Police Department are still a mystery — seven weeks later.
On Sept. 12, City Manager John Terziu released a copy of "a copy of the written notice of the final decision ...setting forth the specific acts or omissions that are the basis of the dismissal," as requested by the RO on July 24.
However, that letter doesn't shed much light.
The letter, dated July 23 and addressed to Brown, “serves as formal notice of" Brown's "...termination from the position of Chief of Police with the City of Hamlet Police Department effective immediately.”
In the letter, Terziu tells Brown the decision was made “as a result of catastrophic loss of trust and confidence,” in violation of the city’s personnel policy.
The letter goes on to demand that all department property and access credentials be returned immediately, adding that Brown’s personal belongings would be delivered to him by the close of business on July 25.
After receiving a copy of the letter, the RO asked Terziu for more specifics or a copy of the personnel policy, as well as the name of the entity conducting the “external investigation” referenced by the city manager in July.
Terziu replied: “Respectfully, this is what is approved for release and all I can provide at this time.”
(NOTE: Terziu, who was out of town, later suggested obtaining a copy of the personnel policy from the human resources director, but it was near close of business on Friday.)
Rachel C. Van Camp, an attorney representing Brown, released a statement on July 30 saying:
“It is unfortunate that, after almost three decades in law enforcement and a successful and honorable career as Chief of Police for the Hamlet Police Department, Chief Brown is now in a position where he is forced to defend his integrity and against allegations that are false and baseless.
“We anticipate that information will be brought to light soon that will provide the community with a more accurate and thorough understanding of the circumstances surrounding the separation of Chief Brown’s employment with the City of Hamlet and look forward to exposing the truth.”
