Peekskill Council Irked That Off-Duty Cops Work For Pipeline Company

PEEKSKILL, N.Y. -- The Peekskill Common Council is unhappy with the fact city police were hired by Spectra Energy to provide police protection during the construction of an expanded gas pipeline that the council opposes, according to The Examiner.

Nine people were arrested during a protest in November against the construction of the Algonquin pipeline in Peekskill where local off-duty police have been hired to protect workers.
Photo Credit: *SenRG/Facebook*

K Reakes

12/01/2015 8:10 p.m.

The council had recently passed a resolution stating they did not want the pipeline running through the city, which runs for about a quarter-mile in Peekskill, said The Examiner.

Peekskill Police Chief Eric Johansen said that the officers were hired by the company when they were off duty and were paid overtime rates, added The Examiner.

Johansen also said the department was not taking sides, but simply performing a common practice among police officers of working for private companies during their time off, said The Examiner.

Mayor Frank Catalina said he didn't have a problem with the officers working for Spectra, but the council should have been notified.

Councilwoman Vivian McKenzie said the practice sends the wrong message to residents who are against the pipeline, reported The Examiner.

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