HILLSDALE—A disciplinary hearing will likely be held soon for police chief Sean Smith, following council’s unanimous hiring, Jan. 14, of a retired Superior Court judge to serve as the hearing officer. Administrator Michael Ghassali tells us it is not clear whether the hearing would be held in public. He said more details would be revealed soon. Most council members declined to speak about the disciplinary charges under review.
The council hired Harry G. Carroll, a retired Superior Court judge, “to preside as hearing officer in a fair and impartial manner … given the nature of the charges, the borough cannot comment further or provide further detail as this remains an ongoing disciplinary matter,” states the resolution.
Mayor Michael Sheinfield told us that the retired judge was hired as a hearing officer “to make sure everything is done fairly.” He said the matter was investigated by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and a recommendation was made. The chief was placed on paid administrative leave while the disciplinary matter was investigated and remains on leave.
Councilor John Ruocco, immediate past mayor, of two terms, said, “The investigation has produced an outcome which I am not at liberty to describe due to pending litigation but which conceivably could lead to a situation that might affect the management of the Hillsdale Police force and the effectiveness of law enforcement in the borough for years to come.”
Ruocco said “Hillsdale has been without an active chief of police for far too long. If, after the hearing process and any appeals are complete, Chief Smith chooses not to return or is not permitted to return by the Mayor & Council, it is vital that we promptly commence an external search for candidates.”