Mayor ‘Shocked, Saddened’ by Cop’s ‘Demeanor’
Story Updated 8:52 AM Friday, July 31, 2015
Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn released the following statement after MPD Detective Stephen LeBert was caught on video verbally assaulting a wrong-way driver:
“After viewing the YouTube video of Detective Stephen LeBert stopping a vehicle in Medford Square on Sunday night, I was fully shocked and saddened by the Detective’s statements and his demeanor directed toward the driver of the vehicle. The word and behavior of the officer as shown on that video go far beyond the acceptable standards of behavior for a police officer.
As Mayor of the the City of Medford for 28 years, I know that the vast majority of Medford police officers carry out their duties professionally and with courtesy to the public. The motto ‘to protect and serve’ reflect the daily reality of the words and deeds of the rank and file of our police force.
Chief Sacco has directed the Internal Affairs Division to conduct an investigation of this matter. Both the Chief and I agree that this investigation must proceed with all deliberate speed and that the final report must be both fair and complete.
When I have received the Chief’s recommendations I will consider them carefully and follow up with appropriate and decisive action.”
Updates:
Medford mayoral candidate and former City Councillor Stephanie Muccini Burke released the following statement:
“As a former City Councilor, Council President and the Director of Personnel for the City of Medford, I am professionally as well as personally appalled by the conduct of Detective Stephen LeBert as depicted in the YouTube video!
His behavior is unprofessional and unacceptable and doesn’t represent the men and women of the Medford Police Department as a whole.
As an individual who believes and trusts in the process, I am confident that the investigation will be thorough and the results will be appropriate.”
Medford City Council candidate Mario Martin released a statement asking whether Det. LeBert should step down and is “fit to serve.” It reads, in part:
“I’d like to know if the administration can offer any insight on the mental health stability of the detective in question? Does he have an alcohol problem? Drug problem? Does he need help?
What kind of traumatic stress has this detective been a victim of in the last 30 years on the force?
What are the working conditions for public employees on the Medford Police Department?
What kind of research has been conducted to raise internal awareness on this issue? What programs or preventative initiatives have the police department or the administration implemented that addresses a growing need for coping with trauma from work force related stress, which if implemented, effectively reduces impulsivity symptoms of PTSD and anxiety and reduce police retaliation and brutality? The concern obviously surfaces due to a “national trend” likelihood, that the detective in question is contributing to.
What triggered Detective LeBert to “stick his neck out” while off duty?!?! What made him believe the use of excessive language, both threatening in nature and cruel in behavior, was a mechanism to enforce the law?
Is there a system that offers accountability for mental health stability of our men and women who devote life to serve on the police force? What system(s) do we have in place, right now & readily accessible, that mandate the accountability of Behaviorial health?
Basically, the Mayor has the final say to fire any public employee on the force, so I would logically assume that he at the very least must have to some executive level authority over the Police Departments policies. So my question is; What initiatives exist that suggest we are already thinking about this?
Traumatic Stress is a neuro-cognitive disorder due to excessive exposure of stressful environments. We shouldn’t be quick to speed through this until the proper evaluations have been thought carefully. The Detective may not be fit to serve.
Should he step down?”
Statement from City Councilor and mayoral candidate Robert Penta:
“In the complex world we live in today, I am appreciative of our Medford police officers and the job they do protecting our community on a daily basis. Their job is not always easy or safe.
I sadly find the behavior and language used by Detective LeBert, as shown in the video, to be totally unacceptable.
Likewise, I feel that similar inappropriate behaviors by any municipal employee should not be tolerated by the City of Medford.
At this time, I feel it premature for me, both as a councilor and as a candidate for Mayor, to comment any further on this incident prior to the outcome of a complete investigation into what actually took place and administrative recommendations made.”
“Shocked, Saddened”? I’ll give you some free advice, Mayor, get rid of him or he will end up pulling his weapon and killing someone for talking back to him during a stop and then you will really know what “Shocked and Saddened” means when your angry constituents look for who’s responsible after someone dies.
I agree with you. LeBert is a loose cannon. Also, LeBert looked and sounded drunk. Which wouldn’t shock me. I was a life long Medford resident. I still have my family and friends living in Medford. If you know the area, LeBert was headed to the American Legion to have a few more drinks.
LeBert is a bully and a piece of crap. If he doesn’t lose his job, then the fix is in. He’s been protected too many times.
As a resident of Medford, I’m not going to trust the Medford PD until this knucklehead hands in his badge. Shocked and Saddened, Indeed..
Was talking to my friends grandfather, former Winterhill gang member. Basically said cops like LeBert didn’t exist back then “If you know what we mean”
If the mayor is shocked , he is the only one. LeBert is an infamous bully and has been for many years. How many complaints about LeBert has the mayor ignored before now? He is responsible for keeping LeBert on the force all these years.
Joe Vig, does this make LeBert a reprobate???
Does Joe run medford information central?
Yes, it’s one of many The Martyr of Medford runs, in the name of “public service”
I live in Texas. The difference? I could have shot LeBert and been exonerated. I am a woman, having an ‘officer’ attired as he, in an unmarked car pull me over at night would have scared me. Sad, indeed.
No, LeBert’s mouth on the video brings him to the next level after reprobate, to – hopefully – the position of “former detective.” Let us hope that the Mayor and Police Chief are hearing the hundreds of voices in the coffee shops and commenting on the YouTube. The door to retirement awaits Mr. LeBert, but the damage LeBert has done to the really good people on the police force is quite regrettable.
Wahhh hah hah ha, baby Joey needs his bottle and rattle