Residents argue about Bethesda police chief
BETHESDA -- Emotions ran high during the Thursday village council meeting, with several residents expressing concerns about Police Chief Eric Smith's job performance.
With about 50 people packed into the community hall, many voiced dissatisfaction with Smith, and called to see him removed from office. However, there will be no decision, at least until the next council meeting at 7:30 p.m. March 22.
Joel Braido, local businessman, spoke first and spearheaded the effort. He said while he supports the local police and the village, he has problems with Smith's work.
"This is in no way an assault on law enforcement. It's just the opposite. I believe we are all grateful for responsible law enforcement. However, the manner in which Chief Eric Smith chooses to enforce the law is putting all law enforcement officers in jeopardy," Braido said.
"Strong-armed, disrespectful, untruthful enforcement is never a good substitute for a rational, level-headed approach to upholding the law and serving the best interest of the community," Braido said.
Braido also critiqued some village council members, saying they empowered and endorsed what he called Smith's inappropriate behavior by ignoring it.
"Chief Smith has created a hostile work environment at the city building," Braido said. He said Smith has demonstrated flares of temper, insubordination and open disrespect to Mayor Martin Lucas, along with belligerent, disruptive behavior. Braido also said the fines Smith sets are too high.
Braido added that according to Belmont County Sheriff David Lucas, Smith has been suspended from participation in the Major Crimes Unit of the county.
Afterward, Lucas said he was informed the suspension occurred in late January.
Enthusiastic applause punctuated most of these accounts.
Guests included Doug and Beverly French, who said they were treated with a lack of compassion and professionalsim by Smith when they found their son deceased and called the authorities. They commended the behavior of other officers. Beverly French, a nurse, said she was not allowed to touch or assess her son.
"It was very in appropriate, how I was treated," she said, asserting that Smith also approached her brother-in-law in a public setting and made note of what happened. "Losing a son or a child is something nobody should ever have to go through, and to be treated the way we were was totally unrespectful."
Smith's behavior on social media was also criticized. Braido referred to altercations between Smith and another man on Facebook, adding that Bethesda has no social media policy. Braido said the exchange escalated to the point that the council expended $1,200 of taxpayer money on a private investigation into the incident.
"No results are available. No further action is deemed necessary. Clearly this was a needless expenditure of your money, and nothing more than that," Braido said.
Taylore Frasnelly also asserted that Smith unnecessarily shared private information about her on his personal Facebook page after a high-speed chase involving a relative of hers ended on her property Jan. 26.
"Eric Smith abuses his power, is rude, is more flash than substance, refuses to humble himself and engages in conflict of interest," Lance Richards, who has also clashed with Smith on social media, said. "I do not think that he deserves to wear a badge in my town."
Other individuals said they were intimidated into taking down social media posts. Another resident, John Fisher, said false reports were written about him, claiming he threatened police.
"There are many other complaints against Chief Eric Smith," Braido said. "From his illegal entry of a home, lying to village officials, trespass on private property, inappropriate use of force."
Braido asked residents to direct their concerns to the council members. However, two individuals spoke in Smith's favor.
"I know Eric. I've known him for several years. I've worked with him," Lisa Stewart said. "I've never had an issue with him treating me in any manner other than a professional manner. I think the Bethesda Police Department patrolling Bethesda and Belmont -- they do a great job. We have some drug issues in Bethesda and Belmont, and they're taking care of those and that's important to me. If I'm speeding, I need a ticket, and if he gives me a ticket, whether it's $200, $100, whatever, that's what it is. I'd like to thank Eric."
"Please understand that just because it was said up here, don't take it for the whole truth. There were a lot of half-truths up here," Lorita Bee, wife of councilman Brian Bee, who has a son on the police department, said. She commended the work of law enforcement with the area youth. "I have full confidence in Chief Smith…I see how they interact with the kids each and every day. I see how Chief Smith comes into the school and very respectfully treats the employees there, the staff, the kids."
She also referred to the stresses law enforcement deals with.
"Some of the stuff you heard tonight was a bunch of baloney," she said. "They err on the side of caution. They're police officers, they are putting their lives on the line."
Union Local School District Superintendent Ben Porter said the district has contracted with Bethesda's police to provide resource officers for about a year and a half.
"Safety has become the top priority for the school district," he said. "We have had a positive experience. The information shared here today is concerning for us at the school because it could effect the services we provide. As we move forward, we hope to continue to have the relationship with have with Bethesda."
Former Belmont County Sheriff Fred Thompson said he has filed an freedom of information requests addressing eight issues, including such matters as the use of village equipment outside the village, the policy regarding high-speed pursuits, and policies and procedures of employees on social media.
"Right now, it's rumors. I won't get to know it until I receive the paperwork and policies," he said.
Village Administrator Dirk Davis thanked Braido and the other participants.
On the advise of his attorney, Smith chose not to speak Thursday.
Lucas said he will consider the complaints and determine whether to take action against Smith at the next council meeting. If this occurs, Smith will be allowed a hearing and the council will make a decision.