WPRO News and the Associated Press
CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) – Rhode Island State Police have determined that the demotion of a Cranston police officer two years ago during a time of turmoil in the department was unfair and that he should be restored to his former rank.
The investigation concluded that Matthew Josefson was pressured and tricked into accepting a demotion from sergeant to patrolman over trumped-up or trivial transgressions that were based on non-existent policy.
The Providence Journal reports that seven disciplinary charges lodged against Josefson that led to his demotion were not supported with facts.
The City Council is scheduled to meet Thursday to discuss restoring Josefson back to sergeant.
Mayor Allan Fung says promoting Josefson is not so easy, because there are currently no sergeant positions open in the department and the police union should be involved.
