by Jim Hummel and WPRO News
Facing a possible demotion, controversial Pawtucket Police Major Bruce Moreau has stepped down from the department after a 30 year career.
A four-month investigation by the Hummel Report last year found that Moreau, who oversees the patrol division, spent days at his house in Lincoln, his parents’ house in Pawtucket, or playing golf on various courses miles from police headquarters.
WATCH- Hummel Report: Major No-Show
The Hummel Report has learned that the city of Pawtucket has pursued a Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights hearing and Moreau faced the potential of being demoted – which would affect his pension – or possibly terminated, depending on the outcome of the hearing.
Public Safety Director Antonio Pires told the Hummel Report that “I think he realized the time had come for him to leave,’’ but would not elaborate, citing the officers Bill of Rights.
When asked why the process has taken so long, Pires said that “it’s a difficult process. We were originally criticized, folks said he should be suspended and sent home. That’s just against my DNA – I can’t send someone home and have them sit at home while they’re etting paid – the irony of that of course is that what got the individual in trouble in the first place.’’
By leaving now Moreau will soon begin collecting a pension that is 70 percent of his final pay. That translates to $5,750 a month, or $69,000 year.
He also will collect $34,601 for unused sick days, $22,490 for unused vacation days, $2,768 in holiday pay, $1,475 for Cleaning and Clothing allowances, and $9,624 in Longevity pay for a total lump sum payment of just under $71,000.
One of the reasons state police did not file criminal charges is because of poor record keeping on the part of the City of Pawtucket.
Pires says a new system should be fully up and running by mid-February, and the administration is still considering implementing a GPS system for all city vehicles that was approved by the city council earlier, adding that cost and logistics have made it a challenge so far to execute.
