Geneva Police Chief Mike Passalacqua says officer Jack Montesanto, who was convicted of criminal obstruction of breathing this week, has been terminated.
“This conviction violates the City of Geneva Police Department’s Use of Force policies, including the Department’s prohibition ont he use of neck restraints, choke holds, and similar techniques,” Passalacqua said in a release. “Pursuant to New York State Public Officers Law and in my authority as the Chief of Police for the City of Geneva, Jack Montesanto’s position as a Police Officer with our Department has been deemed vacated as a matter of law and his employment has been terminated.”
He said that his expectation of all members of the Geneva Police Department is that officers hold themselves to the highest standard possible.
“As the Chief of Police for the City of Geneva, it has always been and will continue to be my expectation that all members of this Police Department hold themselves to the highest professional standard, to uphold the constitutions of the United States and the State of New York, and to perform their job duties within the confines of the policies set forth by the Geneva Police Department,” he concluded.
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