HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – Hamtramck police Chief Jamiel Altaheri and an officer have been placed on administrative leave amid allegations.
Althaheri’s suspension, according to Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib, has nothing to do with his performance.
Ghalib claims that Altaheri told him the suspension was a retaliatory action by Hamtramck City Manager Max Garbarino, who he said took issue with him disciplining one of the officers who was a close friend of the Garbarinos.
Garbarino confirmed the decision to Local 4 on Wednesday (May 21) night, saying:
“I can confirm that the chief of police has been placed upon administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation. Its policy of the city of Hamtramck not to comment on personnel matters.”
Ghalib issued a statement on the matter, saying he and city council members were not informed of Garbarino’s decision.
“I and the city council members were not informed of the city manager’s decision prior to taking it.
Police chief described it as a retaliatory action by the city manager for disciplining one of the police officers who is a close friend of the city manager.
City manager said there are some allegation against the chief reported by that police officer, that need to be investigated, which the police chief denies.
The city council will hold an emergency meeting soon to take some corrective actions and to address the issue.”
Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib
Garbarino contacted me through email, saying, “Both the chief and other officer involved are on administrative leave for clarification. Not just the chief. The city has engaged an outside firm to get the facts of the situation and for transparency.”
