Dormont Sergeant Remains Suspended

The Dormont police sergeant who was suspended Thursday after citing the borough manager for remains on paid administrative leave.

Later the day James Burke was placed on leave, Mayor Thomas Lloyd said he reinstated Burke.

But Monday, Lloyd said the suspension issued by council remains in place.

Lloyd said he went though the borough code and saw that he did not have the power to reinstate a police officer. It's not clear how long the suspension will remain in effect.

Under state law, a borough mayor appears only to have a limited power to suspend officers, not reinstate them.

Council “has the primary responsibility and discretion for determining whether or not and how a police officer should be disciplined,” according to the Pennsylvania Mayors Manual.

The suspension is placing a burden on the force because another officer is also out and likely will be for several months, Lloyd said.