Gloucester, Massachusetts, Police Chief Placed on Leave Pending Investigation

Mayor says Police Chief Leonard Campanello is on leave until further notice

The police chief in Gloucester, Massachusetts, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation, according to the mayor.

Police Chief Leonard Campanello has been hailed nationally for his innovations in the fight against opioid addiction. He was honored by President Barack Obama at the White House for launching the Angel Program, which determined that addicts who surrendered their drugs and asked for help would not be charged.

Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken would not elaborate on what the investigation is about, but released a statement on Tuesday:

"Effective immediately, today September 13, 2016, I have notified Gloucester Police Chief Leonard Campanello that he has been placed on paid administrative leave until further notice and upon completion of an internal investigation. We will have no further comment at this time."

Chief Campanello spoke with the Gloucester Times, saying, "I have absolutely no concerns in my personal or professional life that I've done anything wrong to warrant any action against me."

He added that he will "cooperate fully" and is looking forward to getting back to work.

A statement from his attorney said the investigation has nothing to do with Campanello's duties as chief.

It added, "We are confident that when all the facts are fairly and impartially reviewed, Chief Campanello will be quickly and expeditiously returned to his position as Chief of Police for the City of Gloucester, where he will continue to be a national leader in fighting opiate addiction through his efforts with the Gloucester Angel Program and as head of the Police Assisted Addition and Recovery Initiative."

Gloucester police would not comment on why Campanello was placed on administrative leave, but did confirm that another officer, Sgt. Det. Sean Connors, was placed on administrative leave Sept. 8.

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