BINGHAMTON, NY - The report of the independent investigation into former Binghamton Police Chief Joseph Zikuski has been released. The report, which was done by a law firm hired by the city, describes Zikuski giving inconsistent statements and wiping clean city-issued mobile devices after the investigation had begun.
The investigation began after Zikuski's girlfriend was involved in an altercation with neighbors in July, according to WSKG. She was reportedly charged with endangering the welfare of a child, harassment, and trespass in the second degree after punching a 16-year-old neighbor in Johnson City.
Zikuski was present, but was not on duty and did not intervene. Zikuski called and texted Johnson City Police Chief Brent Dodge about his girlfriend's altercation. When first asked about the contact, Zikuski told the mayor he did not initiate communication with law enforcement officials, "then changed his account of events."
The report concludes that the police chief repeatedly violated city and Binghamton Police Department (BPD) policies. The violations include wiping his city-issued cell phone and tablet and keeping a personal firearm in his city hall office without permission. The report also stated that Zikuski failed to notify the mayor of the incident and his girlfriend's arrest, then told the mayor it was "not a big deal."
"These actions raised concerns about Chief Zikuskis's inconsistent statements and the appearance of him attempting to interfere with a criminal investigation," the report said. "Making inconsistent statements as part of an investigation and attempting to interfere with a criminal investigation are violations of BDD policies."
After being put on administrative leave pending the investigation, Zikuski "wiped his city-issued iPhone and tablet clean" by performing a "factory reset," erasing all information from the devices.
Investigators describe Zikuski scrubbing the city-issued cell phone and tablet as "extraordinarily inappropriate, particularly for a leader of the police department whose job includes setting policy and issuing discipline to personnel." The report ended by saying: "the inescapable conclusion that Chief Zikuski's conduct was unbecoming of someone serving as Chief of the Binghamton Police Department."
In a statement, City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham said, "The public release of this independent report, as promised, and the former Chief's resignation earlier this week brings closure to this matter. This was a necessary and important step to ensure accountability and transparency. As I've said before, New York State Civil Service Law will guide the appointment of a new permanent chief of police, which is a tested civil service position."
Zikuski worked in the city's police department for over 46 years. He had been police chief since 2008. By resigning and retiring, he will receive his full pension and retirement benefits.
The investigation began after Zikuski's girlfriend was involved in an altercation with neighbors in July, according to WSKG. She was reportedly charged with endangering the welfare of a child, harassment, and trespass in the second degree after punching a 16-year-old neighbor in Johnson City.
Zikuski was present, but was not on duty and did not intervene. Zikuski called and texted Johnson City Police Chief Brent Dodge about his girlfriend's altercation. When first asked about the contact, Zikuski told the mayor he did not initiate communication with law enforcement officials, "then changed his account of events."
The report concludes that the police chief repeatedly violated city and Binghamton Police Department (BPD) policies. The violations include wiping his city-issued cell phone and tablet and keeping a personal firearm in his city hall office without permission. The report also stated that Zikuski failed to notify the mayor of the incident and his girlfriend's arrest, then told the mayor it was "not a big deal."
"These actions raised concerns about Chief Zikuskis's inconsistent statements and the appearance of him attempting to interfere with a criminal investigation," the report said. "Making inconsistent statements as part of an investigation and attempting to interfere with a criminal investigation are violations of BDD policies."
After being put on administrative leave pending the investigation, Zikuski "wiped his city-issued iPhone and tablet clean" by performing a "factory reset," erasing all information from the devices.
Investigators describe Zikuski scrubbing the city-issued cell phone and tablet as "extraordinarily inappropriate, particularly for a leader of the police department whose job includes setting policy and issuing discipline to personnel." The report ended by saying: "the inescapable conclusion that Chief Zikuski's conduct was unbecoming of someone serving as Chief of the Binghamton Police Department."
In a statement, City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham said, "The public release of this independent report, as promised, and the former Chief's resignation earlier this week brings closure to this matter. This was a necessary and important step to ensure accountability and transparency. As I've said before, New York State Civil Service Law will guide the appointment of a new permanent chief of police, which is a tested civil service position."
Zikuski worked in the city's police department for over 46 years. He had been police chief since 2008. By resigning and retiring, he will receive his full pension and retirement benefits.
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