New Southold Town Justice Court officers to be appointed
The Southold Town Board is expected to appoint two part-time officers Tuesday to work in the town justice court, Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said following this morning’s work session.
A third officer could also be appointed to serve as fill-in coverage for the other two when necessary, Mr. Russell said, adding that the resolutions to appoint the new justice court officers are still being drafted but are expected to be ready in time for the 7:30 p.m. meeting.
Southold Town’s only current court officer Donato Cappabianca had previously announced his intent to resign, but said he would remain on the job until a replacement is found. Weeks before telling the Town Board he would be leaving his part-time civil service post, Mr. Cappabianca wrote a letter to members about security concerns in the courtroom.
Town Councilman Jim Dinizio said at Tuesday’s work session that the final candidates to replace Mr. Cappabianca all have proper training and law enforcement experience.
“They have the command,” he said. “They have the experience we’re looking for.”
He said two of the candidates are retired New York City police officers — including one who has served as a court officer — and a third currently serves as a part-time summer cop in Southold Town. The names of the finalists were not disclosed during Tuesday’s discussion and it was not immediately clear which of the three might be appointed as the fill-in officer.
The court officers would report to the town’s new justice court director, also expected to be appointed tonight.
