Panel upholds firing of Westerly officer

01:00 AM EDT on Sunday, September 7, 2008

Journal Staff Report

WESTERLY, RI–– A three-member Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights panel has upheld the firing of a Westerly police officer, according to a prepared statement from Police Chief Edward A. Mello.

Jorge Alves, 34, was found guilty of violating 11 department rules and regulations related to reporting for duty, truthfulness, duty to obey orders and competence.

Town officials did not elaborate on the charges.

Alves disputes the accusations and said he will appeal the decision.

Alves, who was hired in March 2003, had been suspended with pay since Jan. 23.

Mello said Alves had been previously disciplined in connection with 19 other incidents, including repeated tardiness for work, failure to obey orders and conduct unbecoming an officer.

“These incidents included his interference while he was on duty with ICE [Immigration Custom Enforcement] officials who were attempting to enter an apartment owned by him,â€