CLARKSTOWN, NY — Clarkstown Police Chief Michael Sullivan should be fired. So says a hearing officer Tuesday. Sullivan has been suspended from his job since July of last year, and he was found guilty of using improper surveillance for political and personal reasons.

Hearing Officer Robert J. Ponzini said, "It is my recommendation that the appropriate penalty is termination. Taking into account all of the facts and circumstances, I find that such penalty is appropriate and just." The same hearing officer had found Sullivan guilty of misconduct. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)



The hearing officer dismissed most of 19 counts brought against the chief, but found him guilty for deleting the data on his department-issued cellphone. Sullivan was suspended for 15 days without pay.