NY's top court to hear police discipline case

New York's top court will consider whether police from a Hudson Valley town are subject to discipline under their union contract or municipal law. WAMC's Dave Lucas reports.

In a case with possible implications for police statewide, Wallkill officials maintain they have the authority under town law and that it supersedes the state statute providing for police discipline set by collective bargaining.

The union local says the negotiated contract governs and that seven Wallkill officers or sergeants facing discipline should have their charges handled through arbitration under that agreement.

A judge in 2007 agreed with the union.

A midlevel court last year reversed that ruling, concluding an older town law provides controlling authority and predates the state law.

The Court of Appeals is heard arguments Thursday. A decision is expected next month.

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