SRQ airport police chief resigning. But unknown is the complaint that got him suspended
The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport police chief is resigning after an investigation into a performance-related complaint, according to airport officials.
Airport officials placed James Carlino on paid administrative leave on July 24 but would not comment further on the allegations other than to say it was performance related.
On Wednesday, the airport announced in a news release that Carlino would be leaving his role as the airport’s top cop effect Aug. 31, “to pursue teaching opportunities and work in the private sector.”
Carlino confirmed to the Bradenton Herald that he had made the decision to leave.
“During my tenure at the Airport Authority, I have enjoyed transforming the police department into a professional accredited law enforcement agency, and at the same time having one of the lowest crime rates in the area,” Carlino said in a statement issued to the Herald. “My mission is complete.”
A resignation letter from Carlino dated Aug. 3 echoed the same message.
What prompted the investigation remained unclear Wednesday afternoon, since airport officials could not provide a complaint that launched the investigation. In response to a records request from the Bradenton Herald, the airport released 35 pages of records in which it appears that the investigation was related to the chief’s attempt to reorganize the department and update job descriptions and duties.
In addition to emails, the records include a timeline of events dating back to Aug. 29, 2017, lists of questions for officers and the chief, lists of responses from various officers and the chief and a letter dated July 27 — none of which have any attribution or indication as to their origin when initially released. When questioned, the airport responded with the same records with handwritten notes on the top-right corner of the pages listing their origin.
The line of questioning indicates the department’s organizational chart was approved by the board of commissioners and the job descriptions were approved by the officers’ union. One question also refers to a grievance filed by a sergeant about having duties taken away from him
The records also do not include any conclusion or summary, which according to airport officials, is because the chief resigned before the investigation was complete.
Moving forward, Carlino is running for a seat on the East Manatee Fire District Commission, and says his campaign goal is to help unify all of Manatee County’s fire departments, should he be elected. Carlino is running against Alvin R. Jacobs Jr.
Carlino thanked Frederick Piccolo, airport president and CEO, and the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority Board of Commissioners for acting as mentors and role models during his 10-year tenure.
Piccolo also credited Carlino with getting the department accredited and developing an active shooter prevention and response program for the airport.
“(James) Carlino leaves behind a history of a professional and effective airport police department,” Piccolo stated in the news release. “The Airport Authority wishes (James) Carlino well.”
This story was originally published August 15, 2018 at 2:35 PM.