Three More Schenectady Police Officers Suspended

Schenectady Public Safety Commissioner Wayne Bennett says he has suspended three more police officers in connection with the alleged beating of a drunk driver.

Officers Kevin Derkowski, Gregory Hafensteiner, and Darryl Mallard were all suspended with pay on Friday while an internal investigation was being conducted.

Derkowski has been a member of the city's police officer since January 2006. Hafensteiner and Mallard were both hired in July 2003.

Schenectady mayor Brian Stratton told CBS 6 he was taking the matter seriously. If any of the officers is found guilty, Stratton said, the mayor's office will pursue immediate dismissal -- and do the same for any officer that tries to hide information.

"The public needs to know that this is a new day," Stratton told CBS 6. "We are not going to tolerate any unprofessional behavior in the [police] department."

Bennett's announcement of the three suspensions comes one day after officers Andrew Karaskiewicz and Eric Reyell were suspended with pay in connection with the same internal investigation.

The investigation follows a complaint filed by the sister of 37-year-old Donald Randolph, who was arrested on drunk driving charges Dec. 7.

The complaint alleges Schenectady police beat up Randolph while arresting him.

For more on the original arrests, click on the link under "Related Stories" at right.