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A Kingston Police Department officer, Sergeant Eric VanAllen, is set to return to duty following a disciplinary settlement with the city. VanAllen was arrested in December for driving while intoxicated (DWI) and initially received a 30-day unpaid suspension. After pleading guilty to disorderly conduct, he has been on paid sick leave since March, supported by a doctor's note.
The decision to allow VanAllen to return was made after a Police Commission executive session on Wednesday (June 18), where the commission unanimously voted to permit Mayor Steve Noble to proceed with the settlement. Kingston Police Chief Egidio Tinti confirmed the arrangement but did not specify when VanAllen would resume his duties.
VanAllen's case has been closely watched, with his status on paid sick leave drawing attention. Despite the controversy, the settlement marks the conclusion of the disciplinary process, allowing VanAllen to rejoin the force.