Senior Police Officer Overheard on Police Radio Threatening Criminal Act Against Daughter-in-Law — Police Discipline Man Who Disclosed Recording

Gloucester Massachusetts police have a curious way of dealing with potentially criminal threats. Lt. Michael O’Hanley accidentally broadcasted a threat toward his estranged daughter-in-law over the department radio. However, it was the person who disclosed the threat to the media was that disciplined. An internal affairs investigation also revealed that police Chief John Beaudette knew about O’Hanley’s hreat days earlier than he stated. Beaudette has announced his resignation and retirement. O’Hanley has also retired. Both men were close friends on the force.

At the time of the internal investigation, Beaudette called the allegations based on “liars and cowards.”

Williams is the union leader for the police officers and gave the recording to a Boston television station. He was charged with releasing a police record to the public without authorization is a violation of departmental policy.

The incident occurred on Novermber 26th when O’Hanley was in his cruiser and told a relative on his mobile phone that he was going to hire someone to “bust out” the windows of his daughter-in-law’s car. The call was picked up by the police radio and recorded. He was ultimately suspended five days without pay.

Beaudette was previously accused by another officer of “belly bumping” him in a disagreement over assignments.
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