The independent investigating regarding former Binghamton Police Chief Joseph Zikuski’s involvement in a viral video has concluded.
The report by Lippes Mathias LLP finds that Zikuski, “violated numerous BPD policies and brought discredit to the City and BPD”, and was “not forthcoming about the entirety of his communications with law enforcement.”
On July 18, Zikuski’s girlfriend, Susan Rice was seen in a video with teenage neighbors on Ackley Avenue in Johnson City in an argument.
During this argument, Rice said comments such as, “We are the police.” to the teens.
The argument then turned physical. Rice can be seen in the video walking on to the neighbors porch, and punching both teens. One teenager struck back, causing Rice to fall. This is where Zikuski can be seen walking on to the porch to assist Rice.
Rice was later charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Trespass, and Harassment in the second degree. According to the report, these charges remain pending.
The report notes that Rice’s comment of, “We are the police.” was not corrected by Zikuski, however in Zikuski’s interview, he admitted the statement was inappropriate.
According to the report, Zikuski spoke with Johnson City Police Chief, Brent Dodge and Broome County District Attorney Paul Battisti regarding the incident, but Zikuski never notified Mayor Kraham. When Mayor Kraham and his team reached out, Zikuski minimized the dispute saying, it was not a “big deal”.
The report also states Zikuski only received calls about the incident and did not initiate any calls to law enforcement. When pressed as to whether he had called anyone, the report states Zikuski then changed his account of events.
He was then notified he was being placed on administrative leave.
Zikuski was then contacted by Internal Affairs and notified that any of his city issued property would be collected. The report states that knowing their was an investigation, Zikuski, with the assistance of Rice, searched on Google, how to “wipe clean” his city issued cellphone and iPad.
Forensic evidence shows that on July 21, both devices were wiped clean.
Zikuski issued his resignation last week, which went into effect October 6.
Mayor Kraham issuing a statement regarding this report stating:
“The public release of this independent report – as promised – and the former Chief’s resignation earlier this week brings closure to this matter. This was a necessary and important step to ensure accountability and transparency. As I’ve said before, New York State Civil Service Law will guide the appointment of a new permanent chief of police, which is a tested civil service position.”