May 30, 2012 11:53 AM

The latest actions by the D.A.’s office follows months of increasing friction between some members of the Southampton Town Board and Chief Wilson.

Town officials have confirmed that prior to suspending Lt. Kiernan, the chief had recommended the board end Lt. Kiernan’s probationary period as a lieutenant, but the board did not take action. Also, in March, Lt. Kiernan’s direct supervisor when he led the Street Crime Unit, Captain Robert Pearce, then a lieutenant who was in charge of the department’s investigations division, was promoted to captain by a majority of the Southampton Town Board without the chief’s support. At the time of that promotion, Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst and Councilwoman Bridget Fleming, who voted against the promotion, alluded to a confidential personnel matter that they said should have been considered prior to the appointment. Capt. Pearce has not been charged with any wrongdoing.

The past several months have been filled with reports of efforts at Town Hall to oust the police chief, as well as the D.A.’s office probing record keeping, among other issues, in the department.

Ms. Throne-Holst said Friday’s events “came totally out of left field.”

“It’s troubling. It’s too soon for us to know what exactly this means or what direction it will end up going, but it’s troubling,” she said. “I think the first thing we have to do is reassure the people of Southampton that public safety is not compromised. We have a great squad of officers out there ensuring our public safety, and we have a police chief that’s minding the store and making sure the day-to-day business of ensuring public safety is met. I have full confidence that he is dealing with whatever the issues are appropriately.”

Councilman Chris Nuzzi gave similar reassurances. “As is the case with any personnel matter, I am confident that it will be investigated and dealt with,” he said this week. “Most importantly, we have a department of dedicated officers serving our community, and I’m proud of the work that they continue to do on a daily basis.”

Councilman Jim Malone remarked this week, “At this point, it’s inappropriate for me to comment on any matters involving the Southampton Town Police Department. It’s quite unsettling, and I have nothing but the utmost confidence in the district attorney’s office, and we’ll get to the bottom of it.”

Town Attorney Tiffany Scarlato, in response to a request from Councilwoman Christine Preston Scalera, said she had asked town officials not to speak to the media about any matters involving the police department or the investigations by the district attorney’s office.

“There are ongoing disciplinary proceedings of a very serious nature,” Ms. Scarlato said, “on which the town will not be commenting.”

Staff writer Michael Wright contributed to this story.