14 Mar NYSCASA Statement on Allegations of Sexual Harassment by Schenectady Detective
For Immediate Release: March 14, 2022
Contact: Chel Miller, Communications Director, NYSCASA, cmiller@nyscasa.org
NYSCASA Statement on Allegations of Sexual Harassment by Schenectady Detective
As an organization committed to ending all forms of sexual violence and exploitation, the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NYSCASA) is dismayed to learn about a case of sexual harassment perpetuated by a law enforcement official in New York’s Capital Region.
On March 6, 2022, Brandon Kietlinski, a detective at the Schenectady Police Department recently placed on administrative leave, turned himself in to the police as he faces charges of second-degree harassment. Documents shared by the Schenectady Police Department state that Kietlinski allegedly sent multiple and ongoing messages of a romantic and sexual nature to a prior romantic interest after being told to cease contact. The documents also allege that Kietlinski proceeded to threaten the victim of his unwanted advances who reported him by sending further messages, stating: “I know you called my job… you’re done.”
As a detective, Kietlinski not only allegedly violated an individual’s request to cease his unwanted behavior and threatened them for reporting his actions, but also abused his power as a law enforcement official. According to the charge documents, Kietlinski told the victim: “I don’t care about my job. They won’t do anything.” Kietlinski was clearly aware of his position of power and believed that he would not face consequences for his actions.
NYSCASA commends Schenectady Police Chief Eric Clifford in taking these allegations seriously and proceeding with holding Kietlinski accountable for the sake of harm reduction. Going forward, we hope the investigation into the matter proceeds, with full collaboration with the associated Glenville Police Department, and does not stop at the decision of Kietlinski’s administrative leave.
If you have experienced sexual harassment, abuse, or assault, you are not alone.
New Yorkers who have experienced sexual harassment, abuse, and assault can call the 24/7 New York State Hotline for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence for free and confidential support from trained victim advocates: 1-800-942-6906.
Victims and survivors in Schenectady County can also obtain free and confidential support from victim advocates at Planned Parenthood of Greater New York by calling the 24/7 hotline: 518-346-2266.
Additional resources for survivors/victims and their loved ones are available on NYSCASA’s website: https://nyscasa.org/survivors
Click here to download a PDF of this statement.