FAIRFIELD — Police Chief Michael Dickey has been accused of sexual harassment for making a disparaging remark about police department employees taking maternity leave.

        The chief has said the remark was an ill-considered joke and has apologized for it, city officials said.

        The charge was outlined in a letter signed by 38 employees of the police department, including officers and civilian personnel, and delivered Wednesday afternoon to City Manager Art Pizzano.

        The police employees allege that Chief Dickey, during a conversation with Pat Rider, his secretary, said maternity leave was “another reason not to hire women.”

        Mrs. Rider did not sign the complaint to the city manager. She declined comment.

        The letter alleges the chief was refering to two police dispatchers on maternity leave, leading to substantial overtime in the department.

        The employees ask that Mr. Pizzano hold the chief “accountable for this comment and that appropriate disciplinary action be taken ...” They charge the chief's comment violates departmental sexual harassment policies in that it is “conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment” for female employees.

        “We will conduct a review of the situation. We will interview the chief as soon as he gets back, and Mrs. Rider,” Mr. Pizzano said. Chief Dickey is in Toronto, where he is attending the International Association of Chiefs of Police Convention.

        The city manager said the chief sent an e-mail apology to the department, in which he acknowledged making the offending statement, after learning a verbal complaint had been received by the city manager.

        A copy of the e-mail was attached to the complaint. In it, Chief Dickey said: “The women of this department have every reason to be offended by the ill-considered remark. ... I deeply regret that this statement was made. It was intended as a light comment, however, I understand why it is offensive. Please accept my apology and commitment that this will never happen again.” The chief said he also made a personal apology to his secretary.

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