Study Finds Faults In New Haven PD
Report Designed To Regain Public Trust
POSTED: 4:47 pm EDT August 20,
2007
UPDATED: 6:11 pm EDT August 20,
2007
NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- A national organization is recommending reforms for the New Haven police department after two officers were arrested on theft charges. A draft report by the Police Executive Research Forum makes dozens of recommendations designed to help regain public trust.They include auditing and inspecting seized drugs and money and bringing in an outsider to oversee a new anti-drug unit. Lt. William White, head of the narcotics unit, was charged in March with stealing nearly $30,000 in what he thought was drug money. It was actually cash planted by the FBI at investigation scenes.He was also accused of taking tens of thousands of dollars in bribes from bail bondsmen. Narcotics Detective Justen Kasperzyk was also arrested.The report also said that the department needs a new vision and lacks a city-wide crime strategy."We know there's frustration for more walking beats, bicycle patrols and visibility," Police Chief Francisco Ortiz said. "We understand that clearly, but withstanding the corruption scandal that happened two months ago, we continue to fight crime with our community together as equal partners."Ortiz said that he doesn't mind laying the department's problems before the public."I'm not concerned," he said. "I think folks will look at this and think, 'Hey listen, this is a department that clearly has some issues and we understand that. We live here and work here, but we're going to move to make changes and we're confident in the report and there's still confidence in the department."The report is only a draft report and the P.E.R.F. group is expected to return on Sept. 5 to meet with police.After that, police said there will be a series of public hearings where the public's input will be collected.
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Previous Stories:
- May 22, 2007: Public Voices Opinion On Troubled Police Department
- April 13, 2007: Arrested Police Official Keeps Pension
- April 5, 2007: Arrested New Haven Officers Fired
- April 3, 2007: Troopers, New Haven PD Form Task Force
- March 30, 2007: Department Announces Plans To Fire Accused Officers
- March 22, 2007: City Announces Plan To Assess PD
- March 20, 2007: Some Call For Re-Examination Of Accused Officers' Cases
- March 15, 2007: Accused Officer's Record Shows Old Charges
- March 14, 2007: Officer's Family Offer Homes To Make $2 Million Bond
- March 14, 2007: Federal Agents Arrest New Haven Officers, Bail Bondsmen
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