Much of this story has come out in bits and pieces, and much more will come out the same way as information is verified. I will eventually try to lay the whole story out so that even those not familiar with the "Police politics" and the players can follow and understand.
In the meantime, I received several calls yesterday afternoon regarding the letter from Attorney Bart Halloran to Mayor Segarra that was posted yesterday. In that letter it mentions the IAD investigations into several members of the Department, including the Chief of Police, Daryl. K. Roberts.
Since that posting has not been restored yet, I am reposting the letter here as well as Mayor Segarra's comments:
MAYOR SEGARRA DIRECTS POLICE CHIEF
TO ORDER INDEPENDENT REVIEW
---NEWS AND COMMUNITY STATEMENT---
(May 12, 2011) --- Hartford Mayor Pedro E. Segarra issued this statement today regarding the Hartford Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division:
“I have already met with Police Chief Daryl Roberts and have directed him to order an immediate independent review of the IAD. As matters continue to unfold, I reserve my right to take additional action to preserve the integrity, trust, and public safety of the community.”
N Brooks Atty Letter
I hadn't heard the Chief mentioned as a target of any investigations, other than the fact that he was in charge.
Apparently the IAD investigation into the Pawtucket Street shooting was leading towards involvement by the Chief and his actions the night of the shooting.
On the night of the Pawtucket Street shooting the officers involved were removed from the shooting scene and taken to the Hartford Police Union office at 20 Sargent Street in Hartford. Former Union President Richard Rodriguez and at the time Vice President Richard Holton as well as others were in the Union Office (Holton has since been elected as Union President to replace Rodriguez).
For some reason former Mayor Eddie Perez and Chief Roberts were also in attendance at the union office. The videographer who had been filming a documentary with the officers involved in the shooting, Jeffrey Teitler, was also in the Union office. From what sources are telling me, Lieutenant Scott Sansom,(now Deputy Chief Sansom} who was the commander of the Intelligence Division at the time was also present.
After the shooting, sources have told me that Sansom secured Teitler's video camera in the trunk of his unmarked cruiser. Once the State Police took over the investigation, the video contained on the "v-card" in Teitler's camera became a critical part of evidence for the investigation. A "v-card" is similar to a flash drive and stores the video rather than using a video tape. The "v-card" plugs into a slot on the camera.
At some point during the evening, from what sources are telling me, a conversation took place between Chief Roberts, former Mayor Perez and Union President Rich Rodriguez. Subsequent to that conversation, Rodriguez and Teitler left the Union Office, along with the "v-card". It is not known yet exactly what the conversation was or why the "critical evidence" contained on the "v-card " left the Union Office.
Apparently that was an issue with State Police investigators and again, from what several sources are telling me, the "v-card" only reappeared after Rodriguez was threatened with arrest for interfering with the investigation.
The investigation seemed to have been sitting around for a while, but after Sgt. Rodriguez lost his bid for re-election, he had to go back to regular duty. That created a problem because Chief Roberts apparently wanted to assign him to IAD as an investigator. Since the Pawtucket Street investigation was still open, it had to be completed and closed out.
Chief Robert's, according to sources, ordered Lt. Brooks to complete the investigation
It seems that was the direction that the investigation was going when former Lt. Sansom, now Deputy Chief Sansom and Chief Roberts were apparently drawn into the investigation.
Sansom, as commander of the Intelligence Division was also the direct supervisor for several of the officers involved in the shooting incident and clearly pictured on the video.
The picture keeps becoming clearer as more information comes out, but it seems pretty clear already that IAD was not a welcome addition in the Chief's Complex when looking into an incident like the Pawtucket Street shooting.
Hopefully the "immediate independent investigation" ordered today by Mayor Segarra will continue down the path to the truth that it seems like Lt. Brooks and his investigators were headed down
Kevin- since you instrumental in getting the mayor to investigate the Police Dept, it would be a good idea if you had him investigate the Fire Dept as well. Particularly of concern are their hiring practices and disparate discipline. The Dan Nolan case is a prime example.
ReplyDeleteHow much more can I do?
ReplyDeleteIn all seriousness, as we saw with Eddie Perez, the truth seems to have a way of rising to the surface. We are seeing it now in the Police Department and I think you will see some interesting things coming out in regards to the Fire Department. I am already working on a few things regarding the Fire Department. What was the relationship between the new Asst. Chief, his consulting business and Chief Casares? Why was the Nolan case appealed and what effect would his return have on the new class that is being slid through with less than qualified applicants? And what role did a "payoff" that Chief Teale took and some alleged photos from Springfield play in him going along with the Nolan inquest ordered by felon Perez?
There is plenty to look at here and the truth will come together eventually. In the meantime the Mayor would be well advised to get out in front of all of this, but everyone is focused on their own survival and not providing the best information to the Mayor?
Do you think this mess at HPD would be unraveling so quickly if the Chief was getting good advice? The Chief knows the backstabbing that is going on and has been going on around him. What he fails to comprehend is that the very people giving him this terrible advice are also intent on replacing him when he goes. Hmmm, does the term "ulterior motive" make sense?
All I know is that there will be some tough campaigns over the next few months and Mayor Segarra can not afford to appear weak when it comes to Public Safety or incompetence or any hint of impropriety in HPD.
I had offered to sit down with Mayor Segarra last July and lay most of this out for him and he chose not to. It would have appeared much better for him to have been out in front of these problems months ago rather than reacting to them now
Same old, same old at HPD. Only this time Brooks hit a huge payday at the taxpayers expense. When is Segarra going to get rid of this albatross?
ReplyDeleteBe careful of your words and allegations....In these very litigious times, all it takes is one misstep before you will be standing in the court of law for slander and or libel. I'd bet my "bottom" buck on that one.
ReplyDelete