MORE ON HARTFORD'S DISPATCH CENTER

I'm really not trying to beat a dead horse here, but you can't make these things up if you tried.

The City of Hartford's Emergency Dispatch Center has had its share of problems as well as criticism here on this blog and elsewhere. The recording below seems to show that things still aren't changing. The attitude of the dispatcher in the recording seems to convey the attitude that has been mentioned in numerous comments here.

Anyone listening to the recording below would have to ask yourself if you as a police officer or firefighter would be comfortable entrusting you personal safety and potentially your life to the "professional" on the other end of the radio.

The Hartford Police Officer on the recording is trying to relay information to the dispatcher regarding an individual involved in a domestic incident. Statistically, Domestic incidents are the number one incidents that police officers are injured and killed during. Listen to the recording and see if you think the dispatcher is handling the incident properly and paying attention to what should be her number one priority...the officer's safety.

Something needs to be done to restore a professional attitude to everyone in that Department because what is going on in there now is not working. Will it take a serious incident before the Mayor or City Council realize it is time to change?

The comments in question are near the beginning of the recording but I left the whole track unedited with the digital time and date stamps

COMING UP AT THE HARTFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

MORE ON THE VACCARO ARREST

After I posted the Vaccaro arrest report yesterday that I had obtained from the court, HPD spokesperson Nancy Mulroy asked me to post a copy with the victim's name redacted. I did that, but I also found that the PDF file sent to me also contained a "supplemental report" that was not part of the Court report.

The report was written by another Officer, other than the arresting officer. The supplemental report writer, Officer Robotham, was responsible for transporting Vaccaro to Jennings Road to be booked. Apparently Vaccaro continued his obnoxious behavior while he was being transported. According to Officer Robotham's report, at one point Vaccaro stated "I guess it is better not to even call the police... just shoot the person yourself".

The whole incident resulting in Vaccaro's arrest was actually started by Vaccaro himself when he called HPD to complain about his treatment when he was ejected from Real Art Ways for his alleged offensive behavior. I know his comments were most likely fueled by his alcohol problems, but it seems to portray a troublesome pattern.

And thanks to the reader who noticed Vaccaro's statement and called to point it out to me.

THE VACCARO ARREST REPORT

Here is the arrest report for Ticket Networks CEO Donald Vaccaro. The interesting part is that he was actually the one who called police to complain about being thrown out of the event by a "bouncer". I wonder if he is rethinking that phone call now.

UPDATE, 2:49PM: The original arrest report posted here was provided to me by the Superior Court and the address of the victim was redacted. In that report the name of the victim was still visible. After posting the report, Hartford Police spokesperson Nancy Mulroy contatced me and asked that the victims name also be reomoved and she provided me with a "redacted" version of the report, which is now posted here. Considering the fact that the charges involve a "hate crime" allegation, I agreed and posted the redacted version removing the victims name and addressRedactedVaccaroPoliceReport[1]

THIS IS HOW ELECTIONS ARE WON IN HARTFORD

The following complaint arises out of allegations of absentee ballot fraud for the upcoming Democratic Town Committee elections coming up on March 6th.

More on this as information is developed, but the complaint and statement seem to be pretty clear in their alleged charges.

4th District Soldevila Complaint

AND THE OSCAR GOES TO.....

Statement from TicketNetwork Counsel Andra Mazur

TicketNetwork is regrettably withdrawing from the state’s FirstFive program. Due to the personal incident involving our CEO Don Vaccaro, we feel that it is necessary to respectfully withdraw from the FirstFive program in an earnest attempt at preserving our future relationship with the state.

We believe the FirstFive program remains a commendable government initiative that will help Connecticut’s economy grow. We were honored to have been chosen.

TicketNetwork has over 400 dedicated employees and remains fully committed to maintaining a positive work environment for them.

As of today, our CEO Don Vaccaro has taken an indefinite leave from TicketNetwork. Long-time company executives Doug Kruse and Jeff Scheman assumed responsibility for running TicketNetwork as Co-CEOs.

TICKET NETWORK CEO ISSUES ANOTHER STATEMENT AFTER ARREST

Statement from Don Vaccaro, CEO of TicketNetwork – Feb 28, 2012

I will be taking an indefinite leave of absence as CEO from TicketNetwork as I resolve this issue. TicketNetwork is a great company with wonderful employees and I do not want my personal actions to impact the company’s growth. In my absence, our long-time senior management team is more than ready for the task of running TicketNetwork without me. While I need to work through the legal process first, I hope to publicly discuss this issue more openly in the future. I am seeking personal counseling and treatment for alcohol abuse.

LOCAL ORGANIZER CHARGED WITH ASSAULT

Local organizer Janice Flemming was charged with assaulting a board member from the Blue Hills Civic Association Friday afternoon. Flemming was charged with Breach of Peace ,2nd degree and Assault,3rd degree by Hartford Police.

Flemming has been an organizer for several local organizations including H.A.R.T and the Blue Hills Civic Association as well as a founder of the "Voices of Women of Color".

THIS WEEKS "WE THE PEOPLE" PROGRAM ON YOU TUBE