But at Hartford City Hall, "Zero Tolerance" seems to send a much different message. The message appears to be "carry on, business as usual".
Several recent incidents seem to highlight Hartford's double standards.
Let me start with the Hartford Police Lieutenant who at the time was the commander of the Hartford Police Academy. Apparently , sexual harassment of employees was her strong suit. Allegations were made by employees of HPD of her inappropriate behavior. The allegations ranged from unwanted sexual advances toward police officers to extremely inappropriate behavior such as instructing an Academy recruit to go home and masturbate with his right hand to improve his accuracy shooting. The recruit was left handed and the Lieutenant apparently felt that if he became more proficient with his right hand it would improve his shooting score.
The bizarre behavior didn't end there though. Her comments to the class of recruits while they were exercising in Bushnell Park were very inappropriate. This behavior was witnessed by at least two HPD Sergeants as well as civilians in the park. When the Lieutenant wasn't happy with the level of effort being shown by the recruits, she apparently yelled at them "I have been c *ck slapped harder than that" according to sources .Residents using the park apparently also over heard the comments.
HPD claims that they were going to launch an Internal Investigation to look into the matter, but according to sources, no investigation ever took place.
It goes on and on and the behavior of a sexual nature was a regular event. The Lieutenant was even reportedly walking around the Police academy out of uniform just wearing her panties and under garments.
The penalty for this behavior, a transfer back to patrol.
Or the issue of the Deputy Chief who was apparently caught in a parking lot in West Hartford Center having "adult relations" with one of his subordinates. The issue arose because it was the subordinates husband, now ex husband I am told, who caught them. The husband smashed out the drivers front window of the Deputy Chief's City issued car during his rage. The damage to the car was falsified and repaired by the City without any repercussions to the Deputy Chief.
The fraternization by the Deputy Chief and his subordinate is widely known through HPD as well as by members of the Community he is supposed to serve, yet nothing has been done. Most likely nothing will be done until the relationship goes bad and the inevitable lawsuits are filed seeking a large payout from the City's checkbook.
And what about the incident from earlier this year involving an aide to a City Councilperson and her inappropriate and violent behavior toward another City employee. Even though the signs are all over City Hall for "Zero Tolerance" for drug use and work place violence, in this case Zero Tolerance apparently means' "job well done, we will protect you."
A Police report documents the entire incident, including the Council Aide yelling the "N " word at the other employee and pushing the Police Officer away when he intervened. The incident apparently was so serious the Office of the Corporation Counsel hired an outside investigator to look into the incident and came back with the recommendation that the Council Aide should be terminated.
In a letter to Council President TJ Clarke, the Corporation Counsel's Office recommended that due to the "egregious nature of this misconduct, this office must recommend immediate termination of the Council Aide from City employment"
To date that has not happened and "zero Tolerance" means business as usual, carry on..
Why are certain people protected by this Administration? Sexual harassment is sexual harassment no matter who the perpetrator is. Whether it is a Deputy Police Chief, a Lieutenant or Matt Lauer, the repercussions and discipline should be the same. If a Police Officer gets fired for using the "N" word at the Casino or a Police Officer facing termination for using the "N" word while getting arrested for a DUI, why would a Councilperson protect her Aide for using the "N" word openly during an argument at City Hall?
I also have to wonder why the City of Hartford would spend the money to hire an outside investigator to look into the matter and then ignore the results of that report? Or is to make it look like they are doing something, kind of like establishing a "Zero Tolerance Policy". it may sound good , but it means nothing in the end.
I have requested all of the documents including any Investigatory reports as well as any disciplinary reports through a Freedom of Information request to the City of Hartford. I will post those as soon as they are provided.
72 comments:
Wow just wow
Thank you for updating us on this. This needs to stop. :(
Elyn,
It won't stop as long as it is tolerated and there are no repercussions or accountability for bad behavior. How can the Councilwoman face her constituents knowing she allows the "N " word to be used by her own staff members during an argument? Well documented and witnessed by others.
I think the bigger issue here is the recommendation of Corporation Counsel. Everyone likes Howard, but in the end we all know he works for Luke vs. the City as a whole as the Charter was formerly written. As you pointed out, Kevin, the City CHOOSES to investigate what or whom it wants. Period. Look at the various police examples you cited or myriad other examples you have provided on your blog over the years.
Here, an outside vendor for how much $$$(??) was hired to perform an investigation and then Corp Counsel wrote its recommendation to fire, when the results could have simply been forwarded to the Mayor, Council President or City Clerk, for whatever action. That letter of recommendation was made with the approval of the Mayor-wannabe-Governor and his office, and with knowledge of certain Hartford Democrats. THAT is the bigger story . . .
OH MY GOD!!!
Kevin you are reaching bruh a civil rights attorney would eat the city alive if you tried to fire an African American for using the n word towards another African American WE All Know The Meaning is Different when someone from the dominant society uses it and according to Officer Barrets report that n word ended with GA not ER as in the case of Detevtive Lanza or officer Stachowitz nice try if anything she should of been arrested and fired for breach of peace
This is ridiculous! Mr brookman let's not forget that the next day from what I am told LT. Mertes asked the same recruit "who he thought about" when mastubating like she instructed.
I think Luke co signed not firing her. Luke needs DTC endorsdment for govorner
and Kelly is Dibellas buddy so i cant picture the mayor having made Howard want to fire her. But nice plot. Cant wait to see if your right.
2:12pm
How am I reaching? Termination was the recommendation of the CORP Counsel, not me, although I agree that I concur with their recommendation.
2:24pm
Your information is extremely accurate. Maybe if she had a button to lock the recruit in her office the same way Matt Lauer locked in his victims the Lieutenants behavior would be taken seriously
Nigga or nigger is not appropriate city hall language for city workers when addressing each other. And especially not if it is hostile and not your friend that understands you and you both have a relationship that allows it. But it is not professional at work inside city hall. And to add clown ass before it. Come on. Three times not once.
While with the police yes- that's all she could have been arrested for. But the report has all the reasons she should be terminated for unless the officer wanted to file charges which doesn't appear to be the case.
Starting to think the city hall officer might need to rotate out sometimes. When people get too comfortable they think they can even disrespect and fight away the very person that is there to protect them from outside forces. Lol!!
And how about the questionable behavior at HPS Central Office? Some staff aware of existence of inappropriate text/photo messaging and "acts" in the workplace, but everybody needs to be quiet. Another cover up for another overpaid awful administrator.
And how about the questionable behavior at HPS Central Office? Some staff aware of existence of inappropriate text/photo messaging and "acts" in the workplace, but everybody needs to be quiet. Another cover up for another overpaid awful administrator.
Let’s face it, Jimmy Barrett is not the brightest bulb. Anyone who has ever had a conversation with him is witness to that. No cop in their right mind would want to work at city hall. That place is infested with corruption and mismanagement.
Jim Rovella is, and always has been, deathly afraid of confrontations, he avoids confrontation at all costs. However this one will be very costly. I highly doubt LT Colonel Rosado would stand for this and I also know Rosado is not afraid of confrontation.
Let everyone know it's DC. Robert E Ford, who you are taking about.
The dig at Officer Barrett is disgraceful. Not only is he a fine police officer he’s a better person. He represents the department in a positive way in everything he does. Any citizen would be lucky to meet him.
Not so much for the anonymous who love to talk crapola about people from the safety of that anonymity.
And I hope that Officer Barrett gets out of City Hall. They don’t deserve an officer like him.
This is nothing new about the Council Adie Kelly Bey. Formerly, she was fired for being high on drugs all the time at her job at the state capitol. Her drug habits at city hall have not changed. Her month is very negative and abusive. She needs to be fired immediately. Taxpayers are paying a worker so she can buy DRUGS. However, Bey getting fired will never happen. There is " NO " Zero Tolarence at Hartford City Hall. Hartford workplace is a sham. Mayor Luke Bronin will never take a stand.
Remember it is not what you know it is who you know. Council Aide Kelly Bey is well connected. Councilwoman RJo Winch knows Kelly's drug background. What dose that say about that Councilwoman? When is drug testing going to be a must for Council Aides? Hey, Mayor Luke Bronin wake up! Hartford needs a Mayor who will get rid of the dead wood. Bronin are you up to the Zero Tolerance for Council Aides and any other Hartford employee.
Just to set the record straight, Officer Jim Barrett is one of the finest and most professional Police Officers we are lucky to have serving our City. Sadly, Officer Barrett works in a building that is devoid of any leadership or accountability, and that is a tone that has been set by the Mayor and this Council. I am sure Officer Barrett receives pressure to avoid any action that is confrontational and would reflect poorly on the political ladder climber Bronin. Anywhere else where a suspect laid hands on a Hartford Police Officer, even lightly, they wold be locked up
Officer Barrett's support to the community, especially the homeless and people down on their luck is immeasurable. His footwear drives and providing clean socks and winter footwear for people in need is a niche he has found at City Hall and a service no one else is providing. Whether walking a beat in Asylum Hill or the halls of City Hall or even serving in the Military in Afghanistan Officer Barrett is a credit to his uniform and his professionalism as a Hartford Police Officer
I can't believe Pastor AJ. Is supporting Ford for the Chief's spot only if he knew the truth about Ford. Ford doesn't care about the citizen of Hartford.
Deputy Chief Ford is the culprit? Then who is the officer that he's sleeping with? Is it top secret I can take a guess at who is one of them married to a fire fighter? Is it a female that used to be a matron in Manchester PD lock up? Inquiring minds want to know.kevin don't keep us in suspense
Kelly Bey needs to leave her position at city hall and her NRZ spot. The city does not need someone like her. She is a scam artists drug user.
I say Rovella should demote DC. Ford back to LT. Before he leaves. I also feel bad for the board of education if they hire Ford as head of security.
Her name is officer Gentry Mirella. North East CSO
My hats off to officer Barrett. He truly care about other's and the community he serves.
God damn this ‘City’ !
True. I’m not saying he is a bad person. He may be kind and professional, we all are to some extent. But let’s face it, he’s not a Tony Pia or John O’Hare. Those guys could go out a make gun arrests with a blink of an eye. Real police work! Chasing the drunk and homeless out the Hartford Public Library for loitering isn’t all that difficult, just sayin’. Barret is a nice person though. Being a nice person and a good “COP” are two different things. Only another cop would understand my logic.
Look at the bright side, plenty of fresh young prey if Ford goes to the Hartford Schools, he won’t have to be banging some middle aged cop in his SUV in West Hartford Center. Although an upset father might be worse than an irate firefighter finding his wife chestinh
@5:37 pm: I take great offense with your words about Jim Barrett. He is truly the best ambassador that the HPD could have. Jim is intelligent, compassionate, and proactive. He treats everyone--from dignitaries to street people--with respect, courtesy. kindness, and a smile. He recognizes the humanity and dignity and worth in every person, no matter their station in life. We need more like him.
Any bets on how long before Vinnie Vella and the Courant do another rip and read and take a blog story as their own?
This rosado has really been sold a gold brick and will find out in feb 2018 that it is really a yellow turd.
Lt Mertes is a powerful lawyer and rovella is fearful of a suit.
Rob Ford will do a fine job at the board of ed. That job sucks anyways. Good luck dealing with the youth of hartford.
Vinny smoked some good weed earlier this evening, he will probably do another story tomorrow when he’s not high.
Rob Ford should be fired for this sexual conduct with gentry.
Remember when he was suspended for 5 days
for disgusting Racist comments about Italians.
Outrageous.
Mirella? Wow she lucky she still got a job didn't her son get a hold of her 83 some years back and point it to one of his friends heads? Any who guess she got a thing for guys named Rob she was also retired sergeant Rob from ERT plaything for a few years smh
Damn Ford and Gentry must be having a mid life crisis to be doing this dumb shit this late in the game c'mon man
Didn't the last cop that worked a at city hall get promoted to sergeant ? Why you hating on JB?
I have great admiration for Jim Barrett as a cop and as a terrific human being. I also think we all have to pay close attention to the important debate about the role of internet platforms in self policing fake news and scurrilous attacks. We are degenerating into a shameless culture of thoughtless abuse of each other. If individuals can’t suppress there tendency to be hurtful, moderators must intervene.
There is no first amendment right to use Hartford’s best blog as a petty vehicle for thoughtless name calling.
Gentry Mirella who is she ?
she had an affair with who?
I still haven’t finish reading the TA of the potential contract. My by-laws say I have a minimum of 72 hours before going in to vote. Shipwreck and Turbo what are you guys doing? Push the vote off!
This is so sad! Your probably right that they will protect her from accountability. Im still praying they dont. Kelly needs people in her life that LOVE her enough to help her the right way.
But because they dont love her but only care about what she can deliver to the corrupt DTC and campaigns they themselves will stick a crack pipe in her mouth for her.
If Kelly ever got clean and sober and started seeing the light of day again she would no longer be useful to them.
Her behaviors are directly linked to her addiction. Lose addiction - lose behaviors they use to their ill will as well. Im praying for Kelly.
And I can speak to it. Been there done that and lost a lot of friends and loved ones when I found liberation.
#Liberatekelly
By holding her accountable.
And as for Bronin- rinnong for governor
As for Thomas Clarke- nose running like a todler in anticipation of being Mayor when Bronin leaves.
As for Rjo- she cant wait to overstep Gale or plan to in order to get her origionally coveted seat of council president back. They will all willing twist the knife in Kenneth Blue back in allegiance to their political gain. And I can envision Marc Dibella pulling out all his political clout to force all of them to stay silent for DTC endorsement.
If they hold Kelly accountable or even suggest it at this point. Chop chop. Heads go flying.
I agree.
Hey 12:49 AM
Vinnie Vella can do a rip and read as you call them any time, as long as he says where the story was first reported. Bronin just announced to be governor. Time for Hartford dishrag Courant editors, Jenna Carlesso and Vinnie Vella to get their heads out of their asses and start reporting on the gross negligence and awful management style of Luke Bronin. Just look at all of the stories Kevin Brookman has written about mismanagement and internal failure to pursue so many complaints. Luke Bronin is a human resource disaster. So is City Hall and HPD
Evelyn,
I admire your candor on this blog. The solution you're suggesting is easily attained by taking that first step to recovery and invoking the City's EAP policy. It should have been done with Rhonda. I made the suggestion then, but the message was received too late. Speaking generically here, if anyone's actions are/were under the influence, then they or their attorney can invoke this program to preserve working rights, job status and employee benefits, while matters are potentially being sorted out.
She's the northeast cso unit 251. She's Ford's mistress/best cso.
After going to the informational session on Tuesday about the TA. My decision is made. Thank god im exposed to this whole mess in my 4th year at HPD.
The search is underway and here is information for others.
https://www.policeapp.com/Police-Jobs/
As a former City employee, sadly, this is nothing new. Zero tolerance, which has been around more than 10 years, only applies to those with no connections.
Wow. Ford and Gentry at the HPS PD.. Another pair in Hartford Public School Central Office, sexting and more questionable behavior during business hours, but no one wants them accountable. No one even care to investigate. Costly to question top paid administrator.
Alyssa,
Yes- they should use the EAP policy. I'm starting to wonder if they ever use it or if people even know they have it. I am starting to find out that people don't know what is policy or procedure in that place.
Thanks
And then there's this:
http://civilinquiry.jud.ct.gov/CaseDetail/PublicCaseDetail.aspx?DocketNo=HHDCV165042625S
If every officer had Jim Barrett's heart, courage and charisma, Hartford would be a better place. He is the best officer on the force to me, and demonstrates what Community Policing should be.
Money judgment against KKB as above, but word in City Hall is that she has lawyered up.
Bring out the proof! Show the entire HPD, subpoena court records. All this he said she said going on BRING out YOUR proof. Thats right, you dont have it. Instead of providing facts you sit behind a computer and type made up crap as ANONYMOUS. Thats right, you must be just A scorned co-worker for HPD. Get a life
That mustache tho.....
Yessina,
You must be her friend. Go look at the recording on Market Street gas station rear parking lot area, where they meet often and made out in city vehicles. Or better yet get recordings from parking lot at old Pd. Or at the New pd where they were making out near booking or when she walked out the chief complex one night on midnights.
Hey ANONYMOUS, i do not know the female officer or the deputy therefore i ask for you to provide the proof. You must have no life to be able to sit and type away 10 different places and times these encounters took place. Are you a stalker? When you can provide proof of time and place then you will be seen at the location as well correct? Hmmm, guess your Annoymous identity will be revealed then
Robbie Ford is a disgrace and should be
demoted and fired.He has no respect from
the rank and file.Its plain Ignant.Ignorant.
I am disgusted with all of the people involved in these acts of work sex and covering and hiding from accountability. Police and City Hall workers mentioned above just STOP and CHANGE.
The only ones I know is Ford, Rjo, and Kelly and I expect better from them! And I still care for all of them but I am no fool. Once you stand up for what's right and its not what they agree with they hate you for life.
Now that would mean something to me if IGAF but I don't. Like me or leave me y'all still WRONG!
Y'All better leave Rob Ford To be.
He aint nothing but a man
who needs love for Mirella Gentry
who was married and Ford was Married.
Was married??? Court records show no divorce. Starting rumors again Anonymous.
Jacob,
It's called sealing the file so it won't be public.
It does matter that they are or were married, but more importantly it should be of concern that A Deputy Chief of the Hartford Police Department has no problems having sex in a City vehicle in a public parking lot with an officer that he is paid very well by the taxpayers to supervise. If he was working in the private sector he would most likely be terminated immediately
Kevin your just as much of a gossip queen as the so called coworkers at HPD.
I think you need to look up the definition of gossip as opposed to factual information or does revealing the truth bother you?
So you have proof then? Not just hearsay?
Kevin, Benvenuto is causing chaos right now. He could have derailed the police CBA. Mayor Bronin wants to bleed the police department dry. Most of the police personnel do not understand that Mayor Bronin wants the police department divided, making it easier for him to conquer. Kevin, tell the police to stick together and stop in-fighting. Tell Sgt Benvenuto to leave union business alone. He lost the election and he already has a pension. Kevin, please find out who let Sgt Benvenuto speak to the police recruits without the supervision of the union president.
Kevin, can you ask everyone to leave D/C Ford and CSO Gentry alone? They may be in love. They may even get married. If they did, no one would care that they had a relationship. Just like no one cared that D/C Foley had a relationship with Lt Garcia....or was that Capt. Thody? It doesn't matter. What matters is the work, not who you date.
Almost forgot; Kevin can you find out who will be promoted in the next sergeant and detective promotional ceremony? Thank you.
Is gentry husband willing to come forward and testify to what he saw?? If not I domt think the city can do much did he take pictures or record them hearsay is hard to prove ???
The stew that vinni has brewed is quite detremental to morale and proves that only 66 out of 253 drank that mind altering kool aide. 0-2 vinni has to realize the future department delemmas are more then the illogical views of one nut. Leadership is earned. Just because you come from the apple with some war tales does not make you an outstanding supervisor. Time to soak it up and deal with it. Learn to accept that your efforts have failed. New officers released this week do not need to see the irrational antics caused by your anger and disdane. John has been the most honest of all the past union presidents. Nick has learned to play ball. Maturity and logics will always outweigh angry mob mantality. Calling your fellow 265 employees “babies” is not a good message to send if you ever attempt to run for union president in 2019.
@2:27
I wouldn't call Kevin a "gossip queen" but I would call him one who encourages gossip queening. I have been absent from this site for a few months and I see that I have missed nothing. I don't care to read all this salacious crap. It's for small town folks with small town minds with nothing better to do with their little pathetic lives. Kevin could X out this stuff but he finds it apparently fascinating.
What is the status of the Lt Mertes investigation into sexual remarks ?
Zero tolerance is zero tolerance.
Why is Deputy Chief Rendock covering up a potential civil suit against the city ?
A dozen witnesses including two supervisors heard her telling a recruit to practice pleasuring himself to improve his shooting.
She also made a derogatory comment about being slapped with a male reproductive organ in bushnell park.
Why was this investigation hidden ?
I hope that new Chief Rosado orders Rendock to complete this investigation.
If Lieutenant Mertes Looks anything like Lieutenant Debbie Callahan of Police Academy,then what’s the big fuss! She sounds kind of pent-up ,you know.... seems like these cops are becoming a little snowflakish.Somebody wants a pay out!
she definitely don't look like lt. Callahan from police academy ewwwwww
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