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Thursday, September 26, 2019

IT IS TIME TO START THE SEARCH

I am not sure what Mayor Bronin is waiting for, but maybe he has become accustomed to the revolving door of Department heads in his Administration I hope it changes if he is fortunate enough to get re-elected. He needs to start a search for a stable leader for HPD. Officers are starving for it, and resident's deserve it.

I would normally advocate for hiring from within to fill administrative vacancies, but I think one key position needs to be filled from the outside. I would encourage Mayor Bronin to conduct a national search to fill the position of Police Chief. That goes contrary to what I have believed, but I don't think there is anyone p0resently at  HPD capable of providing the proper leadership to move HPD forward. Morale at HPD, especially among the rank and file is probably at the lowest I have seen it in several years. One person that I thought was more than capable to lead the Department and actually had "Rovella style" vision to build and kick HPD out of neutral (or even reverse) and into overdrive was Deputy Chief William Long. Chief Long was driven out, I mean retired, yesterday.

One other person I think would be a good choice is Assistant Chief Rafael Medina. Medina is a retired CSP Lieutenant and came in with Chief Rosado. I think if Medina put together a good team around him, he could do the job . I think his heart is really in the Patrol Division which is sorely needed right now.

Patrol is the backbone of any Police Department and Medina is not afraid to talk to Patrol Officers or even go out on Patrol with them and more importantly, he respects everyone, no matter their rank. Medina also is a strong believer in accountability and following policy. Now isn't that a novel idea?

I have to admit, I was very disappointed when Chief Rosado left. I felt that Chief Rosado was moving in the right direction and I would have loved to see where HPD would have been after another couple years under his leadership, but we don't always get what we want. I think HPD was culture shock coming from CSP and encountering the HPD culture. I think Medina had the same issues, but he has proven to be fair and consistent in dishing out discipline, something long overdue at HPD.

The first night I met David Rosado, before he became Chief, we had gone out privately and had a great conversation. He asked me what I thought HPD officers were looking for in a Chief. I told him the number one thing Officers had told me was that they wanted accountability. If they did something wrong, they expected to be held accountable and they expected discipline to be fair. I think Rosado did that during his short time here. I still say that Medina was brought in as Assistant Chief to act as Rosado's  "hatchet man" someone that could set a strong tone of accountability as well as showing common sense and fairness.

Much of Medina's time here has been occupied with discipline issues, hearings and internal investigations. We can only hope that if he became the permanent Chief, that tasks would lessen for the next Assistant Chief as the rank and file would realize they had to get with the program and the days of game playing were gone. Don't get me wrong, I am not painting the picture of a Department full of rogue cops, a small minority can cause the majority of the problems which paint the Department in a poor light. Proper leadership would eliminate many of those problems.

Many of my readers might be asking "where is you support for the Interim Chief?" It has dissolved for several reasons. One is truthfulness and honesty.. It is just not there in my opinion. A simple example, OK. When I asked the current interim Chief why HPD was not buying the Ford Explorers for Patrol vehicles rather than the higher priced Chevrolet Tahoe's, he told me the Explorers (all wheel drive vehicles) would require mandated 8 hours of  mandated driver training for all Patrol Officers  operating Explorers.

Mandated by who? No other town or agency I contacted was aware of any training requirements besides the initial training given in the Academy. I asked one Officer from another Department who I knew was driving an Explorer. I asked him what "mandated" training he received before being allowed to drive an Explorer. He laughed and said "NONE, they just handed me the keys". There are other examples, but once you lie to me , you lose my confidence quickly.

The Department is also a disorganized mess. People are more concerned trying to figure out who my sources are and where I get my information instead of admitting the information is correct and doing something to fix it. When I knew there were 20 cars deadlined (broken down and inoperable at the DPW garage) there was more of an effort to figure out who gave me the accurate info rather than putting a push on  DPW mechanics  to get the cars repaired and back on the street in the Patrol Division ( as a side note, there are 21 cars on the deadline tonight and not enough vehicles for every officer in Patrol to have a cruiser). But on the positive side, all of the Command Staff have , or will be getting brand new vehicles for their daily commutes

Despite the highly touted use of body cameras, many officers still have not received training in the use of Body cameras, nor have they been issued. Many uniformed officers still are not wearing the body cameras and  with the exception of ,I believe, traffic  Supervisors, no Supervisors are wearing body cameras, detectives are not being issued or trained in the use of the cameras, even though many of them work private jobs or road jobs where they come in contact with residents. At the very least, every Supervisor should already be trained and wearing body cameras since they are the most likely to be involved in situations where the body cam footage would be very helpful when any complaint might be made.

To show more mismanagement, very few cruisers, if any, have dash cameras in operation. Oh, they are here, they have just been sitting on a pallet wrapped in plastic in the basement of HPD for months, un-installed, collecting dust. You might be given the same excuse  I was given when I asked the Interim Chief about it. They were waiting for new cars to come in before they installed them. Were those the new cars the Interim told me would be arriving in July? I guess I'll have to give him a pass on that one because he didn't say July of which year. No new cars have arrived yet , except the Command Staff Tahoe's

We should be demanding more from our Interim Police Chief, and the next Chief should be tasked with mentoring the numerous capable officers who should be in line for consideration the next time there is a Chief's opening. This is not a position that the taxpayers of Hartford should be paying over a quarter of a million dollars a year for and getting these type of incompetent results for our money.. But then again, we pay that kind of salary for the Superintendent of schools and get dysfunctional results, so why not the Police Department.

I was going to wait until next week to write this post until I went to HPD for the Public Compstat meeting tonight. Once I arrived at HPD we were informed that the Public Compstat meeting that was posted and advertised on social media had been cancelled. Why you might ask?  Because the Mayor was having a Community meeting and he wanted "everyone" there. I can probably recite his canned message better than he can.  Do you think maybe they could have posted the sudden cancellation on social media, nope. Typical

Oh well, I think you get my point, but as a City , our Police Department is too important for us and our future to accept such lackluster results.

Sorry Jason, I  was willing to give you a fair shot, but you have lost my trust and confidence.

And Deputy Chief Long, congratulations in your retirement, our loss is the State of Connecticut's gain, sadly

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

JUSTICE DELAYED, BUT PROBABLY WON'T BE DENIED, HFD TRIAL TO BEGIN TODAY

It has taken several years to reach this point, but we are about to be reminded of the incompetence of former Hartford Fire Chief Carlos Huertas and Assistant Chief Scott Brady.

I think as a City we have become accustomed to the Hartford Fire Department being run properly under Chief Reggie Freeman, no major controversy, no daily embarrassing news stories, just a professionally run organization. That wasn't the case under former Chief Carlos Huertas .

Back in 2015, Captain Thomas Dalton was attacked at a fire scene by a subordinate, Lieutenant Michael Patterson. The ensuing Hartford Police investigation resulted in findings that Patterson was the aggressor and was at fault for the incident. The Hartford Police investigator for the incident actually pursued an arrest warrant for Patterson for his involvement .

Despite the fact that statements and the Police investigation appeared to substantiate that Patterson was the aggressor, the incompetent Fire Chief Huertas and Brady pursued disciplinary action against Captain Dalton.

While Patterson, the aggressor, received a two week suspension, Dalton, the victim of Patterson's aggression received a 3 month suspension.

Dalton subsequently filed a lawsuit against the City of Hartford , the Hartford Fire Department and Huertas and Brady.for the treatment and discipline.

That trial begins today before a jury in Hartford Superior Court, unless the City smartens up first and tries to minimize their losses before it hits the jury.

The original HPD arrest warrant application and incident reports are below. The actual lawsuit documents have been sealed on the judicial website while Jury selection was underway..

Bring your own popcorn, this should be more entertaining than a Hollywood comedy..

Dalton eventually retired in good standing as a District/Deputy Chief.. P:atterson is still employed by HFD Patterson Dalton Incident R... by kevinhfd on Scribd

Monday, September 23, 2019

HARTFORD EDUCATOR UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR ALLEGED SEX CRIME WITH STUDENT

A male teacher at the Achievement First Hartford High School has become the subject of an investigation by the Hartford Police Department. The investigation was begun after a 16 year old female student from the school,  made adults aware that she was having an ongoing sexual relationship with the male teacher. Because the teacher is in a position of authority over the student, by Connecticut State law it rises to the level of a sexual assault.

Apparently the male teacher has been placed on unpaid administrative suspension pending the outcome of the investigation.

The teacher has not been  named by HPD  and he is reportedly out of State at this time.

According to sources, HPD has not interviewed the teacher as of yet, but they do anticipate an interview tomorrow.


No information has been released by the Hartford Schools and HPD is expected to release more information as the investigation proceeds

Friday, September 13, 2019

REWARD OFFERED IN COLD CASE HOMICIDE

FROM HPD:

Homicide of Ricardo Rivera - Hartford - October 21, 2015

Ricardo Rivera was shot to death in Hartford on October 21, 2015. The State of Connecticut is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the homicide of Ricardo Rivera, who was fatally shot in Hartford on October 21, 2015.

On that evening at 10:16 p.m., Hartford police were called to the area of 7 Cherry Street on a report of shots fired. The caller reported hearing three gunshots, saw a “man down” and a silver Acura leaving the area with three males in it.

Officers arriving on the scene found Mr. Rivera, age 19, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to the hospital where he died the next day. A second man also shot was taken to the hospital in a private vehicle before police arrived on the scene. He has since recovered from his injuries.
Only minimal evidence was recovered at the scene of the shootings and to date no witnesses have come forward.  Investigators are hopeful the reward may lead to a successful conclusion of the investigation.

Anyone with information about the homicide of Ricardo Rivera is asked to contact Hartford Police. Tips may be left anonymously at (860) 722-TIPS (8477)  or www.hartford.gov/police

 

Friday, September 6, 2019

TIME FOR THE ENDORSEMENT'S

I would hope that no one would vote for a candidate based upon who the media, or local newspaper or even a blog would "endorse".

I thought I was looking at the comic's page this morning when I saw the Courant was "endorsing Luke Bronin for re-election. But did anyone expect anything different?

The more I see Luke Bronin and his operation, the more similarities I see to the Trump Administration. High turnover, high arrogance, a sense of entitlement and also, much like 2016, the two "front runners" are both terrible choices and I think many Hartford voters will fill out the little bubble on their ballot while holding their noses.

 There are alternatives to Perez and Bronin though, and I would hope that as we get closer to the real election in November that the DTC coronation of Luke Bronin will be a distant memory . Distant memories of Luke Bronin and Eddie Perez both. I hope that people would start paying some serious attention to Stan McCauley and take a few minutes to get to know him.

 Most people didn't know Luke Bronin until he decided he wanted to buy a Kingdom and be the King, also known as the 2015 Mayoral election. He is trying to buy the King's throne once again courtesy of Greenwich dollars. Just think back, how many of you knew the name Luke Bronin before the 2015 election. I don't see many hands being raised out there, so maybe very few or NONE. While I am asking questions, how many of you have seen Eddie Perez out in the community since he was arrested and bounced from Office in disgrace. Why is he back suddenly? Does he see money in development t on Albany Avenue or maybe it is time to start reconstruction on Park Street since it is falling apart due to his below standards corruption , I mean construction, work performed by his cronies on Park Street. (He did get his home renovated as a result of that corruption, all we got were potholes and defective brick walkways popping out of Park Street , and not to mention huge legal costs for battling him and keeping members of his staff from going to jail)

 I think you get my point for the time being, Stan McCauley is someone that just about every member of the Community who has gone outside their homes in the last 25 years have probably met or has seen Stan and his wife and children out in the community, not because he was running for something, but because he is actually one of us.

 I really don't think a lot of people have put much time or thought into the members they elect to the Hartford City Council, but I think you really need to.

 Do you realize that when you elect a Council person, you are potentially electing the next Mayor of the City. If the elected Mayor ever becomes incapacitated or is forced from Office by a corruption scandal or arrest, the President of the City Council becomes Mayor. Remember Pedro Segarra?

So on the primary ballot under column 1-MAYOR, my vote will be none of the above.

There, that's simple. I will save my bubble for Stan McCauley in November.

As far as City Council, Minority party representation laws apply in Connecticut, so out of 9 Council seats, only 6 can go to Democrats. I've chosen 5, First off is TJ Clarke. TJ has at least remained somewhat independent from the Bronin Administration. That fact probably resulted in his demise as the Council President when the Bronin puppets on the Council orchestrated his demise with a bogus "texting" scandal. TJ deserved our support

Next is a newcomer and someone I will admit I have never met. I am hearing good things about Nick Lebron from people whose opinion I trust, so I will give him a shot. I would prefer the unknown of a newcomer to those who were lackluster or worse their first time on the Council and want to get voted back on.

I was a little on the fence over Jimmy Sanchez, but much like TJ Clarke, I think he deserves the opportunity to hopefully prove himself.

My next choice is someone I can't say enough positive things about and I was thrilled, actually almost ecstatic, the day she called me and said she had decided to run for City Council. If you look up the definition of "integrity" in the dictionary, I am sure you will see the picture of Shirley Surgeon there. I have known and called Shirley Surgeon a friend for many years. If you are having a bad day, just call Shirley and her cheerful voice and accent , and advice, can't help but get you going again. Shirley also has an uncanny knack for being able to relate to just about anyone and make them feel comfortable, exactly what City Hall needs. Shirley was also a very close friend to my late political mentor, John B. O'Connell. Although O'Connell was a diehard Republican and Shirley was a loyal Democrat, they both were able to work together and communicate like adults.

Something else City Hall is lacking is that ability to work together for the good of the City. Shirley has that. Shirley also has a knowledge of City Hall from years of experience. She was the Council Assistant to the late John Stewart, she was the Democratic Registrar for years and then moved on to work in State Government. Shirley would be a great mentor for all Council members and I think we would see some serious work accomplished without the bickering we have become accustomed to.

My Final choice is Eli Mercado. For those of you who don't know Eli, you probably aren't going to enough community meetings. Eli is a permanent fixture at many meetings of people trying to help Hartford. He seems well connected with the Community and I think his concern and community involvement would definitely be an asset for any Council member.

I hope this information helps and I would not be presumptuous enough to do anymore than ask you to  educate yourself to the choices and then get out and vote

Thursday, August 29, 2019

WHAT HAS CHANGED SINCE THE BAERGA COMPLAINT? OFFICER BAERGA RETURNS TO WORK

 The short and quick answer is nothing has changed, although it has been months since the issue came to light.

HPD Officer Kelly Baerga had filed a hostile work environment/sexual harassment complaint against  supervisors at HPD and the City of Hartford on February 11, 2019

You can read more details here.

Her is the original complaint below:
Baerga Complaint by on Scribd
The bottom line , after all of the complaints, all of the media attention, and all of the the Internal affairs Investigations, nothing, or at least very little has changed.

 Kelly Baerga this week returned to her patrol duties on the midnight shift. Sergeant Andrew Rodney, one of the officers accused of Baerga's harassment still remains in his position as a Sergeant and a supervisor. Despite his Internal Affairs Investigation and a disciplinary hearing, nothing has been resolved. No punishment for his behavior, not even any retraining or corrective action taken. I am told that Rodney's behavior is under review by Interim Chief Jason Thody.

This matter has been hanging in Limbo for far too long. Officer Kelly Baerga deserves a resolution of this matter, and some action should have been taken before she returned to work.If Sergeant Rodney's actions were substantiated, Baerga should not have to face him whenever she goes to work knowing that Rodney's actions went unchecked by "the good ole' boy network" as some have claimed. This matter needs to be resolved one way or the other immediately.

 Rodney should not be protected because of any political status as a member of the Hartford Democratic Town Committee or supporter of Mayor Luke Bronin

A request for an update on the matter made to HPD earlier today has not received a response