Hartford City
Council President Shawn T. Wooden announced that, today, Mayor Segarra has
submitted a resolution to the Council for the appointment of James C. Rovella as
Chief of the Hartford Police Department. Accordingly, in an effort to expedite
the process, the Council will convene a special meeting on Monday, July
30th at 5:30 P.M. to receive the resolution and have a confirmation
hearing immediately thereafter at 6:00 P.M.
“The appointment
of a police chief is extraordinarily important to the future of the City of
Hartford. Because Chief Rovella was not subject to the process that other
candidates faced, a thorough vetting by the Council is crucial. Hartford
residents want to feel safer in our city. And, given the length of time that we
have been without a permanent police chief, the Council should act with urgency
in considering this appointment. I look forward to hearing Chief Rovella’s
vision for public safety in our city. I also look forward to giving the
community an opportunity to ask questions of Chief Rovella,” said
Wooden.
The confirmation
hearing will consist of four components: opening remarks from Mayor Segarra,
remarks from Chief Rovella, questions from the public, and questions from the
Council. Members of the public may also participate in the confirmation process
by submitting questions or comments to HartfordChiefQuestions@gmail.com or calling
860-757-9570.
Councilman Kyle
K. Anderson, Chairman of the Quality of Life, Public Safety, and Housing
Committee, added, “Public engagement is incredibly important in all aspects of
public safety and this is no exception. Our city has a crime epidemic, and it is
imperative that the next police chief understands the concerns of Hartford
residents. That is why it is so important that we give both the public and Chief
Rovella the opportunity to have that discussion.”
The City Charter
gives the Council 60 days from July 30, 2012 to take action on the appointment
of Chief Rovella.
