I received this e-mail today from the wife of a Hartford Police Officer, condemning the ignorant remarks of Hartford's 3rd District State Representative Minnie Gonzalez. Gonzalez made her remarks before the Legislature's General Assembly regarding a Police Accountability bill.
This e-mail lays out the facts quite clearly. Just for the record, the officer's wife did identify herself by name in the e-mail. I chose not to identify her since I haven't spoke with her
I am the proud wife of a Hartford Police Officer and Air Force Veteran. The men and women of the Hartford Police Department are some of the finest people I know, and have more integrity than you could ever wish to have. They serve their communities with pride, dedication, and distinction. These officers put their lives on the line every single day, for little pay, little recognition, and with very little support from elected politicians. These men and women go into their neighborhoods every day truly trying to make a difference, something you know nothing about.
The comments made by you on June 5, 2017 in defense of bill
HB6663 were appalling, ignorant, and unnecessary. while you stated that you
support the HPD and its officers, your statements were a direct contradiction to
that. Let me address them one by one.
You stated that the officers were cowboys with guns, and
bats. I'm not sure I have ever seen them wear cowboy hats or boots to work, I
have seen officers on horseback, however they were not herding cattle. I have
seen my husband come home with blood on his boots and tears in his eyes as he
has faced some of the most horrific acts humans can do to one another. I've
watched him on phone calls with other officers, consoling them as they attempted
to come to terms with the suicide call, or child abuse case, or the senseless
murders that occur all too frequently.
You stated that there are good and bad cops, you are correct.
There are far more good ones than bad, which is more than I can say for
politicians. The vast majority of police officers joined the force to do good,
to make a change, and to be positive influences in their communities.
You stated that HPD officers have good pay, good benefits,
and a good pension. What you fail to mention is that their good pay comes from
countless hours of overtime, or road jobs (which are not paid for by the city,
and the city actually makes money off of,) you fail to mention the missed
birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and special occasions they have missed in
order to protect your ignorance. From my understanding, you get paid a hefty
stipend for being an elected official, receive benefits, and will receive a
pension.
You stated that "you" pay for the officers lunch and dinner.
I'm not sure how you determined that, as I send my husband with his meals daily,
while he works his 16 hour shifts. He frequently comes home with his meals still
in his bag, as they do not get a lunch break, and is often lucky if he can even
get a bite in between calls.
You stated that these "cowboys" are killing young kids in our
community with no consequences, and this abuse needs to stop. Since 2005 there
have been 20 Officer Involved Shootings according to HPD data. That's one
shooting every 219 days by an officer. Considering the amount of public
interaction, and the calls for service this equates to a less than 1% chance of
being shot by a police officer in Hartford. The last time a person
was killed by a police officer in Hartford was in 2013, a whole 4
years ago, and it was entirely justified. Again, your ignorance is glaring, and
your abuse of police officers needs to be stopped.
You stated that you pass laws frequently to protect, and
train police officers. The training is mandated by the State of CT,
and you have done nothing to indemnify, or protect officers of your community.
In fact, based on your history, I am not even sure how you can remain in office.
Your family has been called a "crime syndicate." You have been found guilty of
elections violations, you have the "Minnie Gonzalez Little League", which
receives over $75,000 a year in tax payer money, and is managed by your husband.
In fact it seems as if you have a significant conflict of interest in presenting
or debating any type of law enforcement bill, as taking power away from the
police directly benefits you and your family.
It is very easy to sit in your safe office and make ignorant,
untrue statements towards our officers. They need your support not your
condemnation. You lack integrity, honesty, and decency. You should take a ride
along with a Hartford Police Officer on a Saturday night during the summer, and
see what they are exposed to. Have you ever taken simulation training? I'm sure
you would not make accurate split second decisions that you expect from our
officers. You truly should be ashamed of your statements against HPD and in fact
should issue a very public apology for condemning them in the way you did.
Here is the link to your inaccurate, cowardly statements, to
refresh your memory. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKk-_vY5Hbo&feature=youtu.be

