RSS
CHESHIRE - A counsultant hired to investigate problems between Police Chief Michael Cruess and his officers has found “systematic dysfunctions” with the department “that are significant, deeply seated and are affecting members ... at all ranks and all lengths of tenure,” according to a report make public today.
The 16-page report prepared by International City/County Management Association of Washington, D.C., was made public two weeks after it was received by town officials. The Town Council hired ICMA to look into solving a yearlong dispute between Cruess and his rank-and-file officers that resulted in a nearly unanimous vote of no confidence in the chief last October.
“These problems have persisted despite aggressive efforts by the Town Manager and Human Resources Director to resolve them,” the report says in part. “We believe that these issues are braodbased and have festered for some time, further exacerbating the situation, largely due to the intractability of parties at various ranks throughout the department.”
Among the problems cited in the ICMA report are:
- Policies and procedures that are demeaning and send the wrong messages to members of the department’s management team.
- The department lacks a strategic management plan that leaves many officers feeling that it is adrift and without focus.
- The lack of an effective system to measure and evaluate the performance of members of the department.
Town Manager Michael Milone said the report “makes some pretty strong statements about the operation of the department that in some cases are somewhat harsh.”
“I think what is important for people to recognize in this is that while the report had identified problems in the department, it also makes the point that the police on the street are doing the job they are supposed to do,” Milone said.
Read more in tomorrow's Register and here at newhavenregister.com. Continued...
See inaccurate information in a story? Other feedback and/or ideas for us to consider? Tell us here.
What should we investigate? Have a tip you want us to look into? Tell us here.
Talk of the Web
See inaccurate information in a story? Other feedback and/or ideas for us to consider? Tell us here.
National News Videos
Recent Activity on Facebook
Blog Center
New Haven Homicide Report
A community focused project that provides continuing coverage of every murder victim and homicide case in New Haven, from the crime to the courts.
Shoreline Scoop
Provides an insider's look into the Connecticut shoreline communities of Madison and Guilford by reporter Cecelia Martinez.
Hamden-North Haven Times
Check out Assistant Metro Editor Ann DeMatteo's timely blog about all things Hamden and North Haven.
Milford Matters
Where Milford Bureau Chief Brian McCready shares and gathers story ideas, reflections and input. Converse with him on his blog about what matters in Milford matter most to you.
B.O.W. Wow
Reporter Bridget Albert provides an insider's glimpse into the communities of Bethany, Orange and Woodbridge.
Comments are held for review before posting, per our Online Comments Policy. If you believe your comment was wrongly removed or not approved, email comments@nhregister.com
comments powered by Disqus