Hartford Council Dems Extremely Disappointed by Callous Culture in HPD Major Crimes
Hartford, Connecticut— December 5, 2020 — The recent discovery of an HPD Detective’s circulation a sporting pool dubbed a “Dead Pool” which solicited bets on the location of the first Hartford homicide of 2021 is the most recent validation of the Council Democrats long commitment to changing HPD culture. Recently, the Democrats fashioned a budget which redirected police funding to community sensitivity training; significantly increased the independence and disciplinary powers of the Civilian Police Review Board and is in the process of authorizing the Police Accountability Review Board. Each of these policies are designed to end the ingrained culture in some officers of superiority to the communities they serve.
“As a longtime supporter of our police, I have to say that gambling on the life and death of Hartford residents is not just a breach of this officers oath but a heinous breach of any possible trust and faith our community can and should have in HPD” said said Council President Maly Rosado. She added “I am speaking to the Chair of the Civilian Police Review Board to ensure that a public and transparent investigation occurs totally independent of HPD.”
Council Majority Leader TJ Clarke stated “As we lose more and more young men of color to senseless violence, I cannot fathom the absolute moral void of this man. He should be forced to go speak to the 22 mothers and fathers who have already lost loved ones to our City’s violence this year. It’s time to get the Police Accountability Review Board up and running!”
“I am appalled and in disbelief that some members of the HPD could have such cruel disregard of life. While I support those in HPD that work hard to respectfully serve our city, this behavior undermines any attempts of community and police engagement and I will not support or tolerate anyone who is desensitized to senseless deaths in our community.” commented Councilmen James Sanchez adding that “I am also calling for a parallel investigation by the State’s Attorney’s Office since this despicable conduct has tarnished their office as well.”
“It’s sad but too believable that a man whose job it is to solve murders thought the first tragedy of 2021 should be something officers would bet on. He has no understanding of the deep wounds caused to the families and community every time violent crime visits our streets.” said Councilperson Nick Lebron.
Marilyn Rossetti said “I am disturbed, disgusted and downright horrified by the Hartford Police text. It should not be allowed, tolerated or condoned in any way. I am prepared, along with my colleagues, to take action in response to this outrageous behavior. Enough is enough.”
Longtime leader in the West Indian community Councilwomen Shirley Surgeon demanded “More accountability, more action, more discipline; that is what the HPD needs. Enough is enough. When a cop in charge of murders wants to bet on murders, I, for the first time, feel that this police department can’t be counted on to truly serve and protect the people who look like me.”
MAYOR BRONIN STATEMENT ON CHIEF THODY’S DEMOTION, SUSPENSION RELATED TO BETTING POOL INVESTIGATION
HARTFORD, CONN (December 7, 2020) – Today Mayor Luke Bronin issued the statement below after Police Chief Jason Thody announced he is demoting and suspending for 120 days without pay the detective who last week sent a text message discussing a betting pool related to the location of the first homicide of 2021. In addition to the demotion and suspension, Officer Placzek’s return to the department will be contingent on passing a fitness for duty evaluation as well as participating in a restorative justice program with members of the Hartford community.
“The officer who sent this message demonstrated a profound disrespect for our community and a deeply troubling lack of judgment. Chief Thody has imposed serious discipline, including both demotion in rank and a lengthy four-month suspension without pay, which I support, and I expect that additional discipline will be coming for supervisors who received this message and failed to take action.”
