Several Protest Alleged Police Misconduct

A small group of protesters, including representatives of the Connecticut ACLU, gathered in front of the Hamden Police Department Monday afternoon to protest what they say is police misconduct against several people.

Carrying white and yellow signs that included requests for the formation of a Civilian Review Board, the protesters chanted slogans calling for more police oversight after what they claim was several incidents of harassment and brutality against family members.

Several people told WTNH Channel 8 that they were harassed after filing citizen's complaints with the department.

Chief Thomas Wydra didn't directly address those claims but said the department has a defined process in place to report any police misconduct. 

"It is the long-standing policy of the Hamden Police Department to thoroughly and fairly investigate all department and citizen complaints made against its members with the utmost degree of impartiality," he said in a statement released Monday evening.  

The investigatory process is managed by the Ethics and Integrity Unit, he said, and" typically includes the gathering of statements from police personnel and any witnesses involved; a comprehensive review of case incident reports and police communication records; the collection of all relevant evidence that may include the downloading of electronic control weapon data information if such a device was deployed during the incident under review.

"At the conclusion of an investigation, the Ethics and Integrity Unit supervisor submits a complete copy of the investigative file, that includes a summary conclusion and case recommendation, to the Office of the Chief of Police," he said. "The Chief of Police reviews the file and renders a decision that includes a case designation.  The citizen initiating the complaint is provided with written communication at the conclusion of an investigation with the case designation."

The protesters walked from the Police Department to the Government Center, where they gave Mayor Scott Jackson a letter outlining their grievances.

Jackson couldn't be reached for comment Monday night but told WTNH that he has the "highest degree of faith" in the Hamden Police Department.