New Haven Independent

Posted by: JP | June 16, 2008 10:35 AM

Good luck to this guy. If he wants to see the level of intelligence he is working with he should walk down church St. across from the mall there is a white car with a boot parked in front of a fire hydrant and in a tow zone. Only in New Haven unreal.

Posted by: walt bradley | June 16, 2008 11:52 AM

Let's see just how long new chief Lewis can keep his finger in the quickly erroding dam of law and order on the Elm City.
I don't like the fact that Destefano couldn't find ONE out of the 400 in our department he trusted enough to take over the helm, that's gotta be an insult to those who are trying their best to protect us. It seems apparent this man has the wanderlust, and i personally don't forsee him successfully serving out his 19 months - i hope i'm wrong.

Posted by: Mister Jones | June 16, 2008 1:10 PM

JP -- that's not the only stupid boot. Friday night they booted a car blocking a private driveway while the driver ducked inside a restaurant to pick up carry-out. Then police wouldn't help, wouldn't send a tow truck, nothing, even though the car was blocking two driveways and two garages!!! Said the boot was out of their jursidiction. More proof that the boot-patrol is a renegade money-grab.

Posted by: In The Hood | June 16, 2008 1:20 PM

For some strange reason, I feel no excitement about this guy.

Is there a press release that explicitly outlines his major accomplishments which Smuts and company hope to replicate in New Haven?

Based on this article it sounds like his job is to "hold the forte" for 19 months until a full 4-year contract could be offered to someone who doesn't have to be talked or begged out of retirement.

I do hope brings great ideas and does great things for New Haven.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | June 16, 2008 1:21 PM

It is not that they could not find one Walt it is that who ever takes the job may only be in it for a year and a half. If Johnny does not become Mayor the next go around the new Mayor can hire a different Chief. How many people want to commit to that short of a term.

Here a few links on Pomona crime stat's this is a county in LA so he must have some good experience if he can handle that.
http://www.idcide.com/citydata/ca/pomona.htm
http://www.movoto.com/neighborhood/ca/pomona/91786.htm

Posted by: Paul Wessel | June 16, 2008 1:27 PM

Pretty short honeymoon. How about we welcome the guy, encourage him, and let him do the job for a while?

Posted by: eastshoreguy | June 16, 2008 1:49 PM

new leadership and a new point of view from a culture outside of the NHPD is a great thing! Welcome to New Haven Mr. Lewis! Roll up your sleeves, loosen your tie, get ready to work and prepare to stay a while.

I for one am glad to see you.

Posted by: dan fish | June 16, 2008 4:35 PM

I agree that it is important to have a chief of police who is from the city, just as it is to have a mayor who is from the city. A fresh look is always good, that's what consultants are for - but only a native has a true feel for what is wrong, right and needed for the city.
I am very suprised there is no uproar from the police union, of course with the Destefano / Mayorga gag rule, i guess it's expected.

Posted by: j lowe | June 16, 2008 4:43 PM

Nobody would take this job!!! What a load of crap. The people who have applied were stone walled one way or another.
First, who would want to finish a contract agreed by another then be considered for another term if appreciated. This job requires the new chief to report to Rob Smuts ... who has no police experience and makes senseless comments.
Second, qualified candidates have applied but this Mayor and City officials made it impossible due to denying them to commute until their family (children finished the school year) straightened out there home before the move. One requirement for the job was to be involved with a department equal to or better to New Haven Police Department. Well being a Chief for a 20 thousand and 160 thousand population don't seem like the police department was large.
Third, it seems like this Police Executive Research Forum is a company that finds jobs for friends. Every recommendation the PERF report made suggested a person for a position. Chief Lewis didn't apply to this position but PERF sought him out and he brings others assistants with him.
In, conclusion, I would like to say "WAKE UP" the City complains about money but is willing to give it away for a temporary Chief. Mr. Smuts this is a puppet and if you or the Mayor wants to be Chief then take the position. Every town and city lets the Chief run the police department and the Mayor runs the City but you continue to get involved and let crime rise and let great officers leave due to frustration.
You can't tell people in this great City that there is no good candidate in this great State qualified to be Chief for New Haven Police Department. Something stinks and it's coming from the Mayor's office and PERF.

Posted by: In The Hood | June 16, 2008 4:49 PM

After reading the updated article I can now say I feel more confident about the impact of programs and processes Lewis hopes to replicate and implement.

I wish him well and hope to see him out in the 'hood real soon.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | June 16, 2008 4:57 PM

Dan I agree I wish they had choose someone that knew our city. I believe that people that work here should live here. It makes a difference. This is the mayors choose. He and staff are the ones that get to pick this position. And this guy is from a place that is way worse than New Haven. This may help, or it may hurt. We will have to see. I am willing to give him a chance. But I would love to know how our officers feel about this.

Posted by: jdavis | June 16, 2008 4:59 PM

Getting someone outside the city is what New Haven needs. After just moving here myself, i was surprised on what goes on that long time New Haven residents just overlook and pass off as normal behavior. I can only assume that the same has happened to the police force. Having someone new come in can really change the view point, and hopefully stop the stupid things that are dragging this city down.

Posted by: j lowe | June 16, 2008 5:52 PM

Well its funny how no candidate in this great state is qualified except for the one who did not apply and is recommended by PERF. I dont know this is sneaky. Sounds like another puppet for the Mayor.

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | June 16, 2008 5:57 PM

He will be another puppet control by king john!!!

Posted by: Tom14 | June 16, 2008 6:04 PM

I hope this new chief does well. My only concern is involvement from the mayor and the other people @city hall getting involved. He seems like a man who has many years of experience and that he should be left to do what he knows best, police work. Unfortunately, the police and fire chiefs are merely puppets that the administration put in place to do what they want. Any decision that they make has to go through Rob Smuts. So I wish Mr Lewis good luck and hope he knows what he is getting into.

Posted by: FairHavenResident | June 16, 2008 9:02 PM

Hmmm, "I trust the cops...given unprecedent latitude in solving problems..... Isn't that we had before?

Maybe the Chief candidate Lewis ought to tone down the rhetoric and listen first to the community first. I think we will be hearing alot about "what we did in LA...in California" from this guy.

Where is Pastore?

Posted by: Charlie | June 16, 2008 9:08 PM

From what I read it sounds like the new chief is a "rolodex" candidate that PERF has used for previous searches. The way that works is that headhunters have a a few candidates that they recycle from search to search, collect fees on these folks, whlethe candidates make out by signing lucrative packages at every stop along the way. These folks tend ot stay 18-24 months,so the timeline orks well. PERFF has almost certainyl brought him as a finalist into other searches as well. Remember, they don' get paid if they don't find someone who will be offered the job and accept it. It sounds like this job wen begging, which is no surprise. I'm sure a number of candidates looked at their new "boss" and said, yeah right!

Posted by: j lowe | June 16, 2008 9:11 PM

Qualified candidates have applied but this Mayor and City officials made it impossible due to denying them to commute until their family (children finished the school year) straightened out there home before the move. One requirement for the job was to be involved with a department equal to or better to New Haven Police Department. Well being a Chief for a 20 thousand and 160 thousand population don't seem like the police department was large.

Posted by: j lowe | June 16, 2008 9:12 PM

It seems like this Police Executive Research Forum is a company that finds jobs for friends. Every recommendation the PERF report made suggested a person for a position. Chief Lewis didn't apply to this position but PERF sought him out and he brings others assistants with him.

Posted by: j lowe | June 16, 2008 9:14 PM

I would like to say "WAKE UP" the City complains about money but is willing to give it away for a temporary Chief. Mr. Smuts this is a puppet and if you or the Mayor wants to be Chief then take the position. Every town and city lets the Chief run the police department and the Mayor runs the City but you continue to get involved and let crime rise and let great officers leave due to frustration.
You can't tell people in this great City that there is no good candidate in this great State qualified to be Chief for New Haven Police Department. Something stinks and it's coming from the Mayor's office and PERF.

Posted by: jo | June 16, 2008 9:28 PM

"Local 530 is looking forward to setting the parameters and establishing a relationship with the new chief," Cavalier said. "No one wants to bang heads right off the bat."

Gee, that's warm welcome. Sounds like Lewis is going to have his hands full with ol'Cavalier. (Has Cavalier ever backed a grievance filed by a whistle-blower or is it only pensions for crooks he gets exicted about?)

Posted by: jo | June 16, 2008 9:37 PM

I don't know. He sounds like a turnaround expert, like in business. He specializes in getting departments back on track? We should at least see his resume! Anybody got it?

Posted by: -fairhavener- | June 16, 2008 9:41 PM

I absolutely agree with jdavis; this is exactly what we need, someone from out of town. I don't care how they found him.

It will be nice to see another Midwesterner in town, as well. I'll bet we finally see some positive change. I wish him the best of luck.

Posted by: fedupwithliberals | June 16, 2008 9:43 PM

You dragged Barney Fife from Mayberry out of retirement? Yeah, I'm sure that he has all the answers on how to fix urban problems with his experiences in Appleton! I especially like his plan to deal with truants. Couldn't help but sing "Officer Krupke" to myself after reading about it. Poor misunderstood youth. We need more social workers!

Posted by: David Streever | June 16, 2008 10:03 PM

I have high hopes that the new chief will turn things around!

Posted by: steve beck | June 16, 2008 10:22 PM

kelly murphy shoud be chief

Posted by: Chris Gray | June 17, 2008 12:31 AM

As usual, I'll hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

Welcome, Chief Lewis. Give it a shot!

Posted by: Deuce | June 17, 2008 8:07 AM

I see he has parking issues under control. What about violent crime?

Posted by: eastshoreguy | June 17, 2008 8:54 AM

I dont get it. New Haven loses a candidate in the last guy and the bloggers on this site go crazy complaining how he was "the one that got away" and the guy never stood up at a press conference and shared his ideas and thoughts on the direction of the police in our city.

This Lewis guy takes the job and all people can d is attack the guy before he has even started the job. I dont get it all. I am just about done with this site and all the people that hate blogging back and forth with all their negativity.

Maybe its not the mayor or the aldermen that are whats wrong with new haven maybe its all of you.

Posted by: old new havener | June 17, 2008 10:32 AM

lets give the new chief a chance....ok maybe he won't be here more then 18 months.....but lets look at the changes he might get accompished...
i look forward to see him at managent team meetings across the city...and lets meet him...

Posted by: Webblog 1 | June 17, 2008 10:55 AM

"A campaign aimed at truants. A gang intelligence unit. "Wide latitude" for problem-solving cops: New Haven's new top cop said he has those plans in mind".

Welcome Chief Lewis, but,

A campaign aimed at truants sounds straight out of DeStefano's play book. In fact Chief Lewis the State education commission is demanding that in 2009 all out of school suspensions become in-school suspensions. This new policy should go a long way towards identifying truants for disciplinary action. Moreover, this action is primarily a school function and not a police primary function.

I would prefer if you would stick to the script as outlined by Perf and whole-heartily endorsed by Destefano.

1.Creat a new vision for the New Haven Police Department in conjunction with the community (3 Months.

2. Develop a city wide crime strategy.(3 Months).

3. Establish an up dated written directive system
(12 Months).

4. Improve crime data quality(6Months).

5. Establish a performance appraisal system (12 Months).

6. Establish a system of job rotation (12 Months).

7. Create senior management control of investigations (3 Months).

8. Create senior management control of professional standards (3 Months).

9. Create an internal inspections and audit system (6 Months).

10. Accelerate selection & promotion of supervisors and managers(completed)(HUH- WOW).

As you can see CHIEF THE SCRIPT IS SOME WHAT DIFFERENT THEN DESTEFANO'S MARCHING ORDERS.

We would prefer that you keep John in his Armoire and go about doing your job independently, following the Perf recommendations.

Posted by: Exiled Italian Shill | June 17, 2008 12:25 PM

Read between the lines: Mr. Wisconsin would not come to new haven and have only the option of staying for 18 months. Bet you this year's wages that DeStefano assured him that he was running for mayor once again. Without that guarantee why would you come if you were going under a new mayor with no knowledge of your own future? It's DeStefano in 2009 once again kids.

Oh and eastshore guy stop whining.

Posted by: bfair | June 17, 2008 2:53 PM

"I trust cops" is a hmmm satement that he might rethink since the feds just sent two to prison, another one will be going off next week, one was recently arrested, at least 3 are under investigation and that's just in New Haven. "I am granting officers WIDE LATITUDE" to do what? It's that type of management that allowed for wide corruption for decades in this city unbeknowst to the chiefs but no surprise to the community. He comes out of retirement after commanding in a MIDWEST TOWN with 10% African American population and now will be commanding an URBAN CITY with a high African American population. Wonder what the African American experience was under his watch? He's "not here to fix anything"? hmmm. I guess we all better keep one eye open and pray.

Posted by: omerta | June 17, 2008 7:31 PM

This guy could be the answer to all our problems. He does look like Dick Cheney and see what he's done for the country. Problem is, hes getting $160,000 for a job that Ortiz did for $105,000.
The beat cops in Local 560 will loss overtime and have give backs in there new contract. Now looks arent everything, and I see a bad moon rising

Posted by: citysavior | June 17, 2008 9:35 PM

bfair come one bfair give the guy a shot. who would you have made chief/ and don't say pastore been there done that.

Posted by: jo | June 18, 2008 11:20 AM

pamona, where he was chief, is 40-percent white, and in LA county, which is probably the single most diverse county in the US and maybe ecen in the whole world. bfair -- be fair. lets see what he can do

Posted by: S Dogood | June 18, 2008 12:09 PM

Isn't "wide latitude" what got them into all this trouble to begin with. Perhaps shorter leashes are more desirable?

Posted by: cedarhillresident | June 18, 2008 12:10 PM

Jo that was what the people in my community were concerned with, they where happy that he had worked in a diverse community. And I agree he is worth giving a chance.

Exiled... don't scare me!!

Posted by: che15 | June 18, 2008 8:12 PM

bfair and exiled nothing like a true elitist northeast welcome for the new chief. maybe the two of you can welcome him with cheese and beer since thats all wis. has. did either of you read he was also chief in calif? guess what bfair there are black people in the midwest (thats where wisconsin is) and even california has black people. one of these days you r gonna have to come to the realization that not all cops are racist and not all white people are racist. i know the new haven police has problems but it seems they are correcting them. one of these days you, bfair, should take a long look in the mirror and ask youself are you part of the problem or part of the solution? i have my opinion lets see if you can prove me wrong for once. believe it or not i hope you prove me wrong

Posted by: bfair | June 19, 2008 9:06 AM

You guys spend too much time responding to me. there are 38 OTHER commentaries here.You make me feel so special. All I did was recite stats. Didn't say he was a racist or that there are no African Americans in Wisconsin or California nor did I say that all cops or whites were racist. I only stated that in Wisc the AA pop was 10% and I was wondering what their experience was under his watch. We all know race has nothing to do with the mass incarceration of African Americans around this country. can I have an opinion or concerns? Come on you ask me to be fair and give him a break why don't you take your own advice toward me. Let's agree to disagree because undoubteldy we have all had different life experiences.Peace.

Posted by: Chris Gray | June 20, 2008 2:47 AM

You know, you're right bfair.

For myself, I've led a fairly charmed life with regard to Yale or New Haven police starting when Yale appointed Hanna Gray Acting President. For the duration, one look at my id dampened inquiry. It did not hurt that future Assistant Chief Doug MacDonald was a high school friend. I've talked myself out of several tight spots with them, as well.

Then, even when arrested (often beside Alders and State Legislators), I was offered grudging respect. This did not prevent my being herded by mounted officers (horse and motorcycle) or getting kicked by same, so I am told. I've even gotten through assaulting a Secret Service agent, who'd assaulted me first, without charge.

Elsewhere, I've been cuffed, held at gun- and shotgun-point and asked if I believed in God...for hitchhiking (and suspicion of car theft). I told them, "No, I believe the Earth is my Mother, the Sky is my Father and the two are one, the Great Spirit." Luckily, they were Wyoming Highway patrolmen and were familiar with those beliefs.

In the graffiti arrest the night of the Rodney King police beating verdict white cops asked me, did I think I was New Haven's Vaclav Havel? I said, "Mom thinks I look more like Solzhenitsyn." All night, African-American officers acted as if I deserved an apology.

I probably, later, should not have made a subtle but hard thought obscene gesture at Chief Pastore at a rally for the Tune-Inn outside city hall one evening. I not only spent the night in jail, but I was told when put in, that if I came out of the paddy-wagon ever again with my cuffs in front of me there would be trouble. (Of course, that trick is beyond me, now.)

I just wanted to ask Pastore, "If Ben DiLeto told the truth to "60 Minutes" and you've never said a truthful thing in your life, does that mean you lied when you took the fall for his wire tap scandal?"

Whether the operation of the department has improved or deteriorated much since my brother denied them a National Guard armored personnel carrier in 1970 is debatable, but they finally got one of those of their own in which to run red lights.

Posted by: new havener | July 7, 2008 8:10 AM

wow what union prez cavalier said bump heads yea right ...right there you see him not willing to work with the new chief....don't people think cavalier been union prez to long..no one willing to go up against him in next re.election...come on officers step up to the plate....new chief...maybe new mayor...good luck chief....