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Chief To Critics: “Take A Back Seat”
by Melissa Bailey | Sep 3, 2010 6:29 am
(19) Comments | Commenting has been closed | E-mail the Author
Posted to: Legal Writes, The Hill
A new cleavage directive was a woman’s idea, and top officers need to come to meetings on time, said Chief Frank Limon, as he responded to charges wielded by disgruntled cops.
Limon for the first time offered specific positions Thursday on three issues raised by police union President Louis Cavaliere.
Cavaliere and his union are planning a symbolic vote of no confidence in Limon, who left Chicago to take over the police department five months ago.
The rank and file is rankled by, among other decisions, management reviews of how much cleavage female officers reveal while in uniform and on how promptly senior officers must arrive to daily crime-statistics meetings, according to the union president.
At an unrelated press event Thursday at the new Clemente Leadership Academy school, Limon responded to complaints Cavaliere raised—and told his critics to “take a back seat.”
Cavaliere railed against a recent memo from Assistant Chief Thomas Wheeler ordering female detectives not to show cleavage on the job. He said the memo was issued because a specific detective dressed inappropriately. He said management should have dealt with an offending person directly instead of putting women through “insulting” daily compliance checks.
Limon Thursday defended the directive from Wheeler, who is one of two assistant chiefs he brought in from Chicago.
“That was requested by female lieutenants,” Limon said.
Reached later Thursday, Lt. Julie Johnson said she wrote the language that Cavaliere was angry about.
“I came up with the wording on the dress code,” Johnson said. She said she was enlisted by the new Chicago crew to draft a dress code.
“The chief had wanted to come up with a standardized dress code, because there isn’t one for the detective bureau.”
Johnson said she had worked on the issue before, under another chief. She Googled “proper business attire” to see what was standard in other places. She came up with a dress code that called for suits for men, and business suits or tailored separates for women, coming down to the ankle, with hosiery. The standard dress code also called for women to cover up cleavage, she said. She thought that made sense.
“I think that cleavage is inappropriate for females,” Johnson said. “That’s the bottom line on why that wording was put into the directive.”
Johnson said—contrary to Cavaliere’s story—that the dress code did not come in response to a particular female detective who dressed inappropriately.
Johnson said she and Lt. Lisa Dadio drafted language for the new dress code and sent it along to Assistant Chief Wheeler, who issued a directive to detectives sometime over the past two months.
Cavaliere took issue with a second part of the dress code—that men wear a suit and tie on the job, even when crawling out of bed to respond to a 3 a.m. homicide. He called it severe. Cavaliere said past chiefs relaxed the rule.
Limon Thursday defended the dress code. He said the suit rule is “not new.”
Cavaliere also complained that the new Chicago crew has been enforcing a strict punctuality rule, locking the door at TASCA crime statistics meetings at 10 a.m. sharp, leaving latecomers locked out.
“Those are my meetings,” Limon responded Thursday. “I’ve been telling our management staff that we, we run our meetings on time.”
The chief said he is “pushing time management, because the men are very much all over the place.”
In remarks before two TV cameras, Limon gave a more general rebuttal to the union leader’s complaints. Click on the play arrow to watch.
“I believe that I was hired for a reason,” Limon said. “I was hired to make some changes”—including “getting the community to trust the police.”
“I understand that some people can’t adapt to change that quickly,” he said.
Limon pointed out that the city “did a nationwide search for a police chief” and chose him. “I’m very well recognized in the country,” he said. “I’m here to do the job.”
He described his management style this way: “I go head-on, and I solve problems and I push people to do their work.”
“If that’s a style that’s hard to accept, and people don’t want to change” he said, “if they don’t want to change, you know, maybe they should just take a back seat and give it a chance.”
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Comments
posted by: anon on September 3, 2010 6:45am
Cavaliere has jumped the shark.
He’s probably upset about cuts to overtime pay, even though he has no right to given that 90% of our police force doesn’t even live in this city.
Luckily, city residents have common sense - the finance panel suggested hiring more cops, so that overtime pay could be slashed even further. Perhaps some of those cuts could go towards generous programs to encourage city employees to actually live in our city again.
Let’s stop exporting 90% of our tax dollars to the suburbs in the form of paychecks, and focus instead on making the city safer.
posted by: beverhillmom on September 3, 2010 7:13am
Sounds like the chief wants the police department to actually be professional. Shame on him for coming up with such insane request.
posted by: James on September 3, 2010 7:42am
The police department has failed on so many levels for so long. While I have serious doubts about Limon’s efficacy as a chief, Cavaliere and his lot have had a chance to prove themselves as the professionals he professes they are and failed to do so. I’m willing to give any new blood a wide berth to make the changes they think are necessary, no matter how they may look to the outside. Cavaliere’s daily battle to prop up an old, corrupt, and ineffective system is truly disheartening.
posted by: streever on September 3, 2010 8:05am
Sounds like great responses. I’m glad the city finally let Chief Limon talk on his own! He certainly sounds more professional and knowledgeable than when the mayor’s staff is speaking for him.
The fact that reporters had to go through the Mayor’s spokesperson is ridiculous. Citizens—and reporters—should have access to police chiefs. Especially ones who explain and articulate their positions as well as Chief Limon did.
Sounds like typical union nonsense from Cavaliere.
posted by: New Havener on September 3, 2010 8:47am
Kudos to your “comments” Streever- I enjoyed reading your comments, and even smiled while doing so because they are my thoughts as well. Now, how do we put this on the mirror at City Hall"s so that they see themselves - it does us no good if it’s not getting directly to the source
posted by: Go Chief! on September 3, 2010 9:41am
How refreshing. A Chief who cares about this community and demands accountability from officers who were hired to serve and protect.
Chief, folks in the community appreciate your efforts. Way to go!
posted by: Hmmm... on September 3, 2010 11:12am
I have seen this chief at just about every community event I’ve attended since his arrival. Even something as small as a block party or block watch meeting. He takes the time and talks to people. Since he’s been here I now know the cops patrolling my neighborhood. So far I like the guy. I liked Lewis too but his method did not do anything to endear communities with the cops. It fostered “us vs. them” relationship with police.
I’m having a difficult time here. On the one hand I agree with an organized workforce but on the other I hate unions. This is an example of why. Need another example go look at the biggest drains on our budget. Cops are workers and as such they should be treated fairly by their employers but some of this union’s tactics border on extortion.
And while I’m at it has anyone noticed that it seems like a lot of cops shop up on calls then stand around talking for a long time after it’s over? I can understand that perhaps there is training or evaluation going on and that’s cool. But could you at least move your cars out of the middle of the street while you do it?!!!! AND PUT DOWN THE @%$#ING CELLPHONES!!!! Then maybe you can see the crimes happening on the street right as you drive by.
Anyway, citizens of New Haven… we can’t let this union chase away our new chief. That’s OUR job!!!
posted by: FacChec on September 3, 2010 11:24am
On the surface it does not appear the Chief’s directives are out of line, nor should they be apologized for. However, comments from officers to the NHI and the NHR indicate the problem for them runs much deeper and affects their ability to willing perform the job.
The difference between Lewis and Limon at this point in their appointments is obvious to the public, Lewis was his own PR person from the begining, Limon, in spite of 30 years of experience appears to be on a short leash as the Mayor holds the draw spring, while allowing his proxy Jessica Mayorga… to respond to the public… that which she nor “D” have any working knowledge of.
The officers intimate that they are going backwards to the days of Ortiz and Wearing, to some degree, in their freedom to perform the job while it is in constant indeterminate flux.
upon Lewis’s exit interview to the public on Feb 24th he responded to the following:
“What was the best of his time in New Haven? Answer: Helping the officers regain pride in their work protecting the people of the city. He said he hears this from the officers themselves, that they have a “new spring in their step.”
Lt. Reddish corroborated that. “He gave us back our freedom of speech. He allowed us to be creative,” Reddish said.
Listen up Limon, because that speaks volumes.
Taxpayers pay the Mayor 120K plus to be the chief executive who oversees all city departments, we do not pay him to be the chief of police.
Lewis in so many words let “D” know this.
You will have to stake your claim to the mayor and the union as well, or become overcome by the politics of city hall… the downfall of Ortiz. Wearing would have not of that.
posted by: Ed on September 3, 2010 4:27pm
Well gee whiz-the new chief wants his department to be on time. Wow, what a concept!
He even expects his employees to dress and act like professionals! My goodness, what a slave driver!
Welcome to New Haven, chief and here’s wishing you the best of luck.
Might you think about enacting a fitness/weight proportional to height rule as well?
A walking beat cop for the East Rock are would be much appreciated & probably for other areas too.
posted by: ou highconcernedcitizen on September 3, 2010 4:30pm
One of-the biggest problems facing our society today is the lack of discipline, respect, honor,pride and morals to do a days work for a days pay. Too many public servants get paid well and want to do nothing in return. When you work at a factory or construction site and are told be there at 6:00am, most are there at 5:45am. In the Police Force and Fire Dept there is a sense of entitlement that comes with their jobs. Get off your high horse, do your jobs and do them well. If the Chief says the meeting is at 10am it means 10am not 5 minutes after. There is something to be said for demanding accountability from your employees. If the job demands a uniform or dress code wear it with pride and stop complaining. Kudos to the chief!!!!
posted by: Jessica Flack on September 3, 2010 5:44pm
NEW CHIEF A LEMON??
(PR) (CRIME HAVEN) The police union has its panties in a twist over recent policy changes requiring all officers to button up on the job.
Top Brass, however, view this new protocol as a uniform approach to dealing with staff tartiness. Undisclosed Union Sources contend that this zero-tolerance directive flies in the face of the “casual work days” negotiated in good faith during the last contract negotiations. “To be consistent with management’s intent we are requesting a full redress of all grievances.”
Also of rank concern is the impact such a policy might have on off-duty officers receiving extra-curricular compensation while working the Club District after hours. “This is a real hardship”, cites one officer, who wished to remain anonymous. “Some of us have artistic aspirations that reach beyond the badge.” The new reality show “Cops Gone Wild: If You can’t beat ‘em…..” was to begin shooting on Crown Street this fall, but because of these guidelines, production has been haltared.
—Pedestrian Reporting, Police Division
posted by: Positive Force on September 3, 2010 10:48pm
Wow! Chief Limon speaks so much better for himself than the City Hall mouth-piece. He seems to be a Positive Force if City Hall will back off. It is hopeful to read such positive comments such as: “Sounds like the chief wants the police department to actually be professional. Shame on him for coming up with such insane request.”
“The police department has failed on so many levels for so long.” “Cavaliere and his lot have had a chance to prove themselves as the professionals he professes they are and failed to do so.” “Cavaliere’s daily battle to prop up an old, corrupt, and ineffective system is truly disheartening.” I applaud this comment.
Maybe if Mayor DeStefano stops trying to run all the various depts in the City, and supports his dept heads more smartly, some real progress can be made in NH. After knowing about all the corruption that was going on in the NHPD, Cavaliere should be ashamed to be spouting off about dress codes; why doesn’t he try to clean up some of the corruption that still exist.
If picking on the chief and directing a no-confidence vote is the only way that he can make himself relevant, maybe it is long past time for Cavaliere to go home permanently. He serves no positive purpose, on the other hand without Cavaliere’s negative force, chief Limon could become an effectively Positive Force. NHPD certainly needs it.
posted by: Rich on September 3, 2010 10:58pm
I’m absolutely astonished at all of the opinions being written on this site in favor of the new Chiefs, and against the Officers.
Well, here’s fact, not opinion! Those brutally high taxes you’re paying are about to get even higher! The city (taxpayers) will be paying millions in future lawsuits to it’s officers for the damage the city, chief, and his command staff have inflicted on them. The city and the Chief must have left those little details out to the public. Can’t wait to see what you right then!!!
posted by: urban ed on September 4, 2010 8:15am
Rich: Punctuality and professional dress = ‘Damage’? Wow.
posted by: cedarhillresident on September 4, 2010 8:26am
Rich
threat?Hmmm police contract up soon enough.
Did you read this new report???
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/upload/2010/09/New_Haven_5-Year_Financial_Plan.pdf
posted by: Sick of unions on September 4, 2010 1:26pm
A Union President jumped the Shark?
I’m not sure that the metaphor fits. Jumping the shark implies that the organization will start to slip to irrelevance based on Cavaliere’s actions.
Sadly the unions are not going anywhere no matter how many of their fonzys continue to grand stand for the sake of relevance.
posted by: Threefifths on September 4, 2010 8:27pm
posted by: Sick of unions on September 4, 2010 2:26pm
Sadly the unions are not going anywhere no matter how many of their fonzys continue to grand stand for the sake of relevance.
If unions are so bad they why do non-union workers benfit from them.
How unions help all workers
by Lawrence Mishel and Matthew Walters.
