Thomas Breen photo
Chief Reyes at Thursday’s presser.
Make policing better. While supporting our police officers.
Outgoing Police Chief Otoniel Reyes offered that parting message Thursday afternoon during a press conference announcing that Assistant Chief Renee Dominguez will step into the role of the city’s next acting chief this March.
Reyes, a Hill native, has worked for the New Haven Police Department for 21 years and ascended to the role of chief two years ago. He plans to retire and move on to a new job heading security at Quinnipiac University.
At the end of the press conference, the chief was asked what he would most like to communicate to the public about the realities of being a police officer during this time of global pandemic, mass protests against police brutality, and surging violence in cities nationwide.
“What I’m hoping for in 2021 and beyond is that we start focusing on the actions, and not on the profession,” he said.
That said, he stuck up for the profession as well, which he described as “the most noble profession ever known to man.”
The essence of policing, Reyes said, is the “selfless sacrifice” of individuals committed to protecting their community.
“Unfortunately, there have been acts by people that wear this badge that have broken this trust. But it should not erode the nobility of this profession.”
“It takes a special individual to put on a badge and a gun and go out and leave their families behind and run towards danger,” he continued. “To make sure that others are safe.
“Let’s make sure we hold them to a high standard. Let’s make sure we reform policing so that it represents the values of this community. But let’s also make sure that we praise and honor the selfless work of the people who wear this badge.”
