Sam Gurwitt Photo
Curt Leng
Hamden Mayor Curt Leng issued a statement late Tuesday evening regarding a report by WTNH’s Mario Boone about a Hamden police officer threatening to report a detainee to ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement).
He blasted actions caught on video and promised an investigation.
Leng’s statement reads as follows:
“Actions taken by some involved were disgraceful, and certainly not representative of Hamden’s values. I do not expect, and will not tolerate, these types of actions by any of our law enforcement personnel. Acting Chief Cappiello has launched an immediate internal investigation into this incident, and I will work closely with the Chief and the Hamden Police Commission to ensure that that the investigation is as thorough as the situation demands and deserves. Appropriate action will be taken. As many know, I am a strong supporter of our local law enforcement and respect so many of our public safety men and women that work tirelessly for our community every day. Certain actions taken and words spoken in the video shown today have no business being part of Hamden law enforcement. Period.
“Connecticut law clearly dictates our State’s legal policy, which every local law enforcement agency must follow related to detaining an individual based on their immigration status. It makes detaining unlawful, with few and very specific exceptions, such as a violent criminal actions or known gang activity. Our local Police follow this policy; we follow it because it is law, because it increases the safety of all our residents and because it reflect our values.”
Danbury (run by Mark Boughton) fired an officer for threatening to beat an immigrant due to his illegal status. A state arbitrator and judge over-ruled the city, saying the officer could not be fired for such actions.
https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/Danbury-once-again-ordered-to-rehire-a-police-12969818.php
There's, also, this, another case where a court ordered a out-of-control cop rehired:
https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/Danbury-police-officer-fired-for-use-of-excessive-6027961.php
https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/Judge-affirms-that-former-Danbury-Police-officer-13472068.php