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New London police department in turmoil

Here you'll find all of the articles, video and documents related to the allegations of corruption in the New London Police Department and the harassment claims by Police Chief Margaret Ackley.

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Former New London police captain seeks Mashantucket post

 June 23, 2012; Updated: 11:42 pm

Former New London Deputy Chief William Dittman is an applicant for the position of Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Police chief.

New London police lieutenants promoted to captains

 June 22, 2012; Updated: 11:36 pm

New London — Two lieutenants in the New London Police Department have been promoted to captain, Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio announced Friday.

Finizio: Public safety layoff notices will stand

 May 30, 2012; Updated: 10:40 am

The rift between the mayor and the City Council widens as the mayor refuses to rescind the notices even as he says he doesn't think drastic cuts in New London's police and fire department personnel will be necessary.

Finizio: layoff notices still stand

 May 30, 2012; Updated: 2:47 pm

Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio has not rescinded any layoff notices sent to city workers last week, including 25 to the fire department and 10 to the police department, despite actions by the City Council Tuesday night.

New London firefighters, police receive pink slips

 May 26, 2012; Updated: 11:46 pm

Layoff notices have been sent to several police officers and 25 firefighters as the city struggles to cut its budget. The unions are fighting the threatened job losses.

City sets talks with police, fire unions

 May 23, 2012; Updated: 2:46 pm

The leader of the city's police union says he'll participate in the meetings to discuss preventing layoffs, but he remains wary because the city's budget process is not yet complete.

Mayor calls for drastic police, fire department cuts

 May 17, 2012; Updated: 5:01 pm

New London Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio said Thursday that 10 police officers and 25 firefighters will be given layoff notices by June 1 "due to reductions in the administration's proposed budget."

State police arrest man shot by New London cop in ice truck incident in 2011

 May 10, 2012; Updated: 12:27 am

State police on Thursday arrested Curtis Cunningham, a New Haven man who was shot by a New London police officer after he allegedly stole and crashed an ice truck in August 2011.

Goode files suit against New London, six officers

 May 2, 2012; Updated: 11:56 pm

Lance Goode alleged in January that a city police officer planted drugs on him during an October 2010 arrest. The suit also alleges a second false arrest and excessive use of force.

Lance Goode's lawsuit

New London police committee seeks probe of Ackley

 May 2, 2012; Updated: 12:11 am

The city's Police Community Relations Committee voted Tuesday to ask the City Council and Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio to investigate an "inappropriate" email sent last year from police Chief Margaret Ackley to Kathleen Mitchell, a local political...

Deputy chief's start waiting on background check, budget

 April 26, 2012; Updated: 12:32 am

Peter Reichard will start work as New London's deputy police chief May 21 pending a successful background and reference check and the inclusion of his salary of $100,500 in the city budget.

Funding for deputy police chief in New London may turn up

 April 26, 2012; Updated: 12:19 am

The police department may get funding for a new deputy after all, if a possible $200,000 miscalculation in insurance costs in the city's budget is confirmed.

Day after deputy chief hired in New London, panel votes not to fund position

 April 25, 2012; Updated: 3:48 pm

The City Council's Finance Committee voted Tuesday night to recommend no funding for a deputy chief in the 2012-13 budget. On Monday, Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio announced that former New Haven Assistant Police Chief Peter Reichard would fill the...

Finizio proposes eliminating New London K-9 program

 April 23, 2012; Updated: 12:40 pm

Saying it disproportionately targets racial minorities and cutting it could save the city $100,000 next fiscal year, Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio has recommended eliminating the police department's K-9 program.

New London announces hiring of former New Haven officer

 April 23, 2012; Updated: 10:12 am

The mayor appointed a former assistant police chief from New Haven as deputy chief Monday, completing a restructuring of the police department that began in January.

New London announces new deputy police chief

 April 23, 2012; Updated: 5:28 pm

Peter Reichard, a former assistant police chief from New Haven has been appointed deputy chief in New London, Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio announced Monday.

Ex-NL officer won't be prosecuted for 2011 shooting

 April 21, 2012; Updated: 1:50 am

The state's attorney's office will not prosecute a city police officer who shot an unarmed suspect last August after the suspect allegedly stole an ice truck.

Segar asks New London to uphold his settlement agreement

 April 18, 2012; Updated: 11:42 pm

Former Deputy Police Chief Marshall Segar has written to the city asking it to abide by a settlement agreement it made with him in January, when his one-year contract was not renewed.

Sale of police dog among actions questioned by New London's Public Safety Committee

 April 11, 2012; Updated: 11:58 pm

New London - Discussions on restructuring the city's police department took a first step Tuesday as the mayor, police chief and police department's union president answered questions posed by members of the City...

Bigger New London police budget for 2012-13 under review

 April 10, 2012; Updated: 12:13 am

The City Council began the budget review process Monday with a police department budget that is proposed to go up by $711,000.

Former police captain sues New London

 April 6, 2012; Updated: 12:03 am

Former police Capt. Michael Lacey filed a lawsuit against New London Thursday, alleging city officials breached a retirement contract Lacey signed in January.

The Michael Lacey lawsuit

New London ‘hoodie' rally planned Sunday

 March 30, 2012; Updated: 12:16 am

New London — The outrage over the shooting death of an unarmed Florida boy has found its way to New London.

City reaches financial settlement with survivors of 2003 shooting victim

 March 27, 2012; Updated: 11:57 pm

New London has agreed to pay an undisclosed sum of money to the survivors of shooting victim David Romero to resolve a wrongful death/negligence lawsuit.

The Feds are in New London

 March 25, 2012; Updated: 11:42 pm

I will say this about New London's Mayor Finizio: He doesn't back down from a fight or shy away from a lawsuit.

On Thursday night, the NAACP, during its second meeting in two months called to discuss complaints against city police and city...

Mayor Finizio and Chief Ackley are good at laying blame

 March 23, 2012; Updated: 12:58 am

I came to the conclusion that New London had the wrong police chief back in the fall of 2010, when Matthew Chew was brutally murdered on his way home from the pizza restaurant where he worked downtown.

It wasn't that a young man was...

New London cop fired for role in shooting

 March 22, 2012; Updated: 1:48 pm

Officer Thomas Northup was dismissed for unauthorized use of force and unauthorized use of deadly force in the Aug. 24 shooting. The police union immediately filed a grievance.

City to reclaim $7,000 it says was paid erroneously to chief

 March 21, 2012; Updated: 10:13 pm

New London Finance Director Jeffrey Smith says the chief of police should not have been paid for compensation time in two pay periods in January and February.

Separation deals with former New London police administrators defeated again by City Council

 March 21, 2012; Updated: 12:31 am

New London - For the third time, the City Council refused to appropriate extra money to pay for separation packages for three police administrators who left the police department in January.

New London, police chief are targeted in lawsuit

 March 16, 2012; Updated: 12:08 am

One day after the city police union filed a complaint with the state labor board, union President Todd Lynch sued the city and Police Chief Margaret Ackley Thursday, alleging that Ackley punished him for being an outspoken critic.

Finizio discusses police turmoil with reporters

 March 15, 2012; Updated: 3:30 pm

On Thursday afternoon, New London Mayor Daryl Finizio held a news conference to discuss the recent union complaint filed with the state Labor Department and general turmoil within the city police force.

Chief Ackley skewered in police union accusations

 March 15, 2012; Updated: 11:25 pm

The New London police union has filed a complaint with the state Labor Department in which it accuses Chief Margaret Ackley of undermining union business and harassing union executive board members.

New London officials Glover, Hyslop invited to second NAACP forum

 March 14, 2012; Updated: 12:09 am

New London - NAACP officials have invited Jane Glover and Wade Hyslop, two high ranking, black city officials, to a March 22 public meeting to discuss why they chose to fire black firefighter Alfred Mayo in December.

Former police captain targets city in lawsuit

 March 9, 2012; Updated: 12:15 pm

Former New London police Capt. William Dittman, who retired from the police department after a 35-year career, is suing the city, alleging that the chief offered to pay him "any consideration necessary to induce him to retire.''

Union head suing city, police chief

 February 28, 2012; Updated: 8:21 am

New London Police Union President Todd Lynch, an outspoken critic of Police Chief Margaret Ackley, has filed an intent to sue the city and Ackley, alleging they violated his First Amendment right to free speech.

City police, fire departments take hits

 February 22, 2012; Updated: 4:54 pm

Area residents, former employees and civil rights advocates from across the state delivered impassioned testimony Tuesday about their experiences with the New London police and fire departments at a town hall meeting in a packed room at the Second...

New London officer who faced investigation resigns

 February 22, 2012; Updated: 1:03 pm

Officer Roger Newton, who had been under investigation by the city and state after a man accused him of planting drugs, has resigned from the city police force.

Meeting addresses racism in police and fire departments

 February 22, 2012; Updated: 2:10 am

The Connecticut NAACP organized a town hall meeting to discuss allegations of racism in New London's police and fire departments. The meeting was prompted by two incidents: the firing of Alfred Mayo, a black firefighter recruit who was removed from...

Ackley sought legal advice in immigration status inquiry

 February 16, 2012; Updated: 8:25 pm

New London police Chief Margaret Ackley checked with an attorney for the city before making inquiries about the immigration status of a homicide victim and has been assured she has broken no city laws or executive orders.

Ackley targeted for immigration probe

 February 11, 2012; Updated: 1:10 pm

The New London police union says Chief Margaret Ackley should be placed on administrative leave for her alleged improper investigation into the immigration status of a man shot to to death in the city in 2003.

NL police union wants Ackley placed on administrative leave

 February 10, 2012; Updated: 3:39 pm

NEW The police union is calling for Chief Margaret Ackley to be put on paid administrative leave so the city can investigate a claim that she may have conducted an improper investigation into the immigration status of...

City should find common ground with NAACP

 February 1, 2012; Updated: 12:01 am

It was distressing to see representatives of the Connecticut chapter of the NAACP emerge from a meeting with New London Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio and members of his administration complaining of arrogant treatment and offering no hint...

Captains' retirement deal angers New London police union

 January 31, 2012; Updated: 5:10 pm

The city police union is "up in arms" about New London's negotiation of retirement packages for two former police captains and has filed a Municipal Prohibited Practices complaint.

Retired New London police captains will keep salaries until July

 January 25, 2012; Updated: 2:53 pm

The two will also receive extended health coverage. The deputy chief, whose contract was not renewed, will receive a year's pay and health benefits as well as a contribution to his retirement savings plan.

Norwich hires 2 former NL police officers

 January 23, 2012; Updated: 2:11 pm

Norwich – Norwich Police today hired two police officers who have worked for New London police for the past two years.

NAACP seeking federal scrutiny of discrimination allegations in New London

 January 21, 2012; Updated: 12:40 pm

Officials from the state and local branches of the NAACP are upset with what they call New London's poor track record with minorities and call for federal intervention.

NAACP speaks out against NLPD, NLFD

 January 20, 2012; Updated: 10:40 am

The state and local chapters of the NAACP held a press conference Friday to call for investigations into the New London police and fire departments.

State, local NAACP officials call for 2 separate New London investigations

 January 20, 2012; Updated: 7:52 pm

UPDATED: 7:25 p.m. “We want to make it public that we are upset how business is conducted with minorities in this city,” said Scot X. Esdaile, state NAACP president, during a Friday night rally at City Hall.

NAACP speaks out against recruit's firing, seeks investigation into city police

 January 20, 2012; Updated: 6:08 pm

The state and local NAACP branches are speaking out against the firing of a black New London Fire Department recruit and calling for an investigation into allegations of racial discrimination by the city's police force.

Buscetto declined offer for legal fees

 January 19, 2012; Updated: 4:58 pm

Former New London City Councilor Michael Buscetto III confirms that he rejected an offer from the city to pay his legal fees that would have been part of the dispute with police Chief Margaret Ackley.

Council rejects $25,000 Ackley settlement

 January 18, 2012; Updated: 7:14 pm

Saying there is no money in the budget to pay for it, New London city councilors reject a $25,000 payment intended for police Chief Margaret Ackley over allegations of harassment against a former city councilor. In a separate vote, the council also...

Read the transcript of the chat with New London Mayor Finizio

 January 17, 2012; Updated: 12:59 pm

The Day hosted a web chat with New London Mayor Daryl J. Finizio to discuss the beginning of his new administration and news out of the city's police department.

Outgoing officers reflect on careers with New London Police Department

 January 15, 2012; Updated: 6:54 pm

When the deputy chief and two captains lost their jobs last week, they walked out of the city's police station with a combined 84 years of experience. William Dittman and Marshall Segar reflect on their careers and the 'strong' department they leave...

Police report on SCADD arrest incident clears officers

 January 12, 2012; Updated: 10:47 pm

An internal police investigation into an alleged police beating of a man Dec. 14 outside a detoxification center cleared officers of any wrongdoing but highlighted breaches in numerous departmental procedures.

Ackley vs. Buscetto: The saga will go on

 January 11, 2012; Updated: 11:45 pm

To put in perspective Police Chief Ackley's complaints against former City Councilor Michael Buscetto, I went back and listened to the discussion of her allegations during last September's Democratic primary debate.

"It is a very serious...

Accused New London police officer was cited in earlier case

 January 10, 2012; Updated: 1:27 pm

A city police officer suspended Friday after allegations were raised that he had planted drugs on a suspect was found last month to have participated in improper and unprofessional conduct when he attempted to entice a Baltic woman into a drug deal,...

Ackley settlement fight will test city's charter

 January 10, 2012; Updated: 9:17 am

New London Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio and the City Council are both feeling out the limits of their authority under the new form of government, and the question of a $25,000 settlement for the police chief will be part of that process.

Close sideshow, focus on serious matters

 January 10, 2012; Updated: 12:26 am

As we sort through the strange turn of events the past few days in New London, the most significant and troubling news concerns alleged corruption and improper behavior in its police department.

Report: New London didn't allow discrimination against Police Chief Margaret Ackley

 January 8, 2012; Updated: 2:56 pm

New London City Council President Michael Passero releases a report of an investigation into Police Chief Margaret Ackley's claims of interference and harassment against former Councilor Michael Buscetto III, raising questions about a proposed...

Chief Ackley has complained about harassment before

 January 8, 2012; Updated: 12:05 am

Margaret Ackley files a complaint with the city, saying she is being harassed and is a victim of gender discrimination.

Ackley also says in her complaint that she has repeatedly complained about the way she was being treated and that no...

State police investigating possible corruption in New London department

 January 7, 2012; Updated: 3:57 pm

Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio, Police Chief Margaret Ackley and State's Attorney Michael Regan have requested the assistance of the Connecticut State Police Central Division in an ongoing investigation into possible police department corruption.

Chief Ackley gets $25,000 from City of New London

 January 7, 2012; Updated: 10:47 pm

Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio announces that the city will give police Chief Margaret Ackley $25,000 to settle her allegations that former City Councilor Michael Buscetto III tried to undermine her leadership.

One police officer fired, one placed on leave in New London

 January 7, 2012; Updated: 10:46 pm

The city has fired a police officer for his role in the beating of a man and placed another officer on leave while allegations that he planted drugs during an arrest are investigated.

New London police union questions city cooperation as officers try to leave the department

 January 7, 2012; Updated: 10:25 pm

The mayor and the president of the police union plan to meet Monday to discuss union concerns that employees who want to leave the department are being denied access to their personnel files.

Video: New London police officer allegedly plants drugs

 January 7, 2012; Updated: 12:01 am

A video from a New London police cruiser allegedly shows Officer Roger Newton planting drugs before the arrest of Lance Goode of New London on Oct. 20, 2010.

City settles with police chief; Buscetto says it's part of 'smear campaign'

 January 6, 2012; Updated: 9:35 pm

UPDATED: 8:30 p.m. According to a copy of the settlement, the city will pay Ackley $25,000 as result of the complaints she made against Buscetto. The mayor announced Capt. William Dittman and Capt. Michael Lacey have...

City denies The Day’s FOI request to release Ackley complaint

 January 6, 2012; Updated: 12:53 pm

New London — The city has officially denied a Freedom of Information request by The Day to release a report on allegations by the police chief that a city councilor interfered with the department.

Ackley to remain New London police chief; Segar is out

 January 5, 2012; Updated: 10:55 am

Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio also said at a news conference Wednesday that he will not release a report on allegations lodged by Chief Ackley against former City Councilor Michael Buscetto III.

New London City Council's access to report it commissioned on Ackley complaint denied

 January 4, 2012; Updated: 1:38 pm

City Attorney Jeffrey Londregan told the council Tuesday that former Superior Court Judge Beverly Hodgson has filed a report on the allegations made by Chief Margaret Ackley against former City Councilor Michael Buscetto III. But when the council...

Police release photo of man witnesses say was beaten by New London police

 December 29, 2011; Updated: 6:46 pm

New London - A man who witnesses say was pepper-sprayed in the face and beaten repeatedly by police earlier this month had his case continued to Feb. 3 at an arraignment this morning in New London Superior Court.

Reuben J.

New London police accused of brutality

 December 17, 2011; Updated: 10:50 am

Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio said there will be an investigation into allegations that police officers assisting an ambulance crew at an alcohol detoxification center Wednesday night punched, pepper-sprayed and smashed the head of a man repeatedly...

Chiefs retain positions as mayor-elect goes forward

 November 19, 2011; Updated: 11:40 pm

New London Mayor-elect Daryl Justin Finizio said it had been a pledge of his since January to keep both chiefs if elected, and that Police Chief Margaret Ackley and Fire Chief Ronald Samul have agreed to stay on.

New London police chief drops ethics complaint vs. city councilor

 November 17, 2011; Updated: 11:47 pm

New London - The Board of Ethics officially dismissed and closed the Ackley vs. Buscetto case Wednesday, the same night the first of three hearings on the issue was scheduled to take place.

Ackley backer Waller isn't recusing herself from ethics board for Buscetto hearing

 November 4, 2011; Updated: 11:57 pm

New London - The former mayor of New London, who has been on the Board of Ethics for more than 10 years, said Thursday she will participate in proceedings involving a dispute between a city councilor and the police...

Buscetto's attorney questions Ethics Board's investigation into police chief's complaint

 November 3, 2011; Updated: 12:12 am

New London - The attorney for Michael Buscetto III, the city councilor who is a write-in candidate for mayor, is questioning the legitimacy of the process by which the Ethics Board is investigating his dispute with the...

Ackley vs. Buscetto to play out over three New London ethics hearings

 October 25, 2011; Updated: 12:58 am

The battle between the New London police chief and a city councilor who is running for mayor continues, with the Board of Ethics setting a hearing to discuss what may ultimately be just a footnote in the three-month-long saga.

Board will investigate Ackley ethics complaint against Buscetto

 October 24, 2011; Updated: 3:47 pm

The Board of Ethics says it has found probable cause to investigate allegations by Police Chief Margaret Ackley that City Councilor Michael Buscetto III violated the city's Code of Ethics, and will meet tonight to set a hearing date.

New London City Council hires former judge to investigate Police Chief Ackley's complaint

 October 18, 2011; Updated: 12:56 am

New London - The City Council Monday hired former Superior Court Judge Beverly Hodgson - who will investigate allegations the police chief has made against the city.

New London's Councilor Buscetto releases copy of ethics complaint

 September 25, 2011; Updated: 11:54 pm

City Councilor Michael Buscetto III on Saturday released a copy of an ethics complaint in which Police Chief Margaret Ackley says he failed to recuse himself from a City Council discussion of her allegations of his misconduct.

New London Board of Ethics urged to drop Buscetto inquiry

 September 21, 2011; Updated: 12:29 am

New London - Reid Burdick, who has held elective and appointed positions in city government, has lodged a complaint with the city's Board of Ethics, saying its members have a host of conflicts of interest that would make...

City police chief criticized in open letter from union

 September 10, 2011; Updated: 12:56 am

In an "open letter" published as an ad in today's Day, the New London police union takes Chief Margaret Ackley to task for having created a "managerial crisis" and a negative atmosphere in the department.

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