Fairfield Police Union Weighs In On Detective's Harassment Lawsuit

FAIRFIELD, CT — C.O.P.S. Local 550, the union representing Fairfield police officers, detectives, sergeants and lieutenants, says claims of a hostile work environment made in a lawsuit by Det. Kerry Dalling were found to be "unsubstantiated."

In a statement to Patch, union President Ray Quiles said that Dalling's accusations against the department and Lt. Matthew Riendeau were investigated prior to the filing of the lawsuit last month.

"We take all complaints seriously and have established clear procedures for members to report any concerns," Quiles told Patch. "The statements and quotes contained within these articles fail to acknowledge that a third-party independent investigation into these allegations has already been conducted and concluded that ‘…the allegations of hostile work environment, sexual harassment, or any form of discrimination based on sex/gender and allegations of retaliation brought by Det. Dalling are unsubstantiated.’ As such, no disciplinary action has been taken against the accused supervisor named in the articles."

In the lawsuit, Dalling claims she was removed from a domestic violence investigative unit by Riendeau, and was given an assignment that curtailed her opportunities for overtime pay, as retaliation. The retaliation, she claimed, was because she had complained of instances of inappropriate sexual conduct in the Detective Bureau.

Dalling filed another, similar lawsuit against the department last year, in which she claimed she was retaliated against following an investigation she conducted of another officer.

"C.O.P.S. Local 550 prioritizes the well-being and safety of our members," Quiles said. "We maintain a strict policy against any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in the workplace. Our membership values diversity, inclusivity, and respect, and we expect all members to uphold these standards. We remain committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment for all employees, and we are confident that our policies and practices reflect this commitment."

The department's spokesperson, Lt. Michael Paris, declined to comment on the most recent lawsuit, because it is pending litigation. Dalling's attorney, John Bochanis, did not return a message seeking comment.

Attorneys at the Rocky Hill firm of Karsten & Tallberg, LLC, were recently retained by the town and Riendeau, and they have requested an extension until April 10 in which to reply to the lawsuit.