Investigation Launched Into Possible Hamden Police Misconduct

HAMDEN, CT — An internal investigation is being launched in response to a report by WTNH News 8’s Mario Boone that shows a Hamden Police officer threatening to report a detainee to ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement) and other possible police misconduct.

Boone obtained body camera footage that shows a police officer threatening to shoot a suspect after leading police on a chase for a red light violation. The video also shows a police sergeant at the scene threatening a non-English speaking passenger with contacting ICE. The sergeant can be heard saying, "Three letters: I-C-E" in the video (see the video at the end of this article).

Acting Hamden police Chief John Cappiello told WTNH that he was launching an internal investigation into the incident. Mayor Curt Balzano Leng issued a statement Wednesday morning in response to the report, calling the actions “disgraceful” and saying “appropriate action will be taken.”

“Actions taken by some involved were disgraceful, and certainly not representative of Hamden’s values,” Leng said in the statement. “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.”

Leng plans to meet and coordinate extensively with Cappiello to expand upon what is known about the incident, establish expected timelines for investigative and related actions, and to further clarify Connecticut and Hamden law, policies and procedures.

Read the full WTNH News 8 report here.