Internal Affairs Inquiry Launched Against Naugatuck Police Lt.

NAUGATUCK, CT — Late Friday, Hearst Connecticut Media, which includes the Connecticut Post, New Haven Register and many other publications in the state, published two videos depicting Police Lt. Bryan Cammarata.

The videos were not dated and shared on Cammarata's personal Facebook page and show him wearing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hat and explaining how he has been lucky that he does not have to wait in line at several Waterbury locations including the DMV and mall.

On Sunday, the Police Department released a statement concerning the videos and Cammarata.

"On February 15, 2019 the Naugatuck Police Department was made aware of two undated videos posted by Naugatuck Police Lieutenant Bryan Cammarata on his personal Facebook page. Chief Edson has found the content of these videos concerning and has initiated an internal affairs investigation to determine if Departmental policies have been violated. Chief Edson reiterates that the message relayed in these videos is in contrast to the values of the Naugatuck Police Department and not representative of the high level of public service the community of Naugatuck expects and deserves."

The following response is from Naugatuck Police Union Member Lt Bryan Cammarata;

"Over the weekend I was confronted by news outlets regarding videos that I had posted on my personal Facebook account as far back as 2017. Those videos have offended folks in Naugatuck and surrounding communities and they have placed me, and unfortunately by extension, the Naugatuck Police Department in a bad light.

I am sorry for the videos that I posted. In posting them, I attempted to use satire to shed a humorous light on the issue of immigration that has been part of our country’s dialogue for the last few years. My attempt at humor missed the mark. I have offended folks in the community with my commentary. I am truly sorry for that. As a police officer, father, and community volunteer, I can do better.

The thoughts that I expressed in those videos are mine alone and I take responsibility for them. They are not a reflection of the Naugatuck Police Department, and I apologize to my brothers and sisters on the police force whose integrity and respect should not have been questioned because of my actions.

Throughout my career, I have sought to perform my job with the highest integrity, and my record reflects that. I have worked to ensure that the men and women who work by my side deserve the respect that they have invariably earned in the community.

I know that I have to earn back the trust and respect of those that I serve and I intend to do so. Our communities are strong because of the diverse views, opinions, and cultures of the people who live in them. Naugatuck is a reflection of that diversity. The folks who live and work here deserve to be judged on the contributions that they make to the community and the kindness that they share. Broad disparagement of groups of people does not build community strength. My commentary and videos likely weakened the bonds that bring our communities together. Today I commit to working harder for all the people that I serve, and I will recognize the dignity of each person that I encounter.

I have nothing but love and compassion in my heart for all people of every color, creed, gender and orientation and have dedicated my life towards helping others at every opportunity. "

Sincerely,

Lt. Bryan Cammarata

Naugatuck Police Union