Naugatuck Police Officer To Be Suspended Without Pay Over Videos

NAUGATUCK, CT — Naugatuck Police Lt. Bryan Cammarata, who was the Police Department's spokesman for the past several years, will be suspended five days without pay beginning Monday for two videos he shared on his personal Facebook page, My Citizen's News reports.

Cammarata will not return as the department's spokesman and he will be reassigned. It was determined that he exhibited "conduct unbecoming of an officer" and violated the department's social media policy, My Citizen's News reports.

The videos were first revealed by Hearst Connecticut Media 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.

Cammarata's personnel file revealed he had no other record of discipline and he earned a Meritorious Service Lifesaving Award in 2002, My Citizen's News reports. An internal investigation concluded that Cammarata's videos were not racist.

>>>Read My Citizen's News full story here.

At the time that videos were released by Hearst CT, Cammarata released a lengthy statement to the media.

"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. B

road 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. "