Alders Reject Dominguez As Top Cop, Mayor Resubmitting Nomination

NEW HAVEN, CT —In a voice vote of ayes and nays where the nays were resounding, the New Haven Board of Alders rejected the nomination of Interim Police Chief Renee Dominguez to be the city's permanent chief.

Mayor Justin Eleicker, who nominated Dominguez last month, said in a statement that, a "failure to confirm her at that time will be a major blow to public safety."

Elicker called the no vote "disappointing" and "disheartening to the women and men of the department that strap on a vest each night and head out to patrol our streets."

"And further, it will send a signal to professionals we hope to recruit that they should not pursue opportunities within the city of New Haven because well qualified candidates may be rejected," Elicker said. "Having seen her in action daily, I strongly believe Chief Dominguez is the right fit for the job. Let’s confirm her appointment and get on with the important work of keeping our community safe.”

In early November, after months as interim police chief, Elicker tapped Dominguez as the city's permanent top law enforcement official.

An East Haven native, Dominguez, a sworn officer in 2020, was promoted over the years to include roles as district manager and then as assistant chief in 2019. When nominated, she was asked what her top priority was for the department.

"Continuing to reduce violence in the city and rebuilding our ranks, getting back to full staff," she said.

In his statement Monday night following the no vote, Elicker said that under Domiguez' "leadership we’re in the process of rebuilding the ranks of our department."

"And she has prioritized that the department looks like the community it protects," he said.

Elicker, who is permitted by law to do so, said he'll resubmit her nomination to the Board.

"I will be re-submitting Chief Dominguez and urge the Alders to approve her appointment at that time," he said.

Organization Unidad Latina en Acción of New Haven lobbied against Dominguez' nomination, saying she "has no idea about dealing with people and social issues."

Elicker, in his statement, said Dominguez "has our department heading in the right direction."

"For many months she has been implementing our comprehensive plan to combat gun violence. And, following the murder of George Floyd, Chief Dominguez has been at the forefront of our effort to re-imagine public safety."