New Haven Police Chief Esserman Put on Leave for Restaurant Incident: Update

Update: New Haven Chief Dean Esserman and Mayor Toni Harp agreed that Esserman would take a 15-day paid leave of absence, according to multiple media reports. The reason was for conduct unbecoming of a public official. Harp didn't elaborate further on the issue.

Original story: Mayor Toni Harp is considering disciplinary action against Police Chief Dean Esserman. The consideration was prompted by an incident at Archie Moore's restaurant in the city involving the chief.

A witness to the incident said the chief caused a disturbance and berated a waitress, which caused a number of patrons to ask to move their seats, according to the New Haven Register.

Alder David Reyes brought the incident to Harp's attention and Harp spoke directly with the witness.

Esserman was apologetic, Harp said. He is a position of transition in his personal life.

Possible discipline may involve a form of sabbatical, according to the New Haven Independent. Esserman was previously warned about his conduct after a 2014 incident where he berated an usher at the Yale Bowl.

Esserman didn't respond to requests for comment from the Register or New Haven Independent.

Esserman was suspended for a day while serving as the top cop in Providence after he was verbally abusive to a subordinate, according to ABC 6.

The New Haven Police Union recently passed a vote of no confidence in Esserman, according to Fox 61. The non-binding vote was 170 to 42.

Violent crime has dropped since Esserman became chief.Violence peaked in 2011 before Esserman became chief and in 2015 homicides were down 55 percent, non-fatal shootings, 52 percent and shots fired down 78 percent.

Image via City of New Haven