Police Board Recommends New Haven Officer's Firing

NEW HAVEN, CT — The Board of Police Commissioners have recommended the firing of a police officer following an incident last year in which the officer was seen kicking a man in the groin and punching him in the face while he was handcuffed. The board voted 4-2 to fire Jason Santiago after body cam footage of the incident was released last week, according to a statement from the city.

Police Chief Otoniel Reyes recommended the firing.

Mayour Justin Elicker said in a statement that he was pleased with the board's decision. "Officer Santiago’s actions, punching an individual while the individual was in handcuffs, is clearly an action that goes well beyond what is appropriate conduct. This type of behavior is not acceptable and should have significant consequences.

"Though we all expect there will not be conduct like this from our officers, it is crucial that when they happen, we hold the officers in question to the highest standard of excellence. Behaviors such as the action of Officer Santiago during this incident undermine the hardworking New Haven police officers that pride themselves in maintaining a good relationship with our community and keeping them safe."

Santiago's attorney argued for "restorative justice," including recommendations for Santiago to serve a three-month suspension with loss of pay, according to WTNH.