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New London police department in turmoil

Here you'll find all of the articles, video and documents related to the allegations of corruption in the New London Police Department and the harassment claims by Police Chief Margaret Ackley.

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City police, fire departments take hits

 February 22, 2012

Area residents, former employees and civil rights advocates from across the state delivered impassioned testimony Tuesday about their experiences with the New London police and fire departments at a town hall meeting in a packed room at the Second...

New London officer who faced investigation resigns

 February 22, 2012

Officer Roger Newton, who had been under investigation by the city and state after a man accused him of planting drugs, has resigned from the city police force.

Meeting addresses racism in police and fire departments

 February 22, 2012

The Connecticut NAACP organized a town hall meeting to discuss allegations of racism in New London's police and fire departments. The meeting was prompted by two incidents: the firing of Alfred Mayo, a black firefighter recruit who was removed from...

Ackley sought legal advice in immigration status inquiry

 February 16, 2012

New London police Chief Margaret Ackley checked with an attorney for the city before making inquiries about the immigration status of a homicide victim and has been assured she has broken no city laws or executive orders.

Ackley targeted for immigration probe

 February 11, 2012

The New London police union says Chief Margaret Ackley should be placed on administrative leave for her alleged improper investigation into the immigration status of a man shot to to death in the city in 2003.

NL police union wants Ackley placed on administrative leave

 February 10, 2012

NEW The police union is calling for Chief Margaret Ackley to be put on paid administrative leave so the city can investigate a claim that she may have conducted an improper investigation into the immigration status of...

City should find common ground with NAACP

 February 1, 2012

It was distressing to see representatives of the Connecticut chapter of the NAACP emerge from a meeting with New London Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio and members of his administration complaining of arrogant treatment and offering no hint...

Captains' retirement deal angers New London police union

 January 31, 2012

The city police union is "up in arms" about New London's negotiation of retirement packages for two former police captains and has filed a Municipal Prohibited Practices complaint.

Retired New London police captains will keep salaries until July

 January 25, 2012

The two will also receive extended health coverage. The deputy chief, whose contract was not renewed, will receive a year's pay and health benefits as well as a contribution to his retirement savings plan.

Norwich hires 2 former NL police officers

 January 23, 2012

Norwich – Norwich Police today hired two police officers who have worked for New London police for the past two years.

NAACP seeking federal scrutiny of discrimination allegations in New London

 January 21, 2012

Officials from the state and local branches of the NAACP are upset with what they call New London's poor track record with minorities and call for federal intervention.

NAACP speaks out against NLPD, NLFD

 January 20, 2012

The state and local chapters of the NAACP held a press conference Friday to call for investigations into the New London police and fire departments.

State, local NAACP officials call for 2 separate New London investigations

 January 20, 2012

UPDATED: 7:25 p.m. “We want to make it public that we are upset how business is conducted with minorities in this city,” said Scot X. Esdaile, state NAACP president, during a Friday night rally at City Hall.

NAACP speaks out against recruit's firing, seeks investigation into city police

 January 20, 2012

The state and local NAACP branches are speaking out against the firing of a black New London Fire Department recruit and calling for an investigation into allegations of racial discrimination by the city's police force.

Buscetto declined offer for legal fees

 January 19, 2012

Former New London City Councilor Michael Buscetto III confirms that he rejected an offer from the city to pay his legal fees that would have been part of the dispute with police Chief Margaret Ackley.

Council rejects $25,000 Ackley settlement

 January 18, 2012

Saying there is no money in the budget to pay for it, New London city councilors reject a $25,000 payment intended for police Chief Margaret Ackley over allegations of harassment against a former city councilor. In a separate vote, the council also...

Read the transcript of the chat with New London Mayor Finizio

 January 17, 2012

The Day hosted a web chat with New London Mayor Daryl J. Finizio to discuss the beginning of his new administration and news out of the city's police department.

Outgoing officers reflect on careers with New London Police Department

 January 15, 2012

When the deputy chief and two captains lost their jobs last week, they walked out of the city's police station with a combined 84 years of experience. William Dittman and Marshall Segar reflect on their careers and the 'strong' department they leave...

Police report on SCADD arrest incident clears officers

 January 12, 2012

An internal police investigation into an alleged police beating of a man Dec. 14 outside a detoxification center cleared officers of any wrongdoing but highlighted breaches in numerous departmental procedures.

Ackley vs. Buscetto: The saga will go on

 January 11, 2012

To put in perspective Police Chief Ackley's complaints against former City Councilor Michael Buscetto, I went back and listened to the discussion of her allegations during last September's Democratic primary debate.

"It is a very serious...

Accused New London police officer was cited in earlier case

 January 10, 2012

A city police officer suspended Friday after allegations were raised that he had planted drugs on a suspect was found last month to have participated in improper and unprofessional conduct when he attempted to entice a Baltic woman into a drug deal,...

Ackley settlement fight will test city's charter

 January 10, 2012

New London Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio and the City Council are both feeling out the limits of their authority under the new form of government, and the question of a $25,000 settlement for the police chief will be part of that process.

Close sideshow, focus on serious matters

 January 10, 2012

As we sort through the strange turn of events the past few days in New London, the most significant and troubling news concerns alleged corruption and improper behavior in its police department.

Report: New London didn't allow discrimination against Police Chief Margaret Ackley

 January 8, 2012

New London City Council President Michael Passero releases a report of an investigation into Police Chief Margaret Ackley's claims of interference and harassment against former Councilor Michael Buscetto III, raising questions about a proposed...

Chief Ackley has complained about harassment before

 January 8, 2012

Margaret Ackley files a complaint with the city, saying she is being harassed and is a victim of gender discrimination.

Ackley also says in her complaint that she has repeatedly complained about the way she was being treated and that no...

State police investigating possible corruption in New London department

 January 7, 2012

Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio, Police Chief Margaret Ackley and State's Attorney Michael Regan have requested the assistance of the Connecticut State Police Central Division in an ongoing investigation into possible police department corruption.

Chief Ackley gets $25,000 from City of New London

 January 7, 2012

Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio announces that the city will give police Chief Margaret Ackley $25,000 to settle her allegations that former City Councilor Michael Buscetto III tried to undermine her leadership.

One police officer fired, one placed on leave in New London

 January 7, 2012

The city has fired a police officer for his role in the beating of a man and placed another officer on leave while allegations that he planted drugs during an arrest are investigated.

New London police union questions city cooperation as officers try to leave the department

 January 7, 2012

The mayor and the president of the police union plan to meet Monday to discuss union concerns that employees who want to leave the department are being denied access to their personnel files.

Video: New London police officer allegedly plants drugs

 January 7, 2012

A video from a New London police cruiser allegedly shows Officer Roger Newton planting drugs before the arrest of Lance Goode of New London on Oct. 20, 2010.

City settles with police chief; Buscetto says it's part of 'smear campaign'

 January 6, 2012

UPDATED: 8:30 p.m. According to a copy of the settlement, the city will pay Ackley $25,000 as result of the complaints she made against Buscetto. The mayor announced Capt. William Dittman and Capt. Michael Lacey have...

City denies The Day’s FOI request to release Ackley complaint

 January 6, 2012

New London — The city has officially denied a Freedom of Information request by The Day to release a report on allegations by the police chief that a city councilor interfered with the department.

Ackley to remain New London police chief; Segar is out

 January 5, 2012

Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio also said at a news conference Wednesday that he will not release a report on allegations lodged by Chief Ackley against former City Councilor Michael Buscetto III.

New London City Council's access to report it commissioned on Ackley complaint denied

 January 4, 2012

City Attorney Jeffrey Londregan told the council Tuesday that former Superior Court Judge Beverly Hodgson has filed a report on the allegations made by Chief Margaret Ackley against former City Councilor Michael Buscetto III. But when the council...

Police release photo of man witnesses say was beaten by New London police

 December 29, 2011

New London - A man who witnesses say was pepper-sprayed in the face and beaten repeatedly by police earlier this month had his case continued to Feb. 3 at an arraignment this morning in New London Superior Court.

Reuben J.

New London police accused of brutality

 December 17, 2011

Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio said there will be an investigation into allegations that police officers assisting an ambulance crew at an alcohol detoxification center Wednesday night punched, pepper-sprayed and smashed the head of a man repeatedly...

Chiefs retain positions as mayor-elect goes forward

 November 19, 2011

New London Mayor-elect Daryl Justin Finizio said it had been a pledge of his since January to keep both chiefs if elected, and that Police Chief Margaret Ackley and Fire Chief Ronald Samul have agreed to stay on.

New London police chief drops ethics complaint vs. city councilor

 November 17, 2011

New London - The Board of Ethics officially dismissed and closed the Ackley vs. Buscetto case Wednesday, the same night the first of three hearings on the issue was scheduled to take place.

Ackley backer Waller isn't recusing herself from ethics board for Buscetto hearing

 November 4, 2011

New London - The former mayor of New London, who has been on the Board of Ethics for more than 10 years, said Thursday she will participate in proceedings involving a dispute between a city councilor and the police...

Buscetto's attorney questions Ethics Board's investigation into police chief's complaint

 November 3, 2011

New London - The attorney for Michael Buscetto III, the city councilor who is a write-in candidate for mayor, is questioning the legitimacy of the process by which the Ethics Board is investigating his dispute with the...

Ackley vs. Buscetto to play out over three New London ethics hearings

 October 25, 2011

The battle between the New London police chief and a city councilor who is running for mayor continues, with the Board of Ethics setting a hearing to discuss what may ultimately be just a footnote in the three-month-long saga.

Board will investigate Ackley ethics complaint against Buscetto

 October 24, 2011

The Board of Ethics says it has found probable cause to investigate allegations by Police Chief Margaret Ackley that City Councilor Michael Buscetto III violated the city's Code of Ethics, and will meet tonight to set a hearing date.

New London City Council hires former judge to investigate Police Chief Ackley's complaint

 October 18, 2011

New London - The City Council Monday hired former Superior Court Judge Beverly Hodgson - who will investigate allegations the police chief has made against the city.

New London's Councilor Buscetto releases copy of ethics complaint

 September 25, 2011

City Councilor Michael Buscetto III on Saturday released a copy of an ethics complaint in which Police Chief Margaret Ackley says he failed to recuse himself from a City Council discussion of her allegations of his misconduct.

New London Board of Ethics urged to drop Buscetto inquiry

 September 21, 2011

New London - Reid Burdick, who has held elective and appointed positions in city government, has lodged a complaint with the city's Board of Ethics, saying its members have a host of conflicts of interest that would make...

City police chief criticized in open letter from union

 September 10, 2011

In an "open letter" published as an ad in today's Day, the New London police union takes Chief Margaret Ackley to task for having created a "managerial crisis" and a negative atmosphere in the department.

Ethics board holds closed meeting on Ackley claims

 September 8, 2011

New London - The city's Board of Ethics may decide to conduct its own investigation into alleged ethics violations by City Councilor Michael Buscetto III, but it closed its doors to the public Wednesday night before...

Ackley gets dose of public support

 September 7, 2011

New London police Chief Margaret Ackley, who two weeks ago accused a city councilor of undermining her authority and announced that she planned to retire, got a burst of public support Tuesday from a former mayor and several other residents.

Ackley files complaint with New London's ethics board

 September 3, 2011

New London - The city police chief has filed a complaint with the Board of Ethics.

New London police chief’s comments to the City Council

 September 1, 2011

At a special meeting of the New London City Council on Aug. 24, Chief Margaret Ackley addressed the council about allegations of interference in her police department. The following is a transcription of the city's recording of those...

Ethics board weighs in on Ackley dispute

 August 31, 2011

The chairman of the panel says it and not the City Council should investigate the chief's accusations against Councilor Buscetto.

AUDIO: Ackley addresses the council (MP3)

Deal has New London police chief staying on at least until end of year

 August 26, 2011

Chief Margaret Ackley will remain at her post at least until Dec. 31, according to an agreement she has with the city, and when she retires she will be paid a lump sum of about $64,000.

New London police chief to retire, blames city councilor

 August 25, 2011

Police Chief Margaret Ackley has accused City Councilor Michael Buscetto III of discrimination, harassment and trying to undermine her authority in the department.

UPDATED: Councilors push for openness on New London police chief's agreement

 August 20, 2011

After more than a week of insisting that an agreement between the New London city manager and the police chief is a private matter, some city councilors are now talking about making the document available to the public.

New London council will meet next week on Ackley agreement

 August 19, 2011

New London — The City Council will meet next week to discuss releasing a recently discovered agreement between the city manager and the police chief.

Councilors are not happy with secrecy over Ackley matter

 August 19, 2011

Some New London officials say agreement with the police chief should be revealed.

EDITORIAL: New London secrecy troubling

Details of Ackley-City Council meeting emerge in New London

 August 18, 2011

A closed-door City Council meeting last week appears to have been about the police chief's intention to possibly take legal action against the city in connection with her employment.

New London police chief's job status remains muddled

 August 16, 2011

The police chief is apparently looking for some modifications in her working arrangements with the city, but officials continue to be mum on what that means. She does not have a contract with the city, and her employment is governed by state...

Police chief's employment status with New London still not clear

 August 12, 2011

The discussion surrounding police Chief Margaret Ackley's employment continued its cryptic track Thursday as the city's personnel coordinator said the chief has no contract while the mayor said he was led to believe that she does.

New London councilors mum on meeting, agreement with police chief

 August 11, 2011

The City Council agreed Wednesday night that it would keep secret a contract between the city manager and Police Chief Margaret Ackley that may be related to her employment.

NL Council, in closed session, to hear report on Police Chief Ackley's employment

 August 10, 2011

The official notice of the special meeting says the purpose is to "receive a report from Thomas J. Londregan concerning the employment (not the evaluation or the performance) of the Chief of Police."

Meeting today on New London Police Chief Ackley's job

 August 10, 2011

New London - The City Council will hold a special meeting at 5 p.m. today in council chambers to discuss a report about the employment of Police Chief Margaret Ackley.

ACLU looking for abuses of power in police departments - including New London's

 August 4, 2011

The American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut Wednesday filed requests with the Connecticut State Police, New London police and five other city police departments for information on how they use cellphone tracking data in their investigations.

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