STATEMENTS BY MAYOR JUSTIN ELICKER AND CITY OFFICIALS ON THE NEW HAVEN STATE’S ATTORNEY’S DECISION TO BRING CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST THE OFFICERS INVOLVED IN THE INCIDENT INVOLVING MR. RICHARD “RANDY” COX
NEW HAVEN, CT – Mayor Justin Elicker, Police Chief Karl Jacobson and Corporation Counsel Patricia King released the following statements in response to today’s action by New Haven State’s Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr. to bring criminal charges against the five officers involved in the incident involving Mr. Richard “Randy” Cox.
Statement by Mayor Justin Elicker:
“As I’ve said from day one, the City of New Haven is committed to accountability for all individuals involved in this tragic incident. Based on today’s arrests, it’s clear that the State’s Attorney has determined there is probable cause that the actions of these officers violated state criminal laws – and, ultimately, the final verdict will be appropriately decided through the criminal justice system. I’m glad to see the process is moving forward to help ensure that justice is served.
The City of New Haven also remains committed to pursuing an expedited resolution to the related civil lawsuit and to continuing to advance the comprehensive police reforms and policy changes that the City has adopted and enacted since the incident.
What happened to Randy was unacceptable, and we will work to make sure something like this never happens again.
Statement by Police Chief Karl Jacobson:
“Now that the Connecticut State Police has completed its investigation and the State’s Attorney has brought charges against the five officers involved in this incident, I have directed the New Haven Police Department’s Office of Internal Affairs to immediately resume our internal investigation into this matter.
The Office of Internal Affairs will officially review the incident in its entirety and determine whether the officers violated NHPD protocols and procedures. Once the investigation is complete, I will review the findings and make recommendations as to what discipline may be appropriate.
I have authority to issue discipline up to a 15-day suspension and any recommendation beyond that must be referred to the New Haven Board of Police Commissioners, who would then ultimately decide on the appropriate discipline, up to and including termination.
The NHPD is committed to ensuring this investigation is conducted in a professional, thorough and timely manner both for the integrity of the police department and to continue to rebuild trust with the community we are so proud and privileged to serve.”
Statement by City Corporation Counsel Patricia King:
“With regard to the civil case, as Mayor Elicker has stated, the City of New Haven is committed to pursuing an expedited and reasonable resolution on all issues raised in the lawsuit. To this end, the City’s attorney and attorneys for the officers are actively engaged in setting a schedule for the discovery process and the City hopes that the case will proceed toward an early mediation.
It is important to note, however, that the City is but one of several parties involved in this process – and the City has input into, but not control of, the direction this case takes. In addition, the City has multiple insurance policies, which have strict requirements and protocols that the City must follow. Ultimately, the City is hopeful that all parties will be committed to reaching a reasonable settlement as expeditiously as possible.”
Press Contacts:
City of New Haven
Lenny H. Speiller (he/him)
Director of Communications
Mayor Justin Elicker | City of New Haven
165 Church Street | New Haven, CT 06511
Phone: (203) 725-4249
Email: Lspeiller@newhavenct.gov
New Haven Police Department
Officer Scott Shumway
Media Liaison & Public Information Officer
Office of the Chief of Police
One Union Avenue
New Haven, CT 06519
Mobile: (475) 331-3404
Email: sshumway@newhavenct.gov
