STATEMENT BY MAYOR JUSTIN ELICKER ON THE NEW HAVEN BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS VOTE TO TERMINATE OFFICERS JOCELYN LAVANDIER AND LUIS RIVERA FOR VIOLATIONS OF NHPD GENERAL ORDERS IN THE INCIDENT INVOLVING RICHARD “RANDY” COX
NEW HAVEN, CT – This evening, the New Haven Board of Police Commissioners held a special meeting to vote on the recommendation of Police Chief Karl Jacobson to terminate Officer Jocelyn Lavandier and Officer Luis Rivera for violations of General Orders of the New Haven Police Department in the incident involving Mr. Richard “Randy” Cox. On both motions, the Commissioners voted four (4) in favor, zero (0) opposed and two (2) abstentions. Following the votes, Mayor Elicker released the following statement:
“What happened to Randy Cox was unacceptable and the Board of Police Commissioners’ vote to accept Chief Jacobson’s recommendations to terminate these officers was the right one.
When an individual enters the custody of the New Haven Police Department, there is an obligation to treat them with dignity and respect and in a manner that ensures their safety and well-being. In my judgement, the actions of these officers fell far short of that obligation, and they do not reflect the high standards to which I know our police officers hold themselves to everyday as they put their lives on the line to protect and serve our residents and keep our community safe.
From day one, Chief Jacobson and I promised accountability, transparency and action. Tonight’s vote is another important step in making good on that promise on behalf of the Cox family, the New Haven community and for the integrity of the New Haven Police Department, as we all collectively work to ensure an incident like this never happens again.”
Note: Given their counsel was unavailable this evening, the previously scheduled discussion and consideration on the recommendation from Chief Jacobson to terminate Sergeant Betsy Segui as well as the vote on the recommendation of Chief Jacobson to terminate Sergeant Segui and Officer Oscar Diaz were rescheduled for a Board of Police Commissioners special meeting on June 28th.
