Police review board inspector general resigns
Brennan to still serve on part-time basis during transition
The inspector general for the Hartford Civilian Police Review Board has resigned the position as of March 13, according to the office of Mayor Luke Bronin.
Liam Brennan will continue to serve on a part-time, interim basis during the period of transition to a new inspector general, according to Bronin.
“I am thankful for Liam’s service to the Civilian Police Review Board and the City of Hartford,” Bronin said in a statement. “Liam has served as the City’s first Inspector General, a position that we created to support the CPRB as it carries out its mission of evaluating citizen complaints. Liam was selected after an extensive search and we will now begin the process of identifying a successor.”
The city police union recently accused Brennan of undermining support for the department by unfairly pressing misconduct investigations against police personnel. Brennan, however, continued to draw the support of the city administration.
As Hartford inspector general, Brennan had broad powers to initiate investigations of police misconduct and act on citizen complaints. He reported to the city’s Civilian Police Review Board, which submits its findings to the chief of police for discipline.
Newly elected Hartford Police Union President James Rutkauski had called for Brennan’s resignation, complaining that he has eroded support for the department by misrepresenting facts, the law and police policy in two recent investigations that called for officer discipline.
Brennan defended his work and said last week he had no plan to resign but acknowledged his plans could change with his announcement that he was launching a campaign to be elected mayor of New Haven, where he lives. He resigned in order to spend more time on his campaign.
Bronin and Eric Crawford, chairman of the Civilian Police Review Board, have said Brennan notified them of his intention to run for mayor months ago. Both also have said they support his performance as inspector general and would like him to continue, but that the campaign could cause plans to change. The statement Friday did not mention the campaign.
City Council President Maly Rosado said that with Brennan on board “our CPRB has become more efficient, more responsive and better equipped to handle complaints.”
“We appreciate his work as Inspector General, and I look forward to working with the Mayor and Chairman Crawford to find someone who can build on that work,” Rosado said in the statement.
Crawford also praised Brennan, saying he “has been a tremendous asset to our Civilian Police Review Board, helping us do our work of investigating and reviewing potential police misconduct.
“His passion for justice and the law allowed us to resolve and respond to cases quickly and effectively,” Crawford said. “We have made great progress during his time as Inspector General, and we are committed to continuing that strong progress and momentum. I thank Liam for his service and wish him luck.”
Brennan said serving as inspector general “has been an honor.
“The system that Hartford has put together for civilian oversight of the police is truly a template for other cities and it has been a privilege to help stand up this office,” he said, also in the statement.
“I am thankful to Mayor Bronin, President Rosado, and Chairman Crawford for their support and partnership during this process. I look forward to serving in an interim capacity as the city searches for a permanent replacement.”
The Hartford’s Civilian Police Review Board has nine regular and two alternate members.