2011 Police Struggles

Last year ended with two Windsor Locks officers, a father and son, facing charges for their role in the death of a 15-year-old boy. This year ended with the federal government charging that the East Haven police department discriminates against Latinos.

In between, many local departments struggled with disciplinary problems and the tragic loss of officers who killed themselves. In New Britain, Capt. Anthony Paventi, who ran the internal affairs division, was placed on paid leave in the midst of acting Capt. James

Wardwell's investigation into a woman's account of repeatedly having sex with Paventi while he was on duty years ago. Police and city officials are not disclosing the results of Wardwell's investigation.

In Meriden, federal authorities are investigating brutality charges against the chief’s son and the department’s response to those complaints. Four officers also took their own lives in 2011. In April, Rocky Hill Sgt. Leonard Kulas was found dead in his cruiser with a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a cemetery. In May, New Britain Capt. Matthew Tuttle killed himself at his home in Middletown.

In June, Southbury Officer Anton Tchorzyk Jr. shot himself in his home in Watertown and Groton Lt. Thomas Forbes killed himself inside the police department where he worked.

November 19, 2011

Younger Koistinen Wants Day In Court

A former Windsor Locks police officer accused of killing a 15-year-old bicyclist while driving in town last year wants to take his case to trial.

November 7, 2011

New Britain Police Commander Rejecting Hearing Notices As He Collects $1,700 Weekly In Leave Pay

The police administration has hit a roadblock as it tries to resolve misconduct charges against a commander: He evidently won't talk.

August 11, 2011

Police Suicides: When Stress Is Too Much

As Janice McCarthy stood and spoke in front of a parking lot surveillance video that captured the last hours of her husband's life, her argument about the need to change the culture of police work became clear.

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