HARTFORD, Conn. — The Hartford Police Union filed a grievance against Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody and the city itself over what it said is an ongoing mandate requiring officers to work on their regular days off. The union said the policy started in October 2021 under Thody.
The union said the policy was originally proposed as a 90-day trial, but the practice has stretched into nearly three years amid staffing shortages.
"We're not arguing that we can't be ordered in. What we're saying is in case of emergency, we agree, but we can't have an emergency every single day of every single week. We're burning people out. Quality of life of these officers is deteriorating," said Hartford Police Union President James Rutkauski.
"I acknowledge the Union's position in these difficult times," Thody said in a statement in part. "I have been to countless meetings and have spoken with countless jurisdictions on what can be done to accelerate the road to full staffing. The one thing that makes some more successful than others is cooperation. Jurisdictions that put differences aside, focus on the masses versus the individuals, and work together between unions, department leaders, and city and state elected officials move forward faster and with greater success. It will take time to restore our numbers to a place where we no longer need to order officers in. During that time, all officers will undoubtedly feel the weight on their shoulders. I will continue to work to mitigate the impact to our great officers."
See Thody's full statement:
According to the union, a hearing to iron out the issue was initially set for April. It was then rescheduled to June at the request of Thody and the city, with the union's agreement.
However, the union said Thody requested another continuance without providing a reason, which the union opposed. The hearing was ultimately postponed to July 31 without union support.
In a press release announcing the filing of the grievance titled "Chief Thody Must Go!," Rutkauski criticized the chief's leadership, which he said "has contributed to low morale and a significant exodus of officers from the Hartford Police Department. This attrition has resulted in a severe staffing shortage, overburdened divisions, excessive caseloads for detectives, and delayed response times, leaving the Hartford community underserved."
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"We just lost an officer that had 20 years. He has a contract and would be 25. He left. Primary complaint: quality of life. We're losing two more officers that have over 20 years in the next couple of weeks. Again, quality of life," said Rutkauski. "How are we supposed to serve our community with diminished staffing levels?"
In March, Thody announced he is stepping down as chief after more than four years in the role and 28 with the Hartford Police Department. He said the decision was made with his family.
His tenure is tied to some difficult years and times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, increased violence, the murder of George Floyd and resulting demonstrations, and the loss of Detective Bobby Garten.
Under Thody’s leadership, the city has modernized its records system, prioritized transparency and accountability, is nationally accredited, and boasts a crime center that rivals other departments.
However, in June 2021, the Hartford Police Union voted against Thody, citing several issues, including the elimination of members' seniority benefits.
Throughout the four years, the police department has also been marred with staffing challenges.
Thody said he will remain in his role during the search for a new candidate to ensure a smooth transition, which could take months.
Rutkauski said the grievance filed by the union can be heard before the State Board of Mediation or the mayor can elect to sit down and bargain and negotiate with the union.
FOX61 has reached out to the mayor's office and police department for a response and is still waiting to hear back.
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Angelo Bavaro is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at abavaro@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook and X.
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