NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: July 6, 2004
 

STATEMENT BY HARTFORD POLICE CHIEF PATRICK J. HARNETT.

(Hartford) - In light of the continuing public discourse regarding allegations of racial profiling by the Hartford Police Department, I wish to reaffirm to all Hartford citizens that the Hartford Police Department, and I as the new Chief, have zero tolerance with regard to any discrimination based on race, gender, color, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion.  Such conduct is a violation of not only the HPD's Code of Conduct, but the policies of the City of Hartford, State of Connecticut and federal law.  I fully support these laws.

The Hartford Police Department under General Order 7-105, issued December 29, 1999,  prohibits racial profiling.  The policy states:

"The race or ethnicity of an individual shall not be the sole factor in determining the existence of probable cause to place in custody or arrest an individual, or in constituting a reasonable and articulate suspicion that an offense has been or is being committed so as to justify the detention of an individual to the investigatory stop..".  The policy further states, "At no time shall any officer engage in racial profiling."

While the Hartford Police Department is totally committed to adherence of it's Code of Conduct, General Orders,  City of Hartford Personnel Rules and Policies, and state and federal laws in conducting a competent and thorough investigation, it also has a responsibility to ensure due process for all members of the Hartford Police Department while investigating any allegations of misconduct.

As Chief of the Hartford Police Department I wish to assure citizens of Hartford of my commitment to enforcement of all policies, laws and regulations of our city, state and federal government.

Contact:   Nancy Mulroy, Public Information Officer, Hartford Police Department,  (860) 543-8746
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