NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)– Embattled Police Chief Dean Esserman will return to work Tuesday after serving a 15-day paid leave of absence.
Esserman was put on leave after he reportedly berated a waitress at a New Haven restaurant. So what does future have in store for the chief?
Esserman was put on leave July 26th after that incident and his future at the police department remains a question. According to sources close to the police department, Mayor Toni Harp met with the Chief Friday. He was asked to resign to which he told Harp that he would think about it and get back to her.Related: Sources: Mayor Harp asks Chief Esserman to resign
The city spokesperson told us “this is not true.” Union President Craig Miller tells News 8 that officers have issues with the way Esserman runs the department. He says the Chief uses bully tactics when dealing with his department employees and that officers and the community need a Chief with a commitment to moving the department forward.
When asked if Esserman should still lead the department. He said:
“Simply put the union believes Chief Esserman should no longer be the chief of the New Haven police department.”Related: Discrimination complaint filed against New Haven Police Chief
In early July, the New Haven Police Union voted they have no confidence in their chief. News 8 reached out to the Mayor for a statement on the reported meeting and have not heard back.
