Finizio: Bessie Will Be Retained, But Buck Retirement Final

Mayor Daryl Finizio announced Tuesday that he will not bring one of the New London Police Department's dogs out of retirement, but that he has stopped the planned transfer of another dog due to a City Council resolution supporting the K-9 program.

Finizio said Bessie, a bloodhound that has been boarded with the Connecticut State Police since the departure of her handler from the NLPD, will return to the department. 

"I felt it was far more humane to get the dog out of kenneling and into service in another department as this would be quicker and more affordable than reassigning the animal within the NLPD," said Finizio. "In keeping with the Council's wishes, however, I have stopped the transfer of Bessie and will retain that K-9 in city service. The dog will remain kenneled until the animal can be reassigned within the department, which the administration will do as quickly as possible while operating within the union contract and budgetary restraints."

On Monday, the City Council unanimously passed a resolution expressing support for the NLPD K-9 program, including the recommendation that the program be restored to its previous strength of four dogs. The Council stopped short of passing the recommendation as an ordinance, with a motion to establish this stronger measure failing in a 3-3 tie.

The resolution specifically voiced support for bringing Bessie and Buck back into active service. Finizio previously announced that Bessie would be transferred to another department while Buck would be retired and given to his handler at no cost. Members of the New London Police Union contend that Buck has been medically cleared for two years of service and that residents have donated thousands of dollars to support payments for his medication.

Finizio said he wants to work with the City Council in determining decisions related to the K-9 program, contract negotiations, and other matters involving the NLPD. However, he said he will not reverse his decision on Buck's retirement.

"This was done in the best interests of the dog/officer, who has health concerns, and has run his course in city service," said Finizio. "The dog was duly retired under the provisions of the city's union contract and that decision is final."

Finizio also said in the statement that he is in support of a K-9 program involving tracking dogs such as Bessie, but not the use of patrol dogs - whose training includes biting suspects - due to issues such as liability concerns and the effect on police-community relations. 

Finizio also said the mayor's office has management authority in the NLPD and that administrative actions in the police department do not violate the City Charter as long as they abide by the police union contract and budget.