Union Blames Chief For High Turnover In New London Police Department

 
A new survey conducted by the police union of former New London police officers blames what the union describes as "extraordinarily high turnover" at the New London Police Department on "the mismanagement of Police Chief Margaret Ackley."  

“Under Chief Ackley’s watch, experienced officers are leaving New London in droves to serve other communities,” the survey said. In the last two months, 13 officers have left the New London police force. 

“We believe that the constant turnover and poor work environment at the New London Police Department, which this survey links directly to Chief Ackley, are major obstacles to keeping the public safe,” said Jeffrey H. Matchett, Executive Director of AFSCME Council 15. Council 15 represents nearly 4,000 Connecticut police offices, including those on the New London force.  

The survey involved more than 40 police officers who have left since Chief Ackley took over in June of 2009. All were asked a number of questions relating to their jobs at New London. When asked to identify factors that led to their departures, more than six in ten officers ranked a “harsh work environment,” among their top two choices. 

According to the survey, 61 percent selected “problems with the police chief,” as their first or second most determining factor for leaving. The former officers also indicated on the survey that they considered their relationship with Police Chief Ackley very poor, giving it a ranking of 2.6 on a 10 scale. This is contrasted with satisfaction with their co-workers, direct supervisor, and their union, all of which ranked above 7. 

“The results of survey provide a compelling case for new leadership,” said Matchett.  

The City of New London, however, doesn't see it that way. 

"The City administration believes budget constraints, and the threat of police layoffs, have been a greater factor in the decisions officers have made to leave the department," said Mayor Daryl Finizio. "The City can now state clearly that no layoffs will take place in the Police Department because the City budget has been balanced."

The Mayor also stated that he remains confident in the chief's ability to lead the department.

"Chief Ackley has been under fire by the police union since she took office in 2009, when the union preferred another candidate. The police union president has made it his mission to try to force the chief from office since day one and it is unsurprising the police union's State affiliated parent union would come to his aide in this effort," said Finizio. "Under Chief Ackley's leadership the department's budget has been balanced, the department gained national accreditation, and high standards have been set for civil rights conduct in a department that has been plagued by allegations of civil rights violations. The Chief retains my full confidence and will spend her entire career, which I am confident will be a long one, here in the City of New London."