Audit reveals false reports by New Haven police officers

NEW HAVEN — An internal audit of investigations by two former police officers into officer candidates has revealed falsified reports , according to a press release.

Police discovered the falsified reports after several officer candidates reviewed reports for accuracy before their finalization and presentation to the Board of Police Commissioners, the release said. The reports were called into question May 15. Ahead of an internal investigation, ordered by Chief Anthony Campbell, the two officers were removed from their positions in that specialized unit, the release said.

Officers Leah Russo and Kristian Ramirez each resigned from the department after the investigations were announced, the release said.

A thorough investigation of each candidate’s file has begun, which will be scrutinized by the department’s Internal Affairs Division and Investigative Service Division. At this point, it seems unlikely the candidacy of any applicant or finalist was influenced, the release said.

As a result of the department’s findings, the New Haven Police Academy class scheduled to begin June 25 has been postponed, likely about a month or until the team concludes its investigation and reports its findings to Campbell and the board, according to the release.

Police said in the release that the department’s goal is to assure all applicants are treated fairly and that the process through which candidates navigate is “clear, uninfluenced outside of its official purpose” and unable to be manipulated by any one person, official or otherwise.

“I am truly disappointed. The process involved in an applicant’s investigation should be the last that needs to be investigated. It is clear we must review our procedures regarding this matter,” Campbell in the statement. “Our community must be able to trust that the process is an honorable one and conducted by women and men with great integrity.

“I am thankful this was brought to light before the class began,” Campbell said.

While the officers have resigned, the department is considering all avenues and has contacted the state’s attorney’s office, the release.