The Hartford Police Department hired an outside firm to give promotional exams for open captain, lieutenant, and sergeant positions months ago, yet those promotions remain on hold since test results have not been certified by the city’s personnel department.
NBC Connecticut has learned there are questions being raised about the testing process. Specifically, sources are questioning whether it was curved to benefit minority applicants.
“We need to maintain faith in the process and when we’re given names or we’re given staff, we’ll put them to work,” said Deputy Chief Brian Foley of the Hartford Police Department.
The police union has raised concerns with the city, questioning the handling of at least one exam which is the exam for lieutenant positions.
“There were some concerns brought up by the membership in regards to the testing process and scoring of the test itself. We are working with the city to resolve these issues. Hopefully this can be resolved in the best interest of all parties,” said Sgt. Richard Holton, the police union president.
The specific concerns center around whether the written and oral portions of the exam were fairly curved, said Holton. He said there also are concerns over whether military veterans are getting all the preference points they’re entitled to.
Mayor Pedro Segarra acknowledged the questions that have been raised and said the city is working to resolve the problem.
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“My objective is to have a highly qualified, efficient, and diverse organization but that needs to be done in conformity with the regulations and the laws,” said Segarra.
For now, promotions at the Hartford Police Department remain on hold.
“Certainly we could use those lists as soon as possible,” said Deputy Chief Foley.
Segarra said he hopes the issues surrounding the promotion lists will be resolved within two weeks.
