New Haven Mayor Reprimands Police Chief for Bad Behavior

Esserman apologized and admitted his conduct was "off base."

One week after a Yale University professor sent a letter to local New Haven officials condemning the conduct of the city's police chief at a football game in September, the mayor has issued him a written warning.

"By this letter, I am reprimanding you for the incident that occurred at the Yale-Army game on September 27, 2014 and warning you that any such future occurrence will result in more severe consequences," Mayor Toni Harp wrote to Police Chief Dean Esserman in a letter dated Dec. 17.

Yale Prof. Daniel Weinberger, who teaches epidemiology, detailed Esserman's conduct in a complaint to the mayor and Board of Police Commissioners.

According to Weinberger, the chief lost his temper, threatening to have an usher "removed from the premises" and "shut down the whole game" after the worker asked to see Esserman's ticket.

Esserman addressed the complaint in a sit-down interview with NBC Connecticut on Friday, admitting his behavior was out of line and apologizing for the confrontation.

"What I said was so off-base that I hope I win back my citizens' good faith over the years ahead," Esserman said. "Having a bad day is not an excuse. When you're wrong, you have to acknowledge it and you got to reflect on it."

Harp told Esserman his actions at the game caused community members to feel "disrespected" and "distrustful" of the police department, according to the letter.

"While, shortly after this incident occurred, you brought this matter to my attention, took responsibility for your actions and apologized to officials at Yale University for your behavior, any action that so threatens the public's trust warrants a letter of reprimand from me as well as a warning for a failure to heed this notice in the future," Harp wrote.

Harp said behavior of this sort "will not be tolerated" and that consequences will be "more severe" going forward.

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