Three assistant police chiefs have been asked to step aside by the new police chief in New Haven, Dean Esserman. Two are apparently willing to go. But Petisia Adger wants to stay, according to two community activists who want a public meeting with the chief.
"At least sit down and let us just talk about this," said Clifton Graves, former candidate for mayor. "Why throw away twenty years of experience, of contacts and networks and of engagement, and someone who grew up in this neighborhood and knows this community? Why just throw that to the curb?"
He acknowledged Chief Esserman is entitled to his own management team. He just figured if Esserman wants to promote community policing, Adger should certainly be able to help him do that.
"I had disdain for police," said Barbara Fair, standing next to Graves outside the police department. "It's police officers like Petisia who actually engaged me and opened my mind to recognize there's a lot of great officers in New Haven."
Sgt. Rich Miller of the police union called it a "disservice" to have Adger leave with all her experience. He said she has a doctoral degree and time at the FBI academy.
Graves and Fair said they had spoken to Adger about their plans to publicize her plight, and they went ahead even though others in the community warned them they might damage Adger's cause, they said.
