A nationwide search is underway for a new police chief in East Haven.
The former chief, Leonard Gallo, retired amid a federal investigation into allegations of racial profiling by the East Haven police officers.
Former Stamford police chief Brent Larabee has been serving as acting police chief.
This change in leadership came after federal officials charged four East Haven police officers who are accused of using excessive force, performing illegal searches and making false reports to place Latinos in custody, some of whom were allegedly beaten while they were still in custody.
"This search represents another step forward for the Town of East Haven. It is geared toward attracting and finding the best candidates possible and is going to be conducted nationwide. Most importantly, the search plan calls for local community input at all critical stages,” Mayor Joe Maturo said in a statement.
The search will run for 22 weeks and will incorporate several recommendations from the Department of Justice, which reviewed and approved the draft process in April, according to the mayor's office.
Strategic Policy Partnership Consultant Services, based in Massachusetts, will conduct the search.
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“This process is going to be collaborative. It is designed so that every member of our great community can have a say in the process. Residents will have input in crafting an updated job description for the position," Maturo said.
An independent panel of community members will participate in a stage of the interviewing.
The process also allows the town to hold a town hall meeting so members of the public could submit questions to finalist candidates.
