http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/Jeff%20Cohen/2011_08_15_JC%20110815%20Roberts.mp3
It's been a long year for Hartford Police Chief Daryl Roberts. Homicides in the city are up. Internally, the mayor has called for two investigations into the department.
And now, as WNPR's Jeff Cohen reports, the chief's contract expires at the end of this year.
Mayor Pedro Segarra says he's reviewing his options for Roberts's job.
"I am cognizant of the fact that the contract is up Dec. 31, and I'm cognizant of the fact that he might or not might not retire, and I'm cognizant of the fact that I need to think about what the future needs of the department are."
The chief started on the job in 2006 and he says he wants to stay.
"I want to serve, I want to keep working hard, but we've got to do what's best for the city and that's important to me. If I'm not doing what they think I should be doing, then of course we're going to have to reassess and look at things."
Earlier this year, Segarra called for an outside investigation of the department's internal affairs division. He said he had concerns about integrity and trust at the HPD. The results of that investigation are due this week.
And while major crimes are down over the past few years, homicides are not. Twenty one people have been killed in the city so far this year -- that matches a five-year high. Roberts says the city and the state are actively working to investigate gun crimes. But the homicide rate bothers him the most.
"It gets frustrating because you're held responsible for things you don't have control over. Like, let's face it, Jeff. Who can stop a homicide?"
Sgt. Richard Holton runs the city's police union. He wouldn't comment on tape, but he says that morale in the department is at an all-time low.
In response, the chief says personnel matters have been made worse by anonymous comments on a local, well-read blog.
"The blog is a venue for the weak, it's a venue for cowards, it's a venue for people who don't have the fortitude to put their name and stand behind what they're saying. Some of these guys are cops who've either been disciplined by me or who don't like a decision I've made."
Roberts says it's easy to criticize and harder to lead. Whether he'll be the person leading come 2012 is an open question.
For WNPR, I'm Jeff Cohen.
