Federal Civil Rights Commission Hears Testimony on East Haven Police Profiling Allegations

On Tuesday, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights State Advisory Committee heard testimony from East Haven and Danbury advocates regarding incidents of alleged anti-Hispanic police profiling that has led to lawsuits in both Connecticut towns, according to the McClatchy-Tribune International Services report.

In addition to the , the is also the subject of a and a U.S. Department of Justice inquiry into allegations of racial profiling and police brutality against Hispanic residents.

This is the second hearing held by the federal civil rights commission in its probe into police profiling in Connecticut. The commission is also seeking ways to "make policing generally more effective, particularly as the demographics of the state continue to change."

According to the news report, Sister Mary Alice Burns — an attorney and executive director of Apostles Immigrant Services in New Haven — testified before the committee, saying, over the past few years, dozens of Latino immigrants have reported being harassed by East Haven police.

Burns reportedly also expressed her concern of the last week by Mayor Joseph Maturo.

Prior to his reinstatement last week, Gallo had been on on paid administrative leave since April 2010. Gallo was placed on administrative leave by prior Mayor April Capone following the receipt of a .

"It seems to me it is business as usual in East Haven," Burns is quoted as telling the commission regarding Gallo's return.

According to the report, when asked to respond to Burns' testimony Maturo declined to make a comment.

Angel Fernandez Chavero, who leads the pastoral council at Saint Rose of Lima Church in New Haven, also testified before the commission, discussing demographic changes in East Haven.

And officials from the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut also spoke before the federal board.