Maturo: Town, DOJ Agree to Compliance Expert for EHPD Settlement Agreement

The following is a press release from the East Haven Mayor's Office. The separate Department of Justice press release announcing the selectiion is also attached to this post.

Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr. announced today that after lengthy discussions, the Town of East Haven and the Justice Department have agreed to the selection of Kathleen M. O’Toole to serve as the “Joint Compliance Expert” to implement the provisions of the Compliance Agreement for effective and constitutional policing entered into just two months ago.

Mayor Maturo explained, “The selection process was a difficult one as we were presented with a number of highly qualified candidates.  I am pleased that the Town retained an experienced professional, while also negotiating a cost to the Town that saves taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in comparison to other jurisdictions which have obtained similar services.”

Chief Brent Larrabee, Lieutenant Ed Lennon, and Attorney Lawrence Sgrignari spent countless hours during the last two months reviewing the qualifications of the candidates under consideration as well as meeting with the candidates and representatives of the Department of Justice.  The agreement called for the selection of a Joint Compliance Expert within 60 days of the approval of the agreement by the court.

Maturo explained, “Meeting this deadline, which is a task that many other jurisdictions have failed at, is an encouraging sign.  While the agreement calls for some aggressive deadlines, our Team is proving up to the task of meeting them.  I am pleased that the Town continues to have a collaborative relationship with the Department of Justice, as it has helped move this process along swiftly and smoothly.”

Maturo and Chief Larrabee also indicated that Ms. O’Toole’s experience will prove helpful in accomplishing the goals of the Compliance Agreement.

Maturo continued, “Ms. O’Toole’s background and experience will bring a wealth of invaluable knowledge about police practices and procedures to the process.  Ms. O’Toole has had a distinguished career with the Boston Police Department. She has served as Chief of the Metropolitan District Commission Police, Lieutenant Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts Secretary of Public Safety, and Commissioner of the Boston Police Department.“

Most recently, Ms. O’Toole was recruited to lead a newly established organization responsible for the oversight of the Irish National Police Service. 

Maturo added, “We are extremely confident that she will perform the responsibilities of the Joint Compliance Expert with distinction and look forward to working with her over the next several years in order to implement the requirements of the settlement agreement.“
 
Ms. O’Toole’s proposal averages out to just over $75,000.00 per year for four years.  The proposal includes her service as well as several team members who will assist with the collection of data, review of policies, and training.  She and her team will also oversee policy implementation and enhance and expand community engagement.

Ms. O’Toole explained, “I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with the Department of Justice, officials from East Haven, the East Haven Police Department, and community representatives on this very important project. I have assembled a small team of experienced professionals to work with me including Rafael Ruiz, Joan Brody, and Bill Andrews, all of whom will lend vast experience to this project.”

O’Toole continued, “Rafael Ruiz is a former Boston Police Superintendent who once served as a member of my command staff. I always admired his passion for community engagement.   Joan Brody and Bill Andrews have dedicated their distinguished careers to criminal justice reform. As independent and honest brokers, it is my hope that we will be able to help East Haven complete this project quickly and efficiently.  Most importantly, we hope to be successful helping East Haven enhance police operations and restore community confidence in the East Haven Police Department.”

Maturo concluded, “Again, I thank Ms. O’Toole for undertaking this challenging task.  I and my team will continue to work hard for the residents of our community and will provide all of the necessary assistance to Ms. O’Toole, along with the Department of Justice, in order to implement the provisions of the Compliance Agreement in a timely and efficient manner.“