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Mayor Hires Accouting and Advisory Firm To Investigate HPD

By Jenna Carlesso

May 20, 2011

Mayor Pedro Segarra has hired Frank Rudewicz of the accounting and advisory services firm Marcum LLP to investigate the Hartford Police Department's internal affairs division.

Segarra last week called for an independent review of the division. City officials would not comment on why the mayor ordered the review, calling it an "internal personnel matter."

Richard Holton, president of the Hartford Police Union, said Police Chief Daryl K. Roberts accused Lt. Neville Brooks last month of misusing his position for personal gain. Brooks, who had been working in internal affairs, was transferred to the special events unit, he said.

Holton said Brooks was locked out of his office, his computer was confiscated and an investigation was launched. Brooks disputed the allegations, and a grievance has been filed, Holton said.

Roberts has said he could not comment on the personnel matters, but acknowledged that they involved members of the internal affairs division.

Marcum LLP has completed similar reviews in Avon, Plymouth, Greenwich, Bristol, Plainfield and for the Metropolitan District Commission Police Department, city officials said. The firm also worked for the State of Connecticut Capitol Police Department.

"It is imperative that this investigation be performed by a credible and seasoned firm that understands the operations of the Hartford Police Department and has the appropriate and necessary level of experience," Segarra said in a written statement Friday. "Frank and his team at Marcum understand the gravity of this effort and are committed to ensuring the integrity of the entire investigation."

Rudewicz, who manages the forensic, investigative and advisory services at Marcum LLP, is a former Hartford police patrolman, detective and commander of the department's intelligence division. He retired from the force in 1993.

Asked if his background working for the department could be considered a conflict of interest in investigating the internal affairs division, city spokeswoman Sarah Barr replied: "Absolutely not. It's an asset. He understands the organization and operation. This is a professional who has a wide breath of experience in the city, region, state and nationally."