MANCHESTER — The Manchester Police Department has concluded its internal investigation into an incident that occurred on Aug. 12, involving four city police officers and a homeless man.
The officers were found to have breached various internal procedures and have faced disciplinary action, Police Chief Allen D. Aldenberg announced.
The incident in question involved the officers responding to a situation where a homeless individual was prevented from defecating in an alley and injecting illegal drugs.
While the officers refrained from arresting the individual, showing compassion and discretion, their conduct during the incident was not up to the department’s standards.
“I take full responsibility for the actions of these officers and have the responsibility to address their behavior to make them better police officers,” Chief Aldenberg said. “I am fully confident that the involved officers have learned a great deal from this incident and I am certain that this behavior will not be repeated.”
Mayor Jay Ruais expressed his support for Chief Aldenberg’s swift action and the disciplinary measures taken.
He emphasized the importance of addressing homelessness comprehensively and with empathy, highlighting the city’s 14 initiatives aimed at tackling the issue.
The Manchester Police Department has been at the forefront of addressing the challenges posed by homelessness in the city.
Officers often engage with homeless individuals involved in criminal activities, such as violent assaults, thefts, and drug use.
The department strives to handle these situations with professionalism and compassion.
Despite the officers’ successful intervention in preventing criminal activity on the day of the incident, their choice of words and overall demeanor overshadowed their actions.
The officers acknowledged their behavior was unacceptable and not representative of the high standards expected of law enforcement professionals.
The homeless man involved had been arrested earlier the same day for attempting to inject heroin in a public park.
His repeated offenses are indicative of the broader challenges the city faces in dealing with homelessness and substance abuse.
Chief Aldenberg assured the community that the department is committed to upholding professionalism and compassion in all its interactions, and the recent incident will serve as a learning opportunity for the officers involved.
