New Haven officials moved quickly to tighten controls over the city’s confidential informant (CI) fund after a scandal involving former Police Chief Karl Jacobson, who admitted stealing over $175,000 to fuel a gambling addiction. The mayor and the new police chief outlined a series of policy changes aimed at restoring public trust and preventing future abuse.
Background of the scandal
Jacobson pleaded no contest to larceny last month and faces sentencing and restitution in January. The CI program, which rewards community members for providing information that leads to arrests, was temporarily paused while the department’s assistant chiefs uncovered the fraud.
New oversight measures
Mayor Justin Elicker said the city acted “very quickly” once the misconduct was discovered. Key steps include:
- Re‑starting the CI program only after implementing more frequent, random audits.
- Adding additional oversight layers, such as dual‑signature requirements for disbursements.
- Installing security cameras in the room where CI funds are stored to deter unauthorized access.
To ensure the reforms align with best practices, New Haven hired the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), an independent national policing think tank, for a comprehensive review. The city paid more than $80,000 for the study, a cost the mayor acknowledged but justified as necessary to safeguard taxpayer money.
PERF recommendations
The 57‑page PERF report delivered 33 recommendations across 11 categories, including:
- Enhanced audit and inspection protocols.
- Clearer policies and procedures for fund handling.
- Mandatory duty‑to‑intervene training for all officers.
- Digital management systems and electronic payments to reduce cash handling.
- Improved employee wellness programs and oversight of overtime.
- Structural changes to civilianize certain functions.
Police Chief David Zannelli said the recommendations will guide the department’s next steps, emphasizing that the report will be posted publicly on the city’s website for full transparency.
Commitment to community trust
Both Elicker and Zannelli stressed that accountability is essential for rebuilding confidence in the police department. “When we identify wrongdoing, even if it’s our own chief of police, we hold people accountable,” Elicker said. “We act quickly, and my hope is that people have more trust because they see that no one is above the law.”
The mayor added that the cost of the PERF review, while sizable, is a worthwhile investment compared to the loss incurred by Jacobson’s theft. “Chief Jacobson stole more than the cost of this report,” Elicker noted, underscoring the administration’s resolve to prevent similar incidents.
Next steps
The city plans to implement the PERF recommendations over the coming months, with periodic public updates. The CI program is expected to resume under the new safeguards, allowing community members to continue assisting law enforcement while ensuring rigorous financial controls.
New Haven residents are encouraged to review the upcoming report and provide feedback through the city’s official channels. The administration’s transparent approach aims to demonstrate that ethical standards and public safety remain top priorities for the city’s police force.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
