Rell Asks That Whistleblowing Troopers Be Treated Fairly

HARTFORD (AP) — Governor M. Jodi Rell ordered the state police brass to her official residence Monday and told them they need to start leading and listen to their rank-and-file troopers.

The meeting followed allegations that whistleblowers are being harassed by their superiors.

“I gave state police commanders a very direct message: They need to start leading,” Rell said in a written statement issued after the brief meeting. “This is a time of turmoil in the agency and troopers are looking to their senior officers. The people of Connecticut — and I, as their governor — demand that those officers provide strong, effective guidance.”

The entire command staff was required to attend the meeting.

In recent weeks, troopers have appeared at the state Capitol, complaining to legislators about how they’ve experienced retaliation from their superiors.

Sgt Andrew Matthews, a ten-year-officer, told members of the Government Administration and Elections Committee last month about how he went to the state attorney general’s office in 2004 and reported managers concealing internal affairs investigations and covering up crimes of particular state troopers.

Since that report, and a subsequent outside investigation by New York State Police, Matthews said he’s been ostracized and harassed, receiving what he considers a disciplinary transfer. Union officials, he said, warned him that he’s physically at risk.

“I have nothing to gain from being here today. I could actually lose a lot more,” he told the legislators that day.

There have also been allegations that the state police discriminate against black trooper candidates.

Rell said she told the commanders that they need to listen to line troopers and respond.

“I want them to take the concerns troopers are raising to heart,” she said. “Those issues must be dealt with aggressively, responsibly and effectively. It is important that the command staff lead their agency with fairness, innovation and enthusiasm.”