News release from city Communications Director Brett Broesder:
Today, Mayor Bill Finch was joined by police officials and community members in announcing a new list of police recruits, as the city is hiring 100 new police officers.
“We worked hard to find not only the best people and also people who reflect the diversity of our great city,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “I’m proud of the work by our recruitment team. They were out in the community and worked with the community. That is another example of how Bridgeport is getting better–by working together every day.”
The city expects to hire, train and deploy 100 new officers in the next 18 to 24 months.
Mayor Finch announced that the city has received a civil service list of 762 qualified candidates. The city will move forward with background checks, polygraph tests, physicals and other requirements with a goal of seating a first academy class this fall.
Ø Click here to see the preliminary police hiring list: bit.ly/1Jq98WD.Mayor Finch commended the work of the recruitment team and also the efforts of the community members who volunteered to serve on the oral board panels.
That hard work paid dividends, leading to an extremely diverse list of candidates and strong presence of Bridgeport residents scoring at the top of the list. Working with city council, the city added an additional 15 percent to final scores for residents of the Park City.
Of the top 100 candidates on the list, 98 of them are Bridgeport residents.
And, the hiring list is very diverse. Sixty-one percent of the candidates are minorities, women and residents of Bridgeport. Thirty-nine percent are Caucasian males from out-of-town.
“This didn’t happen on its own,” said Mayor Finch. “We made it happen by working with the community leaders and working with the Guardians and Bridgeport Police Hispanic Society, who conducted true grass-root recruitment in our neighborhoods and let folks in Bridgeport know just how good of a career this is.”
Sgt. Joe Hernandez, the president of the Society, said: “Having reviewed the preliminary hiring list, I am elated to see the diversity in this group of candidates. One that is also reflective of the community that they’ll ultimately serve. Familiarity with the community and more importantly, the understanding of community needs, was paramount in our decision to assist in the recruitment effort. On behalf of my executive board, we are happy to have assisted in that effort.”
In this exam, Mayor Finch said, the city partnered with community members like never before. The test had written and oral components. For the first time, the city asked community members to sit on the three-person panels.
“Bridgeport is a very diverse and inclusive community so we wanted diverse and inclusive panels to conduct the interviews. That is why we invited community members to participate in the interview process,” said Mayor Finch. “Bridgeport already has one of the most diverse police departments in the state, but we wanted to set the bar even higher.”
More than 800 candidates were eligible to complete oral interviews with one of 14 three-person panels. Each panel included one city official, one ranking police officer and one community member.
Ted Meekins, chairman of the East End Community Council, served on a panel.
“I think this is a big improvement over past performances, and there was a concerted effort by the city, for the vetting process, to see to it that Bridgeport candidates were well represented,” Meekins said. “As we know, this is a step but a major step. First was the recruiting, then it was the testing, then it’s background checks, then there’s a class that will go into the academy. We’re glad to see that it will be a mixed class with black and Hispanic candidates. What we’re looking at now are opportunities that weren’t there before, and we want every candidate to take full advantage of their opportunity. They’re closer to the academy. You’re not quite there yet, but you’re closer than you’ve ever been and we’re real proud of this opportunity. So we are very excited.”
Quack-quack-quack …
So is this being announced because Ganim said he would hire 100 police officers or was this already in the works? Can someone clarify?
That’s good, but God have mercy on us for the next 18 to 24 months. Maybe this initiative should have been put in place 18 to 24 months ago, then it would be even better!
The most sincere form of flattery is to be copied. Take this as a compliment, Joe.
It seems every time there’s a tragic event these two clowns (Finch/Gaudett) put up the big top and here comes the horse and pony show. Like I said before. They mean to tell me they did not see all these retirements coming after the new retirement agreement? If that’s the case they are the biggest morons in Bridgeport. Like Lisa said “God have mercy on us for the next 18 to 24 months.” I was going to exchange a gun my late husband left behind for cash but I think I’m going to hold on to it for the next two years.
Does someone know who the heavyset lady who all of a sudden is in every press conference with Finchocchio?
Also I’m starting to wonder where is Lt. Blackwell, I though he was leading the recruiting effort. Ummm, could it be he is in some type of trouble and the two clowns are distancing themselves from him? I’m just saying.
The answer to your question is a resounding yes on both counts.
That woman is AmyMarie Vizzo-Paniccia, councilwoman in the 134th always up Bill’s ass. Worse than Steve.
Thank you city hall smoker for the answer to my question. But I don’t think there is anyone so far up as Steve. Lol.
Phantom, city hall smoker, Wingnut, Vale la Pena,
You are just four of the biggest losers. You represent Joe Ganim perfectly. Although I do appreciate celebrity status, I do not appreciate unprovoked visual insults. I do resent your having the luxury of an alias handle. You must be very special friends of Lennie and Ray. The four of you sound like four miserable degenerates.
AmyMarie Paniccia like Michelle Lyons is always with the Mayor. They are elected officials. That’s what they do. Yes we know Tom Lyons is a staunch Ganim supporter and the 134th thinks that is just about the saddest thing. Other than that, thank you for your kind comments. You always make my day so much better.
She is one of only two City Council members, currently on the Budget and Appropriations Committee, who are endorsed for the coming year. The other remaining endorsed B&A Council person is Denese Taylor-Moye. Watchdogs? What do you think of DTC-endorsed monitoring? Is there a rush to leave the Council before the revaluation numbers appear in mailboxes in November? Time will tell.
Another name in the “Libro dei folli.”
Careful with the spelling, Vale. “Finnochio” is Italian slang for a sissy.
I am hearing Finch does not plan on renewing Chief Gaudett’s contract in December. It appears he is considering Nardozzi. Hopefully he won’t get a chance to make that decision.
I think Ted Meekins summed up the entire process most eloquently.
Bridgeporters made the grade. This was a very professional process and many people’s time and energy went into the reviewing process. I think it is sad many officers are playing politics with their lives and careers. In the end Bridgeporters will have new blood and many Bridgeport residents who reflect the makeup of the city.
I have always held our Bridgeport’s Finest in high regard and to be honest, where they personally lived is not a concern. However, I think Mayor Finch and his entire recruitment team did an amazing job and wish all the new recruits great success.
How many would be from Bridgeport without the extra 15 points for waking up, shaving and sharpening your pencil for the test?
A statement from Lonnie Blackwell would be appropriate as he will be the one responsible for training. He has been criticized
for raking in over $200,000 a year for training. With the current situation he should make over $400,000. The people in this photo look like this is the last place they want to be.
I can’t fail to mention, after reading the whole article and after receiving several phone calls, the comments by Sgt. Hernandez. From my very reliable sources The Bridgeport Police Hispanic society did not take part in the recruiting effort due to the fact they consider it too politicized. Also the fact Lt. Blackwell was put in charge and not Lt Garcia, the society made a big issue and had Finch reverse his decision not to give Blackwell the entire authority behind the recruiting effort. Sgt. Hernandez, tell me if this is true or false. I don’t think your members are going to be very happy with your statements.
I don’t see any comments from the Bpt PD union president. Could it be the union can see through these clowns? This hiring process has become about blacks and Hispanics. How about hiring the most qualified candidates? Can’t wait for all the lawsuits and appeals that are going to delay this process for years to come. I’m just saying.
Was this really a necessary announcement? We knew they were recruiting supposedly. But honestly seems like more of a trying to compete with anything a candidate says or comments on. Knees seem to be knocking when things like this are said AFTER candidates have commented or acted on. I concur, someone should be flattered. Grrr, it bothers me two years almost to go? There is a need in this dept NOW and it’s a shame the games being played in the biggest city in CT.
Mayor Idiot, “98 out of the first 100 are from Bridgeport.” As soon as they start making six-figures salaries they will be gone from Bridgeport. I’m just saying.
Vale la Pena, they will be gone by the end of their third year. Bridgeport is a training academy. We have the LOWEST paid Police Officers in the state and now they are offering a terrible benefit package where the officers are not eligible for health insurance after they retire. The new officers will find their way to higher-paying, MUCH MORE APPRECIATIVE constituencies. I’m suggesting bulletproof vests for fall fashion season.
Jennifer, you are absolutely right. Get certified as a police officer in Bridgeport and then do a lateral transfer to make more money in a nice quiet town, where people actually like police.
My understanding is Bpt will spend about $150,000 per new hire. Then smaller towns will get them for nothing. Not a bad deal.
I’m just saying.
Jennifer and VlP, at least they’ll start out as Bridgeport residents. This has to be better than what he had given the city over the last five years, police officers who have never lived here, who would never live here and police who get their paycheck and run the hell back to their suburban community. At the very least Bridgeport will get individuals who will spend some of the thousands of Bridgeport tax dollars used to pay their salary here in the city.
This is what also happens with our teachers.
AmyMarie Vizzo-Paniccia suddenly is at every press conference. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard her give an opinion at the CC meetings at all. Her husband is a member of the Park City Pride, which, when McCarthy decided he thought it would be acceptable to have the councilpersons “donate” their stipends (our tax dollars) to their favorite charities, Mrs. Paniccia gave hers to her husband’s band. Bpt, getting better every day!
Again I’m confused. I was Council President for 10 years, the stipend practice began shortly after; if memory serves the CC members received about $250 to be used exclusively for constituent-related expenses. Each council member had to submit receipts to the Finance Office, and they were carefully reviewed and questioned if not appropriate. I never had any authority or input as to another CC members’ use of that stipend. At the time this stipend went into effect, my then partner, John Stafstom and I tried to have it nullified. We were outvoted. I want to know who gave the present Council President authority to render opinions or advise members as to how they may use funds. He is merely another elected member to the Council. The title of President gives him no more or less importance or worth than any other elected member of the Council. Did something change since I was there? Did the City Charter or an Ordinance give this power to anyone serving as CC president? If so, please let me know.
Lots has changed, Lisa. Call me, or go back in the archives on various subjects:
** Stipend Ordinance – unchanged but describes old process which you describe in general except that $9,000 per year was the upper REIMBURSEMENT limit
** Stipend Practice – a debit card pre-loaded quarterly with (TAX FREE) funds and a signed statement of agreement to use card for Council representation purposes, excluding political and charitable uses.
** Tom McCarthy advice to Council persons and the 15 who followed by using around $30,000 of taxpayer funds without a public meeting, a vote for the public record? Likely illegal, but it happened and taxpayer funds were delivered by those Council persons to wonderful local charities. Is this a precedent to let stand? Does it show the excess assumption of power, beyond the rules, counting on people not able to track the $$$$? Should those same enthusiastic Council persons, repay the City Treasury? What is your vote? Time will tell.
John, I’m interested in who monitors and reviews this use of taxpayers’ money by the CC. I fully agree an effective representative should have reasonable means to remain engaged with their constituents. But the use of this money must be closely monitored for appropriateness. I think it’s too late to expect repayments.
Lisa,
When Finch removed the Internal Auditor seven years ago, did anyone say anything? It was his duty to assure annual purchasing reports and an audit every third year. Has there ever been such an audit during the Fabrizi or Finch years?
Lisa, whom do you suggest for “monitoring?” Someone in City government? Or perhaps put the entire process on the internet so the taxpayer can see how much and what is being spent to assist the Council members in their representation.
But the current Council has ignored the fact their current process of debit cards does not conform to the Stipend Ordinance. Who cares enough to do something about it? No one monitors for the public!!!
The CT Post reporters have seen giveaway of taxpayer funds by Council members, pre-primary in 2013, story reported for 18 months now. They have been shown the purchasing reports that identify the Council members, the charities gifted, and the amounts to each. But nothing has appeared in the Post. Why not? Who is the sheriff, Lisa? Why is it too late to expect repayments? Time will tell.
And Harvey, don’t know if it is true today but at one point in time her husband’s business was a contractor of the city of Bridgeport and at one time Council Person Paniccia was discussing with the Tax Assessor the taxes on her husband’s business.
Mayor Bill Finch has NEVER EVER spoken about diversity like he does in this video, he has been trying to take credit for the diversity of the police dept. from past court decisions. Listen to what Finch said, he said they changed the system and they had on the 14 panels, they had on each panel one City worker, one police officer and one civilian. All 14 panels knew candidates who took this exam and the City didn’t pay anyone anything but candidates had a financial cost they paid to the City. In the past the City always had panels where none of them knew any of the candidates because they were from out of town and out of state. The City got federal funds to give this exam where they could bring in non-Bridgeport people. Why the change?
Mr. Mackey, all I see is another scam by Finchocchio. A few weeks back he said he was going to hire 40 new police officers.
Ganim makes an announcement, if elected he will hire 100. Now Finchocchio says he will hire 100. Always two steps behind Ganim.
I’m just saying.
This announcement is just window dressing. The Finch administration has never been transparent, acting as if it is an intolerably bothersome chore to explain itself. I speak in plurality because it is more than obvious Bill Finch is not calling the plays. So everyone up there in the ivory tower, Adam “Pecker” Wood, Maryli Secrest, Sherwood and all the other sour fruit in that barrel, they are all at fault. The problem is, Bill Finch will be the one losing credibility.
I’m confused, is this list where all 100 officers will come from or will there be more tests next year?