NEW HAVEN, Conn. — In a stunning development that has rocked the leadership of one of Connecticut's largest police departments, New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson abruptly retired on Monday amid allegations that he stole money from a city fund used to pay confidential informants. Mayor Justin Elicker, a Democrat, announced the news during an evening press conference at the police station, describing the situation as a profound breach of trust.
According to Elicker, Jacobson admitted to taking funds from the informant compensation account for personal use after being confronted by three of his deputies earlier that morning over financial irregularities. The mayor said he had planned to meet with the chief and place him on administrative leave, but Jacobson instead submitted his retirement paperwork, effective immediately.
"The allegations are shocking and a betrayal of public trust," Elicker stated during the press conference. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, adding, "No one is above the law. We put our trust in law enforcement to uphold the law, not to violate the law themselves."
Jacobson, who had led the New Haven Police Department for more than three years, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on Monday. The department serves a city of about 130,000 residents, including the prestigious Yale University campus, and has faced significant scrutiny in recent years over issues of accountability and reform.
The mayor noted that the exact amount of money taken and the duration of the alleged theft remain unclear. He stressed that it does not appear others were involved in the misconduct. City officials, Elicker said, are fully cooperating with state investigators who have launched a probe into the matter.
To ensure continuity, Elicker appointed Assistant Police Chief David Zannelli as interim chief. Zannelli was one of the three deputies who confronted Jacobson about the discrepancies in the informant fund, according to the mayor.
Jacobson's tenure as chief began in July 2022, a time when the department was still reeling from a high-profile incident involving the mistreatment of a suspect. Just weeks before his appointment, Richard “Randy” Cox, a Black man, was paralyzed from the chest down after being transported in a police van without seat belts. The van braked hard to avoid an accident, causing Cox to be thrown into a metal partition and suffer a severe neck injury.
The case drew widespread outrage and led to the arrests of five officers in connection with Cox's mistreatment. Jacobson, upon taking office, recommended the firing of four of those officers. The city's police commissioners ultimately terminated them, while the fifth officer retired before discipline could be imposed. Notably, one of the fired officers successfully appealed and regained his position.
Prior to becoming chief, Jacobson had spent 15 years with the New Haven Police Department, rising through the ranks in various roles. Before that, he served nine years with the East Providence Police Department in Rhode Island, where he gained experience in community policing and administrative duties.
The informant fund, formally known as a confidential informant compensation account, is a critical resource for law enforcement agencies. It allows officers to pay individuals who provide tips leading to arrests and convictions in cases ranging from drug trafficking to violent crimes. Such funds are tightly regulated to prevent misuse, making the allegations against Jacobson particularly damaging to the department's credibility.
Elicker's announcement comes at a sensitive time for New Haven's law enforcement community, which has been working to rebuild public confidence following the Cox incident and other controversies. Community leaders have long called for greater transparency and oversight within the department, and this latest scandal could further erode trust among residents.
While details of the investigation are limited, state authorities are reportedly examining financial records from the informant account dating back several years. Elicker reiterated that the city is committed to a thorough review and will take appropriate action based on the findings.
As interim chief, Zannelli faces the immediate challenge of stabilizing the department while the probe continues. A 20-year veteran of the force, Zannelli has been praised for his work in internal affairs and training programs. He vowed during the press conference to maintain high standards and focus on community safety.
The broader implications of Jacobson's departure extend beyond New Haven. In an era of heightened scrutiny on police misconduct, this case underscores ongoing concerns about financial accountability within law enforcement. Similar allegations have surfaced in other cities, prompting calls for stricter audits of departmental funds.
Looking ahead, Elicker said the city plans to conduct a national search for a permanent replacement, prioritizing candidates with strong ethical records and experience in reform efforts. For now, the focus remains on the investigation, with officials promising updates as more information becomes available.
This story is developing, and The Appleton Times will continue to follow the investigation and its impact on New Haven's police department.