Hamden Police Officer Arrested, Placed On Administrative Leave: PD

Crime & Safety

Hamden Police Officer Arrested, Placed On Administrative Leave: PD The officer was arrested Thursday on a warrant.

HAMDEN, CT — A Hamden police officer has been arrested on accusations that she tried to use a police database system for personal use, according to officials.

Hamden Police Chief E. P. Reynolds was notified Oct. 1 that Hamden Police Officer Jennifer King tried to have Hamden police dispatchers run a computer check on a name, "for unauthorized personal reasons," in the law enforcement computer system known as the State of Connecticut COLLECT system, according to Lt. Raymond Quinn.

"All Hamden Police State of Connecticut COLLECT system users receive training on the use of the State of Connecticut COLLECT system," Quinn wrote in a news release. "The State of Connecticut COLLECT system is strictly regulated and personal inquiries are not allowed. Any such inquiry would be a violation of the Connecticut State Law."

Quinn said Reynolds ordered an internal investigation and King was immediately placed on administrative leave and "her law enforcement powers have been suspended while the investigation is conducted."

The internal investigation by the Ethics and Integrity Unit found that there may have been a violation of the Connecticut State Law regarding the use of the State of Connecticut COLLECT system, according to Quinn.

Quinn said Reynolds ordered a criminal investigation on Oct. 11 by the Hamden Police Detective Division into the incident and an arrest warrant was obtained Nov. 1.

King was arrested Wednesday on two counts of third-degree criminal attempt to commit a computer crime. She was released after posting a $2,500 bond with a court date of Nov. 20.

"This is an unfortunate incident, however, we hold our officers accountable for their actions," Reynolds said in a statement. "No one is above the law. While we are deeply disturbed by this officer's actions, I personally wish to commend the investigative team at the Hamden Police Department. After receiving allegations of police misconduct, our investigators responded promptly and efficiently, conducted a thorough investigation, and the officer has been held responsible for their actions and will be held to account in a court of law.

"The internal investigation is ongoing. The involved officer will remain on administrative leave until this matter is resolved."