Special Master Bieder submits his second report concerning FDBI issues, specifically the investigations of three shootings that occurred from 2003-2004 including the Murtha shooting. Judge Burns approves Bieder’s contempt findings on several counts. Sanctions consist of a requirement for updated guidelines and training to fix said issues.
The parties hold several settlement conferences with Magistrate Judge Margolis, which continue into 2009. (Source)
Following an extensive investigation, Special Master Bieder files a report finding the HPD in violation of five provisions of the 2004 Order. Judge Burns agrees with three of these, and affirms Bieder’s suggested sanctions, including a required public relations campaign to inform citizens about the complaint procedure.
Defendants withdraw consent to the appointment of a Special Master to oversee Cintron, citing the costs incurred by Hartford taxpayers without apparent benefit. (Source)
The Plaintiffs re-file a motion for contempt alleging that the HPD has not followed the 2004 Order, and another regarding their failure to devise an affirmative action plan to increase racial diversity on the force.
The Cintron parties agree on a new civilian complaint procedure, known as the “2004 Order.” Plaintiffs file two motions for contempt, one of which charges noncompliance with the 2004 Order.
The parties come to an agreement on updated Firearms Discharge Board of Inquiry (FDBI) guidelines, the demands of which were first initiated in 1999 in response to Salmon’s shooting. HPD Officer Robert Murtha shoots an unarmed citizen, Elvin Gonzalez, and the incident’s investigation is obstructed by union members.
The City submits an application to vacate Arbitrator Murphey’s decision excusing Casati’s behavior. In October, Judge Marshall K. Berger grants it. Judge Berger finds Casati’s reinstatement to be a violation of public policy, and in “excess of the arbitrator’s authority under the submission” (Source).
Salmon’s killing in 1999 brought out deep seated anger around Hartford regarding the HPD’s targeting of minorities and failure to protect those they serve. As the millennium turns, protests across the city give voice to these feelings and community organizers continue to work toward “Justice for Aquan.” Attorney Richard Bieder is enlisted to oversee Cintron’s litigation as Special Master. He finds Officer Allan’s use of force justified, if tragic. In May, Robert Casati’s discriminatory remarks are defended by Arbitrator Albert G. Murphey in his move to reinstate Casati to his position as Deputy Chief. Acting Police Chief Deborah Barrows is
HPD Officer Robert Allan fatally shoots fourteen-year-old Aquan Salmon on April 13th. The collective grief following this tragedy unifies local activists, prompting calls to revisit the 26-year-old consent decree as an avenue for accountability.