#Bridgeport, Conn. (October 2, 2015) – Today, the Bridgeport Police Department announced the Office of Internal Affairs launched an investigation earlier this week into recently received racially-charged letters.
On September 27, 2015 at approximately 4:00 a.m. a police officer reported that he found the letter on the windshield of his personal vehicle parked in the lower parking lot on Congress St. Officers canvassed the parking lot and found approximately eight vehicles including police vehicles with letters on them. The letter accuses the targeting of certain current and former Bridgeport Police Officers due to their race.
“Upon receiving this letter, I immediately directed the Office of Internal Affairs to begin an investigation,” said Police Chief Joe Gaudett. “The city and the Police Department have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to discrimination of any kind, especially that of a racial nature. We will investigate the letter’s authenticity, motive and every part of the development and distribution of it.”
The Office of Internal Affairs launched an investigation earlier this week and the State’s Attorney has also been notified. The letter uses letterhead from Police Chief Joseph Gaudett, Jr. and alleges to be signed by Assistant Chief James Nardozzi. “I am disgusted that someone would make such a hateful statement and falsify my signature to the document,” said Assistant Chief Nardozzi. “I did not write or sign this letter nor have I made any statements that even remotely reflect the sentiments of this letter. The allegations are ludicrous and sickening.”
The Bridgeport Police Department has one of the most diverse police departments in the state,” said Police Chief Gaudett. “That diversity is a great strength for our department. Any allegation of racial discrimination that seeks to divide our police department or our community will not be tolerated. If the investigation turns up any wrongdoing, swift, fair, just and immediate action will be taken against those guilty of wrongdoing.” (Bridgeport Police Release)
