Veteran city cops tapped to lead divisions

10/26/2007

By William Kaempffer , Register Staff

NEW HAVEN - The Police Department has tapped two veteran officers to lead, on an interim basis, two divisions in the department.

Capt. Bryan Kearney, who since 2001 has worked the overnight shift as shift commander in patrol, was selected to run the whole division once Capt. Stephen Verrelli, the current captain of patrol, retires Nov. 2, the department announced Thursday.

Lt. Peter Reichard, meanwhile, will become interim officer-in-charge of the Family Services Division. The division's detectives investigate sexual assault, juvenile crime, domestic violence, missing persons and hate crimes.

"The community relies heavily on police services from patrol and family services, therefore it is vital that we have strong leadership and organization within these divisions," police Chief Francisco Ortiz Jr. said in a statement. "I know we've made great decisions in selecting Capt. Kearney and Lt. Reichard to take on these roles. They have the experience, skills and abilities necessary to be successful in their new positions."

Once Verrelli leaves, Kearney will be the lone remaining captain on the entire city police force, which has eight slots at that rank.

A promotional exam is scheduled for later this year, which could prompt additional transfers.

Reichard, a 20-year veteran, made sergeant in 1996 and lieutenant in 2000. He is currently liaison to the New Haven Housing Authority.

He is a former district manager in Westville and officer-in-charge of ID-NET, a now disbanded street-crime unit. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Kearney, also a 20-year veteran, has been a sergeant since 1990, a lieutenant since 1994 and captain since 1998.

His past assignments include district manager of Newhallville, and officer in charge of the internal affairs division. He also is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.