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Naugatuck police launch internal investigation involving lieutenant’s Facebook videos

NAUGATUCK — Naugatuck police launched an internal investigation Sunday involving one of their lieutenant’s “concerning” videos posted to...

NAUGATUCK — Naugatuck police launched an internal investigation Sunday involving one of their lieutenant’s “concerning” videos posted to Facebook.

The videos, obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media, show Lt. Bryan Cammarata, the department’s public information officer, donning a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement hat and commenting that he has been having a lot of luck recently getting to front of lines at stores, the DMV and other businesses in Waterbury.

In another video he discusses a going into a coffee shop where they, “spoke English, they understood in English.”

Chief Edson said Sunday in a statement,  “that the message relayed in these videos is in contrast to the values of the Naugatuck Police Department and not representative of the high level of public service the community of Naugatuck expects and deserves.”

Read the full statement from Naugatuck Police below:

On February 15, 2019 the Naugatuck Police Department was made aware of two undated videos posted by Naugatuck Police Lieutenant Bryan Cammarata on his personal Facebook page. Chief Edson has found the content of these videos concerning and has initiated an internal affairs investigation to determine if Departmental policies have been violated. Chief Edson reiterates that the message relayed in these videos is in contrast to the values of the Naugatuck Police Department and not representative of the high level of public service the community of Naugatuck expects and deserves.

Cammarata responded to the investigation Sunday in a statement, saying he is sorry for the videos and explained that he “attempted to use satire to shed a humorous light on the issue of immigration that has been part of our country’s dialogue for the last few years.”

The lieutenant continued by saying the views he expressed in those videos are his own and do not reflect the Naugatuck Police Department.

Cammarata who was also the Naugatuck Public Information Officer (PIO) was removed from his duties by the Police chief until further notice.

Read Cammarata’s full statement below:

Over the weekend I was confronted by news outlets regarding videos that I had posted on my personal Facebook account as far back as 2017. Those videos have offended folks in Naugatuck and surrounding communities and they have placed me, and unfortunately by extension, the Naugatuck Police Department in a bad light.

I am sorry for the videos that I posted. In posting them, I attempted to use satire to shed a humorous light on the issue of immigration that has been part of our country’s dialogue for the last few years. My attempt at humor missed the mark. I have offended folks in the community with my commentary. I am truly sorry for that. As a police officer, father, and community volunteer, I can do better.

The thoughts that I expressed in those videos are mine alone and I take responsibility for them. They are not a reflection of the Naugatuck Police Department, and I apologize to my brothers and sisters on the police force whose integrity and respect should not have been questioned because of my actions.

Throughout my career, I have sought to perform my job with the highest integrity, and my record reflects that. I have worked to ensure that the men and women who work by my side deserve the respect that they have invariably earned in the community.

I know that I have to earn back the trust and respect of those that I serve and I intend to do so. Our communities are strong because of the diverse views, opinions, and cultures of the people who live in them. Naugatuck is a reflection of that diversity. The folks who live and work here deserve to be judged on the contributions that they make to the community and the kindness that they share. Broad disparagement of groups of people does not build community strength. My commentary and videos likely weakened the bonds that bring our communities together. Today I commit to working harder for all the people that I serve, and I will recognize the dignity of each person that I encounter.

I have nothing but love and compassion in my heart for all people of every color, creed, gender and orientation and have dedicated my life towards helping others at every opportunity.

Sincerely,

Lt. Bryan Cammarata

Naugatuck Police Union

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