Kimber Backs Esserman

Embattled Police Chief Dean Esserman does have at least public figure left in his corner: the Rev. Boise Kimber.

Kimber released a letter, co-signed by the Rev. James Newman, in support of Esserman in the wake of calls for the chief’s resignation and a three-week paid leave ordered by the mayor in the wake of another incident of public misbehavior.

Over 70 percent of readers participating in an Independent ​“True Vote” poll say Esserman should not return to his job when his pad leave ends.

Kimber, a longtime city powerbroker who boasts a close relationship with the Rev. Al Sharpton, and Newman are part of a ministers group that meets regularly with the chief at police headquarters to discuss cop-community issues.

Following is the text of their letter:

To Whom It May Concern:

For the past five years, since Chief Esserman took command of the New Haven Police Department, members the Greater New Haven Clergy Association (GNHCA) have worked closely with him and his assistant chiefs to improve community-based policing in New Haven.

We’ve met monthly throughout these five years to ensure ongoing dialogue and meaningful communication. A mutually respectful relationship is another beneficial byproduct of these meetings.

One GNHCA member, Rev. Keith King, who is also an attorney, initiated the highly successful Clergy Academy some years ago, through which individual clergy members learn about policing, and through which the police acquire a greater understanding of our community.

In this manner, an improved understanding of one another has emerged, and better, healthier relationships among clergy, members of their congregations, police officers, and new police recruits are a result.

We have also held periodic seminars to address matters of community/police relations. Honest, frank discussions of bias – and how bias affects policy as well as on-the-street behavior – characterize these seminars.

As clergy members, we understand the many problems individuals may encounter. At the same time, we cannot and do not judge others based upon any problems they may have. This is the case with Chief Esserman – we recognize that some things need to change, and we will communicate those things directly to him.

In the meanwhile, we pray for his well-being, that of his family, and stand by to assist however we may be called upon to do so.

Knowing Chief Esserman as well as we do, and mindful of steady, dramatic decreases in homicides and other crime these past five years, we believe this is not the time to dismantle New Haven Police Department leadership.

Furthermore, we are amazed that some of those most insistent upon Chief Esserman’s resignation – members of the police union – have no real or legitimate stake in New Haven beyond the jobs they have. With this in mind, we are not willing to allow union leadership, which, as an aside, is predominantly white, to dictate the relationship we have with those who work together with us to advance the cause of public safety and protection in our community.

This is also true with regard to U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly and principles of other law enforcement agencies throughout Connecticut. To date, no one from the union leadership in New Haven has offered to support or engage in positive, crime reduction steps to the extent Chief Esserman, Attorney Daly, and these others have.

Let’s not allow New Haven’s police union to undermine steady, irrefutable progress underway in our city.

Sincerely,

Rev. James, W. Newman
President – Greater New Haven Clergy Association

Rev. Boise Kimber
Chairman – Social Justice and Outreach Committee – Greater New Haven Clergy Association