Nora Grace-Flood photo
Mansfield and Dunham, both detectives and both named Robert, now titled Sergeants.
Hamden’s Police Commission continued a promotional streak during their final meeting of the year Wednesday evening, moving Detectives Robert Dunham and Robert Mansfield up to sergeant status.
“I’m excited to impart my knowledge to the next detectives,” said Dunham, who’s been with the department for 21 years and will continue to serve in the major crimes unit, now in a supervisory role.
Dunham also has two years of experience working in Wallingford before coming to Hamden.
Dunham, who is Black, has previously sued the town for “intentional discriminatory conduct,” alleging that he was repeatedly passed over for promotions that went to white colleagues with disciplinary records. (Read more about that in this New Haven Register article.)
Meanwhile, Mansfield was promoted to detective in August of this year and was made a sergeant after 11 years in Hamden and four years working as an officer in Guilford. He has spent most of his career in town serving on the street interdiction team.
“I’m still learning a lot,” he told the Independent, asserting that his goal in his newest position is to “spread as much knowledge” as possible to other officers working under his guidance.
Recently promoted Deputy Chief Kevin Samperi, Commissioner Cherlyn Poindexter, Sgt. Robert Mansfield, Commissioner Kim Washington, Sgt. Robert Dunham, and Police Chief John Sullivan.
The commission was also scheduled to hire four entry level officers during Wednesday’s special meeting. Chief John Sullivan said that the town’s personnel department chose to postpone that process.
It will be up to a new commission set to convene in January to govern promotions and hiring practices.
Mayor Lauren Garrett has named three individuals — Elaine Dove, Rhonda Caldwell, and Daniel Dunn — whom she will recommend the Legislative Council approve on Dec. 13 for appointment to the commission.