The Inspector General (IG) is the city official overseeing investigations into allegations of police misconduct. The IG is independent of the Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division, reporting directly to the Civilian Police Review Board (CPRB). The Inspector General investigates misconduct allegations that stem from citizen complaints, as well as investigations that the CPRB has initiated on its own. The IG reports findings to the CPRB. The CPRB then holds public meetings to vote on the results.
In the course of an investigation, the IG may take sworn testimony from witnesses concerning the alleged misconduct and may request that the CPRB issue subpoenas to gather evidence. The IG also has access to the same records and files as the Hartford Police Department. On behalf of the CPRB, the IG may make policy recommendations to the Mayor's Office and Court of Common Council.
Department Head
Joseph Lopez
Joseph Lopez is a former criminal defense attorney with 28 years of experience in the Criminal Justice field. He recently served as the Director of the Complex Litigation Unit in the Office of the Chief Public Defender. He is also a Clinical Teaching Fellow at the UCONN School of Law and a part-time lecturer at the University of New Haven’s Henry C. Lee College and Forensic Sciences.