A double shakeup on the high of the Haverhill Police division could solely add to the group’s issues over the integrity of town’s legislation enforcement, in response to an skilled.
On Thursday now-former Haverhill Police Chief Robert Pistone Jr. resigned, citing “the best interests of the city and the department going forward,” after a police union vote of no-confidence in his administration means. The union stated their vote represented a “sincere and urgent call for oversight, accountability, and leadership” on the division.
Deputy Chief Stephen Doherty Jr. was handed the appearing chief’s job initially, however a couple of day later Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett indicated she’d acquired new details about Doherty via “a lengthy and detailed discussion today with representatives from the two police unions” which lent itself to his swift elimination.
“Effective immediately, I placed Acting Chief Stephen Doherty on paid administrative leave,” Barrett stated in a press release Friday night.
Captain Wayne Tracy is now serving because the Performing Chief.
He takes the reins, Barrett stated, simply because the division is ready to endure an impartial investigation into its operations. That investigation “is scheduled to begin on Thursday, October 16, 2025, to proceed openly and with the full support and participation of members of the police department,” Barrett stated in her assertion.
The investigation comes following the sudden demise of 32-year-old Haverhill Police Officer Katelyn Tully on Sept. 26. The police union invoked Tully’s premature demise in calling for the no-confidence vote.
It additionally follows the July 11 demise of 43-year-old Francis Gigliotti, who in response to the Workplace of the Chief Medical Examiner died through murder brought on by “cardiac dysrhythmia in a person with acute intoxication due to the combined effects of cocaine and ethanol while being restrained prone” by Haverhill Cops.
The seven law enforcement officials concerned had been positioned on administrative go away whereas the Essex District Legal professional’s workplace investigates the circumstances surrounding Gigliotti’s demise and “whether the actions of the police officers were reasonable and justified under the circumstances in light of the applicable legal standards.”
Tully was one of many seven officers positioned on go away.
In keeping with 40-year skilled in disaster communications skilled Rick Pozniak, the sudden change on the high of the division could not assist enhance the group’s belief of their police. This issues, Pozniak stated, as a result of group belief is “foundational for effective policing, as it fosters cooperation and mutual respect between law enforcement and the public.”
“When the chief and his replacement are suddenly removed or suspended specifically without a clear explanation from the mayor as is the case in Haverhill, it can raise doubts about the department’s integrity and stability. Media reports highlighting dysfunction only amplify these concerns fueling gossip, rumor speculation and distrust, which tested a serious image and reputation crisis for the department,” he informed the Herald.
Barrett didn’t return a request for remark.
