A Hamden police officer has been arrested and accused of trying to misuse a law enforcement database for personal reasons.
Officer Jennifer King was charged on Wednesday with two counts of criminal attempt to commit third-degree computer crime, according to Lt. Raymond Quinn of the Hamden Police Department.
Quinn said Chief Edward Page Reynolds learned on Oct. 1 that King attempted to have dispatchers run a computer check on a name through COLLECT — a database used by police officers and others in criminal justice that provides access to state and federal law enforcement resources. According to Quinn, the motive for the check was believed to be for “unauthorized personal reasons.”
“The State of Connecticut COLLECT system is strictly regulated and personal inquiries are not allowed,” Quinn said in a statement, adding that all Hamden officers receive training about legitimate uses of the system and those that are inappropriate. “Any such inquiry would be a violation of the Connecticut state law.”
Quinn said Reynolds ordered an internal investigation and placed King on administrative leave, suspending her police powers. The investigation, conducted by the Ethics and Integrity Unit, found that “there may have been a violation” of the law, according to Quinn.
On Oct. 11, the Hamden Police Detective Division began a criminal investigation under the orders of Reynolds. They obtained a warrant for King’s arrest on Friday after a judge and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office signed off on the affidavit, Quinn said.
Following her arrest, King was released on $2,500 bond. She is scheduled to face a judge on Nov. 20.
“This is an unfortunate incident however we hold our officers accountable for their actions,” Reynolds said in a statement. “No one is above the law. While we are deeply disturbed by this officer’s actions, I personally wish to commend the investigative team at the Hamden Police Department.
“After receiving allegations of police misconduct, our investigators responded promptly and efficiently, conducted a thorough investigation, and the officer has been held responsible for their actions and will be held to account in a court of law,” Reynolds added.
According to Reynolds, the internal investigation remains ongoing. King will remain on leave until the matter is resolved, he said.
