Joshua Bergeson
Service Record
New London Connecticut Police Department
| Rank | Officer, Detective (2017)[1], Lieutenant |
| Dates of Service | 2007[1] - 2011. 2013 - current.[2] |
| Salary | $91,112 (2021)[3] |
| Last Known Status | Suspended |
Commendations
2016 MADD Recognition
On May 24, 2016, Bergeson and over 160 other officers were recognized for their efforts to reduct impaired driving.[4]
Incident Reports
2009 Assault
In 2009, Bergeson was off-duty and intoxicated at a club when he slapped a woman.[5]
Response Timeline
Bergeson received a suspension.[5]
2011 Arrest of Reuben Miller
On December 14, 2011, Miller went to an alcohol rehabilitation center. Miller tested with a 0.38 BAC before he changed his mind and attempted to leave. A rehab nurse called an ambulance for Miller. Officer Joseph Pelchat arrived with the ambulance and attempted to restrain Miller. Pelchat called for backup. Bergeson and officer Kurt Lavimoniere arrived and joined the struggle to restrain Miller. Officers used their hands, knees, and pepper spray during the struggle. Sergeant Pickett arrived and threatened to Tase Miller. Officers took Miller into custody and charged him with interfering with police and breach of peace.[6]
Miller had multiple contusions, a minor head injury, bruises around his eye and ribs, and a fractured rib.[6]
Bergeson's report noted the use of pepper spray. None of the officers documented the use of physical force against Miller, which is required when a person is injured.[6]
The officers did not activate their body microphones or other recording devices.[6]
Response Timeline
The agency investigated the use of force and opened an administrative review.[6]
On January 6, 2012, Bergeson was fired for absenteeism and his involvement in this incident.[7]
On April 29, 2013, Miller sued the city, Bergeson, and other officers for violations of his Fourth and Eighth Amendment rights.[6]
In April 2013, Bergeson was rehired.[2]
On May 12, 2015, a judge denied the officers' claim of qualified immunity.[6]
2016 Arrest of Lee Messier
On October 16, 2016, police responded to a report of a woman screaming for help. Officers located the woman and a man, who were involved in a domestic violence incident.[8]
Police claimed that Messier approached the officers and was "directed several times by officers not to interfere and to keep his distance". Messier claimed that he was a witness and was trying to give information to the officers.[8]
Bergeson threatened to arrest Messier and handcuffed Messier. Messier claims that he "received 4-5 direct blows to the head" from Bergeson, and other officers kicked him in the back while holding him down.[8]
Messier was arrested and charged with interference.[8]
Response Timeline
On October 16, 2016, the agency opened an internal investigation.[9]
2022 First Amendment Audit
Response Timeline
The department conducted an internal investigation and Bergeson was cited for violating department policy regarding "respect and courtesy", "conduct unbecoming an officer", and "use of force reporting".[10]
Bergeson was suspended for eight days and ordered to take training.[10]
The New London County State's Attorney reviewed the report from the investigation and determined there were no violations of any criminal statutes.[10]
LEO Ratings
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Officer Josh Bergeson to be promoted to Detective, New London Police Department, 2017-02-15
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Greg Smith, One officer on leave, another suspended in New London, The Day, 2023-03-29
- ↑ Joshua Bergeson, City of New London, govSalaries
- ↑ [1], MADD Recognized Officers, 2016-05-25
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Dirk Langeveld, Two NLPD Captains Retire; Officer Fired, Patch, 2012-01-07
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 Miller v City of new London, U.S. District Court
- ↑ Sasha Goldstein, One police officer fired, one placed on leave in New London, The Day, 2012-01-07
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Samantha Schoenfeld, Conn College student arrested for interfering with police, claims police brutality, FOX 61, 2016-10-18
- ↑ Tony Terzi, Conn. College student says he was assaulted by officer previously fired for brutality incident, FOX61, 2016-10-19
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Greg Smith, First Amendment 'audit' leads to suspension of Conn. officer, Police1, 2023-04-08
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