OLD SAYBROOK, CT (WFSB) – A year-long investigation into the Old Saybrook Police Department revealed an “unpleasant work environment.”

A report cited that as the reason officers left at a high rate.

Thursday, the findings were set to be laid out during a public meeting.

Last year, the town overwhelmingly voted to use tax dollars to fund the independent investigation. It wanted to know why its officers were leaving.

Now, it knows the answer.

Since 2009 when current Old Saybrook police Chief Michael Spera took over the department, around 54 staffers either resigned, retired, or were terminated.

It was why over the last year, investigators with the Police Executive Research Forum, also known as PERF, interviewed more than 70 people. PERF wanted to know why so many left.

Spera expressed concerns, and told the town that officers left for better pay and benefits.

According to PERF, however, the money wasn’t why most officers said they left.

The investigation found that instead, it was because of an unpleasant work environment.

“In interview after interview, employees described an unhealthy work environment filled with stress and paranoia,” said Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna.

Investigators said that officers complained of excessive overtime, double standards for officers and leaders, as well as a fear of retaliation.

“This is a report that was overwhelmingly supported by the public, and rather than now operate by rumor or innuendo, our residents are now fully informed of recommendations from an independent consultant that they feel will be helpful to our police department,” Fortuna said.

The report also included 31 recommendations for improvements.

Fortuna said that the police commission, which oversees the police department will look at all of them.

“My reaction is that the police commission needs to delve into this report, look at the recommendations and see if in fact those recommendations help us continue to attract and retain,” he said.

Spera told Channel 3 that he reviewed the report and awaited the presentation on Thursday night.

“It would be premature to make any comment about their work prior to the conclusion of PERF’s contractual obligation to the citizens of Old Saybrook,” Spera said. “It is important to respect the process.”

The meeting was set for 5 p.m. Due to limited space, it was made available online. A Zoom link can be found here. The dial-in number was 929-436-2866. the meeting ID was 936 6114 5517, and the passcode was 302302.

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