New Haven Police Chief Retires After Fund Misuse Admission

New Haven, Connecticut, police chief Karl Jacobson abruptly retired on Monday after admitting to misusing public funds from a department account intended for its confidential informant program, city officials announced.

The allegations surfaced when several officers identified financial irregularities in the account, which supports informants who assist in solving crimes. They notified the department's three assistant chiefs, who confronted Jacobson that morning. According to Mayor Justin Elicker, Jacobson acknowledged taking the money for personal use during the confrontation. The assistant chiefs then informed Chief Administrative Officer Justin McCarthy, who relayed the concerns to Elicker.

Elicker scheduled a meeting with Jacobson to place him on administrative leave, but the chief submitted retirement paperwork instead, effective immediately. His contract was set to expire at the end of January. Officials have not disclosed the amount of money involved, the duration of the misuse, or the specific purposes for which the funds were used.

In response, Connecticut State Police launched an investigation, with Chief State's Attorney Patrick Griffin appointing New Britain Judicial...