Overview
- Mayor Melinda Barrett placed Chief Robert Pistone on paid administrative leave, then accepted his immediate retirement, and named Deputy Chief Stephen Doherty acting chief.
- The city will hire an independent third-party investigator to examine union concerns and broader department operations, with findings to guide any further actions.
- The Haverhill Police Patrolman’s Association issued a vote of no confidence in Pistone and Doherty, following weeks of internal criticism that included an anonymous letter shared by local unions.
- Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker’s office continues to investigate the July death of Francis Gigliotti, which the medical examiner ruled a homicide; seven officers were placed on paid leave in that case.
- Officer Katelyn Tully, 32, died on Sept. 26; her father says she was among the seven officers on leave, while the medical examiner has not yet determined cause and manner of death.