"Barrett, Doherty, and other representatives from the mayor's office and the HPD did not respond to requests for comment Thursday morning. Pistone could not be reached for comment. Pistone was placed on leave just days after an anonymous letter purportedly written by family members of HPD officers was posted online that sharply criticized him. Pistone faced increased scrutiny from members of his department after the death of Officer Katelyn Tully on Sept. 26."
"Tensions had already been high within the department after a man died while being restrained by HPD officers in July. Francis Gigliotti's death was deemed to be a matter of homicide, and was attributed to an abnormal heartbeat caused by cocaine and alcohol intoxication and efforts by police to restrain him, according to Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker office. His office is investigating "whether the actions of the police officers were justified.""
Haverhill Police Chief Robert Pistone has been placed on leave and Deputy Chief Stephen Doherty is currently leading the department. Mayor Melinda Barrett provided no explanation and several officials did not respond to requests for comment. The leave followed an anonymous online letter by purported family members of HPD officers that sharply criticized Pistone and increased scrutiny after Officer Katelyn Tully's death on Sept. 26. Tensions rose earlier when Francis Gigliotti died while being restrained in July; his death was deemed a homicide linked to intoxication and restraint efforts, and the Essex County DA is investigating officers' actions. Seven officers were placed on paid leave.
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