Haverhill, Massachusetts, October 22, 2025
News Summary
An independent investigation has been initiated into the Haverhill Police Department following a tumultuous leadership period marked by three chiefs in three days. The inquiry aims to address community concerns over police management and safety in schools, especially after recent fatal incidents involving officers. Attorney Regina Ryan will lead the investigation, examining complaints against former leaders and seeking to restore public confidence amid ongoing scrutiny.
Haverhill, Massachusetts — An independent investigation into the Haverhill Police Department was announced following a period of significant leadership changes—three chiefs in three days, as city officials move to address mounting criticism and community concerns about department management and school safety.
What happened
An independent investigation into Haverhill’s police department was announced following a period of significant leadership changes—three chiefs in three days. The review was launched after a summer custody death and a separate, unexpected officer death in September, and comes amid growing frustration from residents and educators over perceived silence from city leadership on safety issues affecting the community and public schools.
Why the investigation was started
The investigation was prompted by the death of Francis Gigliotti during police custody over the summer and the unexpected passing of Officer Katelyn Tully in September. The announcement follows pressure from the Gigliotti family seeking greater transparency and community members questioning department oversight and school safety.
Who is conducting the review and what it will examine
The investigation, led by Attorney Regina Ryan from Discrimination and Harassment Solutions LLC, will focus on complaints against former Chief Robert Pistone and Deputy Chief Stephen Doherty. The probe is expected to involve in-depth interviews and documentation review and may take several months to complete, according to law enforcement experts familiar with similar inquiries. The investigation excludes Gigliotti’s death, which is still being reviewed by the Essex District Attorney’s Office.
Department leadership and internal responses
Following the recent departures, Captain Wayne Tracy has been appointed as acting chief of police. The Haverhill Police Patrolmen’s Association issued a vote of no confidence in former Chief Pistone and Deputy Chief Doherty, citing concerns about mismanagement and lack of transparency. An anonymous letter circulated among union members accused Pistone of fostering a culture that limited open communication among officers and noted that some officers rejected Pistone’s presence at Officer Tully’s funeral, reflecting deep internal discontent.
City leadership and public reaction
Residents and educators have expressed frustration over city leaders’ silence on issues impacting the community, particularly related to the police department and public schools. Mayor Melinda Barrett has previously preferred to issue updates via statements but faced increased media inquiries and community pressure after the recent events. Mayor Barrett was reported to be off-site when approached for comments.
Timeline and next steps
Officials have said the independent review is intended to determine whether departmental practices and leadership created conditions that affected public safety and officer well-being, and to recommend changes if warranted. Law enforcement experts estimate the inquiry could take months and will result in a written report for the mayor. The Essex District Attorney’s Office continues its separate review of the Gigliotti custody death.
Context
The investigation is taking place amid heightened scrutiny of local policing and school safety, and follows specific events that prompted public and internal calls for accountability. City officials have indicated a desire for timely but thorough work to restore public confidence and address officer morale.
FAQ
- What prompted the independent investigation?
- The investigation was prompted by the death of Francis Gigliotti during police custody over the summer and the unexpected passing of Officer Katelyn Tully in September.
- When was the independent investigation announced?
- An independent investigation into Haverhill’s police department was announced following a period of significant leadership changes—three chiefs in three days.
- Who is leading the investigation and what will it examine?
- The investigation, led by Attorney Regina Ryan from Discrimination and Harassment Solutions LLC, will focus on complaints against former Chief Robert Pistone and Deputy Chief Stephen Doherty.
- Does the investigation cover the death of Francis Gigliotti?
- The investigation excludes Gigliotti’s death, which is still being reviewed by the Essex District Attorney’s Office.
- What did city leaders say when asked for comment?
- Mayor Barrett was reported to be off-site when approached for comments.
Quick reference table
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Investigation announced | An independent investigation into Haverhill’s police department was announced following a period of significant leadership changes—three chiefs in three days. |
| Reasons cited | The investigation was prompted by the death of Francis Gigliotti during police custody over the summer and the unexpected passing of Officer Katelyn Tully in September. |
| Investigation lead | The investigation, led by Attorney Regina Ryan from Discrimination and Harassment Solutions LLC, will focus on complaints against former Chief Robert Pistone and Deputy Chief Stephen Doherty. |
| Scope exclusion | The investigation excludes Gigliotti’s death, which is still being reviewed by the Essex District Attorney’s Office. |
| Union action | Haverhill Police Patrolmen’s Association issued a vote of no confidence in Pistone and Doherty. |
| Acting chief | Captain Wayne Tracy appointed as acting chief of police. |
| Mayor response | Mayor Barrett was reported to be off-site when approached for comments. |
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Additional Resources
- Boston 25 News: Haverhill Police Department Facing Heavy Criticism
- WCVB: Haverhill Mayor Places Acting Chief on Leave
- CBS News: Haverhill Police Francis Gigliotti Video
- MassLive: Man Who Died After Police Struggle Identified
- Boston 25 News: Haverhill Police Chief Resigns Amid Controversy
- Wikipedia: Haverhill, Massachusetts
- Google Search: Haverhill Police Department
- Google Scholar: Haverhill Police Investigation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Haverhill
- Google News: Haverhill Police Department
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