Mayor Elicker Delays Search for New Police Chief Amid Investigation

Following the resignation of Karl Jacobson as police chief on January 5, 2026, due to allegations of misappropriating funds intended for confidential informants, Mayor Justin Elicker has yet to initiate a search for a permanent replacement. In a recent phone interview, Elicker indicated that the decision on whether to conduct a search is still under consideration, while David Zannelli, the assistant chief of investigations, continues to serve as acting police chief.

Mayor Elicker appointed Zannelli as the department’s acting leader immediately following Jacobson’s departure. This decision came as the state police began an investigation into the allegations against Jacobson. According to the city’s charter, an acting chief can serve for a maximum of 180 days before the mayor must submit a nominee for confirmation by the Board of Alders.

Confidence in Acting Chief Zannelli

Elicker expressed his confidence in Zannelli’s ability to guide the department during this transitional period. “He has been incredibly responsive to ensuring the department is going in the right direction,” Elicker stated. He highlighted Zannelli’s organizational skills and communication abilities, noting that he is well-regarded within the department. During his recent State of the City address, Elicker referred to Zannelli simply as “chief,” which he explained is a common reference for assistant chiefs in casual conversation.

Reflecting on his first month in the role, Zannelli described the support he has received from command staff and emphasized the importance of teamwork in upholding community policing principles. He acknowledged Jacobson’s contributions to the department, stating, “One mistake doesn’t define a person.” Despite the challenges, Zannelli noted the department’s success in reducing violent crime in the previous year, with no homicides reported through January 18, 2026, compared to two homicides during the same period in the previous year.

Investigation and Future Policies

Regarding the ongoing investigation, Mayor Elicker confirmed that state police are actively interviewing personnel within the police department. He clarified that he has not been interviewed as part of this inquiry. Zannelli stated that the entire department is cooperating with the investigation, ensuring that those who need to be interviewed are doing so. A spokesperson from the state police confirmed that the investigation remains active, overseen by New Britain State’s Attorney Christian Watson.

In response to the issues surrounding the confidential informant program, Elicker revealed that the city is nearing completion of an agreement to enhance the program’s policies. He mentioned a temporary order that will introduce stringent measures to prevent misuse of funds while a more comprehensive policy is developed. The current policy, established in 2008 and last updated in 2016, assigns the assistant chief of investigations the responsibility for managing and auditing all payments from the confidential informant fund.

The mayor highlighted the urgency of reinstating the program, which had been paused following Jacobson’s resignation. “Getting the CI program back up and running is a priority,” he said, adding that the city is conducting its review to understand the circumstances surrounding the fund’s management. Zannelli confirmed that the department is working on updating the CI policy, potentially shifting from annual to monthly audits, to ensure greater accountability.

As the city navigates this period of uncertainty, both Elicker and Zannelli remain focused on maintaining the integrity and safety of the New Haven community.