Branford New Police Chief Sworn In: “We Will Have High Standards”

BRANFORD, CT - Last night, Chief Jonathan R. Mulhern was sworn in as the Chief of Police in Branford.

After being pinned by his family, he gave a powerful and heartfelt speech, according to the department’s Facebook page. Here is what he said:

He mentioned a quote from President Calvin Coolidge,

“The duties which a police officer owes to the state are of most exacting nature.

No one is compelled to choose the profession of a police officer, but having chosen it, everyone is obliged to live up to the standard of its requirements.”

He went on to say, “I have high standards. Our agency will have high standards. Chief McLoughlin (North Haven Police Dept.) always said we police ourselves, before we police others. I believe that.

“I’ve seen the success of that and I will add, every contact counts. Every time we have contact with a citizen, or someone in need, or someone who’s on the other side of the law, that contact matters. That’s what builds our trust...Always remember, just do the right thing.

“These are simple phases and ideas, but they will keep us committed to ethical policing. It will generate trust and help us maintain strong relationships with the community that we serve.”

He ended by saying, “we must not forget that our courage, our commitment, and the gratitude of those we serve forms the counterweight that prevents scrutiny and anti-police sentiment from tipping the scale.”

As the new Chief of Police, he expressed how important this position is and how he’s honored to serve the men and women of the Branford Police Department and the people of this great community. “I’m prepared. I’ve been strengthened by more core values, guided by my mentors and worked over 25 years with some of the best in the business...if I haven’t already, I will earn your trust and your respect. Together we will forge a team that can collectively support any challenges that law enforcement bears upon us.”

You can watch the ceremony on BCTV’s Facebook page.