After being placed on leave, Haverhill Police Chief Robert Pistone has resigned amid intense scrutiny of the department after a man was killed in police custody and criticism of his leadership following the recent death of an officer, the city said.
In a statement released Thursday evening, Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett said Pistone announced he was retiring from his position effective immediately. She accepted his resignation, the statement said.
Deputy Stephen Doherty, was made acting chief and said Thursday evening he will work with city leadership and union representatives immediately to rebuild trust and stability.
Pistone did not respond to requests for comment from the Globe.
“I recognize that the men and women of our police force have faced incredibly difficult circumstances and are grieving for the loss of one of their own,” Barrett said. “Their health and well-being are of utmost importance, and we are making sure they have access to the care they need.”
The shakeup comes just days after the Lawrence and Haverhill police unions shared an anonymous letter on Facebook admonishing his ability to command and response to the death of officer Katelyn Tully last month.
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Barrett said she plans to hire an independent third-party investigator to address the union’s concerns.
The results of the investigation will determine if future actions are necessary for the safety of the officers and the public, the statement said.
Tully, 32, was among the seven officers placed on administrative leave after 43-year-old Francis Gigliotti died during a struggle with officers outside of a seafood restaurant in July, her father told the Eagle Tribune on Wednesday.
Gigliotti’s death was a ruled a homicide by the state’s medical examiner’s office in September,
Shannon Larson can be reached at shannon.larson@globe.com. Follow her @shannonlarson98. Camille Bugayong can be reached at camille.bugayong@globe.com.