Connecticut Police Chief Reinstated After Claims that his Officers Discriminated Against Latinos

** ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND, JULY 1-2 ** West Hartford Police Officer Kerry Cloukey uses a laser unit to detect speeders on Route 44 on Avon Mountain in West Hartford, Conn., Thursday, June 22, 2006. Starting July 1, 2006, a new Connecticut law adds $10 to every ticket issued for speeding, failure to yield, making an illegal turn and dozens of other moving violations. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill) (AP)

A Connecticut Police chief is back on the job after a year and a half away, due to claims that his officers harassed local Latinos.

The chief, Leonard Gallo, was suspended while the FBI investigated the claims.

East Haven Mayor Joseph Maturo says Gallo returned to work Tuesday. Maturo said he does not believe the profiling allegations "rose to the level of just cause to get rid of a police chief."

Maturo ousted Mayor April Capone earlier this month. Capone had lost a vote of confidence by police that she said was motivated by union officials who wanted her to publicly state there had been no wrongdoing by police.

In addition to the criminal probe by the FBI, the Justice Department has opened a civil rights investigation.

Latinos comprise 12 percent of Connecticut's 434,000 residents, according to the Pew Hispanic Center. And they account for 19 percent of all students enrolled in K-12 grades statewide.

This story contains reporting from The Associated Press.