From 1986 until 2005, David Yale served on the Waterbury, Connecticut Police Department. Most of his career he worked in the Patrol Division and was the most senior patrol sergeant when he retired. He also worked two years as a sworn police dispatcher, and several years as a communications supervisor in the dispatch center. During his time in communications he developed a training curriculum for civilian 911 call takers and established disaster procedures for the dispatch center should it have to physically relocate.
David obtained a bachelor’s degree from Marshall University in Criminal Justice in 1983. In 1997 he became licensed as an attorney, having attended the University of Connecticut Law School evenings and working in his police position on the third shift. Shortly after he was licensed, David became a POST certified police instructor. He eventually taught 14 hours of the 80-hour re-certification program for the northwest region and served as an instructor when the Waterbury Police Department opened its own recruit academy. Subjects he taught included Police Liability, Search and Seizure and Use of Force.
In 2005, when he retired, David joined the litigation department of the firm of Willinger, Willinger and Bucci in Bridgeport, Connecticut. In 2007 he moved to the firm of Noble, Spector, Young and O’Connor in Hartford, Connecticut, and merged into Hassett & George in Glastonbury in 2014 where he continues to practice.
His legal responsibilities include defending police officers and municipalities in federal and state court against accusations of civil rights violations, having argued successfully in the United States District Court and Second Circuit Court of Appeals. He has also assisted police officers that were charged with criminal offenses, faced disciplinary action, or became involved in family law situations. His practice also includes non-police related matters, including personal injury, commercial litigation and real estate.
Dave is a former business owner and operated a company that consulted on, sold, and serviced computer hardware. He is also involved in 3D design and production using emerging 3D printing and additive manufacturing technology.