Board of Police Commissioners Regular Meeting Agenda

Town of Waterford, Connecticut, Police Commission Meeting Agenda
Town Hall Auditorium
3/9/2026 5:00 pm
Call to order and establish quorum:
Pledge of Allegiance:
Public input:
Acceptance of minutes: February 9, 2026 Regular Meeting
Acceptance of minutes: March 4, 2026 Special Meeting
Correspondence:
Traffic Commission Review:
Chief's Report:
a.
b.
g.
h.
K9 Reports for February
Youth Report for February
Investigative Services Report for February
Training Report for February
Support Services Report for February
Patrol Report for February
Animal Control Report for February
Community Engagement Report for February
Old Business:
a.
Police Commissioner Association information discussion

New Business:
a. Flock Discussion
b. Executive Session for police officer candidate interviews and possible action

@ INDUSTRY >
MINUTES
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
February 9, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioner M. Gelinas, Commissioner C. Gamble, Commissioner J.
Dimmock, Commissioner T. Sheridan
ABSENT: Commissioner R. Brule
DEPARTMENT: Chief M. Balestracci, LT N. VanOverloop, LT D. Ferland,
Sgt. Michael Fedor, Traffic Officer M. Devine, Training Officer M.
Bellos, Officer E. Fredricks, Officer J. Jordan
CALL TO ORDER AND ESTABLISH A QUORUM:
Commissioner Gelinas called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the General Meeting Room of
the Waterford Police Department. A Quorum was established.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC INPUT:
Quaker Hill resident Helen Kwasniewski spoke about concerns regarding some residents
plowing snow from private driveways across public roadways onto neighboring properties. She
noted that it is unfair to burden neighbors with additional snow piles.
The Officer of the Year award was presented to Officer Julie Jordan

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Sheridan and seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to
accept the January 8, 2026 Special Meeting minutes. Motion passed.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gamble and seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to
accept the January 12, 2026 Regular Meeting minutes. Motion passed.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Correspondence was reviewed.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION REVIEW:
Traffic Report was received.
CHIEF’S REPORT:
a. K9 Reports for January
January report was received.
b. Youth Reports for January
January report was received.
c. Investigative Services for January
January report was received.
d. Training Report for January
January report was received.
e. Support Services Report for January
January report was received.
f. Patrol Report for January
January report was received.
g. Animal Control Report for January
January report was received.
h. Community Engagement Report for January
January report was received.

OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:
a. Interns Caleb Cobb of Mitchell College and Kian Gordy of WHS introduced
themselves to the Commission.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Dimmock and seconded by Commissioner Sheridan to
enter into Executive Session, including Chief Balestracci at 5:29 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
The Board came out of Executive Session at 6:15 p.m. No votes or actions were taken while in
Executive Session.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Sheridan and Seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to
adjourn the meeting at 6:16 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by:
one & Reise!
Diane E. Driscoll
Recording Secretary

‘e \NOUSTRy
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
March 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioner R. Brule, Commissioner M. Gelinas, Commissioner J.
Dimmock, Commissioner C. Gamble, Commissioner T. Sheridan, Human
Resources Director Christine Walters
DEPARTMENT: Chief M. Balestracci, LT David Ferland, LT N. VanOverloop,
LT P. Flanagan
CALL TO ORDER AND ESTABLISH A QUORUM:
Commissioner Gelinas called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Police Department
Executive Conference Room.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Dimmock and seconded by Commissioner Brule to enter
into Executive Session, including Chief Balestracci and HR Director Christine Walters at 5:01
p-m. Motion passed unanimously.
The Board came out of Executive Session at 6:04 p.m. No votes or actions were taken while in
Executive Session.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Sheridan and seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to
appoint Lieutenant David Ferland to Chief of the Waterford Police Department, effective upon
Chief Balestracci’s retirement on March 27, 2026, and contingent upon an agreeable contract
between the Town of Waterford and Lieutenant David Ferland. Motion passed unanimously.

BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSION STATEMENT ON ACTION TAKEN
The Town of Waterford Board of Police Commissioners is pleased to announce the appointment
of Lieutenant David Ferland as the next Chief of Police for the Waterford Police Department,
effective Friday, March 27, 2026, contingent upon an agreeable contract between the Town of
Waterford and Lt. David Ferland.
Lieutenant Ferland will assume leadership of the Department upon the retirement of Chief Marc
Balestracci, who concludes his distinguished service to the Town on that date. Chief
Balestracci’s tenure has been marked by steadfast dedication, professionalism, and a deep
commitment to public safety. The Board extends its sincere gratitude for his years of exemplary
service to the community.
In accordance with the Town’s approved policy governing the selection of a Chief of Police, the
Board of Police Commissioners conducted a comprehensive and structured review process. This
process included a thorough evaluation of qualifications, leadership experience, professional
achievements, and demonstrated commitment to community policing. Lieutenant Ferland not
only met all established requirements for the position but exceeded them, distinguishing himself
through his proven leadership, depth of experience, and clear vision for the continued
advancement of the Department.
The Board of Police Commissioners looks forward to working with Chief-Appointee Ferland as
he leads the Department into its next chapter and remains committed to supporting the men and
women of the Waterford Police Department in their service to the residents of Waterford.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Brule and seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to adjourn
the meeting at 6:05 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by:
Dinw & Briooll
Diane E. Driscoll
Recording Secretary

LINE OF SIGHT ISSUES:
Multiple complaints of line of sight issues regarding snow banks due to heavy snow fall and cold
temperatures preventing melting. DPW worked to correct these issues with additional equipment to
remove snow.
DOT RELATED ISSUES.
NONE TO REPORT
The Waterford Police Department
Traffic Officer Report
February 2026
ENFORCEMENT RELATED COMPLAINTS:
No significant complaints. Lots of snow and ice on the roads lead to less speeding and alternate violations
were being looked for.
REQUESTS FOR SIGNS OR CHANGE OF ROADWAY FEATURES:
No new requests
UPCOMING EVENTS:
No upcoming events
UPCOMING ROAD CONSTRUCTION WITH CLOSURE:
No large new projects taking place in the near future have been brought to my attention.
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT: 143 Total Traffic Stops
Officer Devine #88 Reed #93 Charron #89 TOTAL
Infractions 2 40 21 63
warnings 13 36 26 75
misdemeanor 0 3 2 5
SPEED TRAFFIC SIGN DEPLOYMENT:
Three solar powered speed signs are currently deployed around town at the below listed locations:
1. Great Neck Road (Route 213) southbound at Great Neck School. (25 mph zone)
6918:
6269.
5660.
5031
4402.
3773.
3145:
2516
1887:
1258.
629.
cote.
1-5 : 1323
6-10 3202
11-15 2912
16-20 1690
21-25 e 2413
26-30 6918
Ss 31-35 6498
36-40 1890
aaa 254
(46-50 20
51-55 2

The Waterford Police Department
Traffic Officer Report
February 2026
2. Clark Lane southbound near Clark Lane Middle School (30 mph zone)
rss 1-5 70
was 6-10 124
wa 11-15 192
sss 16-20 530
3 21-25 1318
me 26-30 7530
sis 31-35 17033
a 36-40 11474
on 41-45 2665
— «46-50 374
as 51-55 60
a 23 56-60 i |
61-65 “|
3. Vauxhall St. southbound south of Hickory Lane. (35 mph zone)
= 6-10 ~ 645
= E 11-15 1118
“ 16-20 728 |
is 21-25 1398
= 26-30 2728
= ~ 31-35 5995
ee 36-40 12420
- 41-45 9584
as 46-50 3038
i BABB 525
56-60 | 109
61-65 =
66-70 7
71-75 2
76-80 1

3:
8325,
7568
6055.
5298
Asst
37e4.
3027,
2270.
1514
757.
The Waterford Police Department
Traffic Officer Report
February 2026
Old Norwich Road, southbound prior to Totoket Rd. (30 mph Zone)
| 1-5 15
6-10 40
11-15 48
16-20 163
L 21-25 568
26-30 - 2952
31-35 8325
36-40 7509
41-45 2234
_ 46-50 | 335
51-55 45
56-60 4
61-65 1

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
K-9 Activity Report
February 2026
K-9 Ozzy
Monthly Uses: 1
2026 Uses: 1
K-9 Tico
Monthly Uses: 3
2026 Uses: 4
K-9 Usage
Ozzy
¢ On February 19, 2026 Officer Surdo conducted a motor vehicle
stop and Officer Genung was the back up officer. While speaking
with the occupants, they both had conflicting stories as to where
they were going. K9 Ozzy was deployed for an open air sniff of
the exterior of the vehicle and he displayed alert behavior. K9
Ozzy was deployed for an interior sniff of the vehicle and he
again showed alert behavior. A hand search of the interior of the
vehicle was conducted and narcotic paraphernalia was located.
Tico
¢ On February 13, 2026, Officer Surdo and K9 Tico were requested to assist the Ledyard
Police Department on a motor vehicle stop. K9 Tico was deployed for an exterior open
air sniff of the vehicle where he showed alert behavior. A search of the vehicle netted
negative findings for narcotics.
¢ On February 26, 2026, Officer Surdo conducted a motor vehicle stop and deployed K9
Tico for an open air sniff of the vehicle and he did not show alert behavior.
Monthly Training
+« Monthly K-9 training was conducted on 2/10/2026 and 2/24/2026 in obedience,
tracking, article search, building search, area search, narcotics detections, and
apprehension work.

| THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
“t Youth Office Activity
2 Report
February 2026
¢ SRO Malbaurn, SRO Lane, Lt. Flanagan,
Set. Fedor, and Off. Boxley attended a ju-
venile review board Referring Agency
Training hosted by the Connecticut Youth
Services Association. This training focused
on identifying cases appropriate for refer-
ral and understanding eligibility criteria.
¢ SRO Lane attended SRT training which
was hosted at CLMS and went over district
wide school safety procedures with the re-
gional team.
¢ SRO Winters assisted the Oswegatchie Ad-
ministrative team with a juvenile EDP on
February 19, 2026.
¢ SRO Malbaurn and SRO Lane attended
several middle school and high school win-
ter sporting events after hours.
¢ SRO Winters attended the Oswegatchie
School science night on 2/12/26.
¢ SRO Lane co-taught three classes at
CLMS on the dangers of “Sexting”.
¢ SRO Malbaurn met with a parent and
made a family referral to an in school
counselor with ESS (Effective School — — —_
Solutions). Month at a Glance
¢ SRO Malbaurn assisted WHS school Home Visits: 0
admin / juvenile probation with a stu- CAD Report: 0
dent who will be attending Project
Courage (substance abuse program). Case Reports: 2
Arrests: 0/ JRB Referrals: 0
SROs Lane, Malbaurn and Winters continue to meet and talk with students on a daily basis for school, personal, and
social related topics in an effort to develop lasting relationships b/w the department and the youth in our community.

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Investigative Services
Division
February 2026
In the month of February 2026 the Investigative Services Division worked or assisted with
14 investigations.
Current Active Investigations (82 Cases):
(These numbers do not include assist’s to the Patrol Division)
Homicide-1 Pistol Permits-5
Burglary-6 Skimmer—1
Robbery-2 Fraud—S
ID Theft—1 Larceny —-4
Untimely—2 Stolen Vehicle—1
Child Abuse/Neglect —1 Narcotics—1
Juvenile Sex Assault—2
Year to Date Statistical Report
Case Search Background Arrests Sex
Numbers Warrants Cheeks Assaults
5 10 0 1 4
Phone Extract | Auto Theft Burglary Unattended Robbery
Deaths
4 0 2 2 1

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Investigative Services
Division
February 2026
February 2026 Updates:
In February the Waterford Police Department hosted our region’s monthly Intelligence Meeting.
The meeting is lead by Investigator Bushwack. This is an opportunity for local law enforcement
departments and their partners to share information regarding crimes occurring in the area. The
New Haven District of the FBI also provided a one hour training on nihilistic violent extremism.
This is a crime in which young teens are groomed over a long length of time on social media to
either conduct acts of violence and/or engage in self harm.
Detective Bonkowski attended a one day online training titled Review of Forensics Principals
hosted by the National Computer Forensics Institute through the United States Secret Service.
Detective Bonkowski also attended a five day training at the University of New Haven titled
Digital Forensics.
February 2026 Investigations:
Investigative Services began drug surveillance on a residence in Waterford. This surveillance
resulted in a drug arrest in a parking lot when Detectives observed a vehicle with two occupants
providing and using drugs with each other while stationed in the parking lot. This was
unrelated to the initial drug surveillance.
Detective O'Connell was assigned to investigate a robbery at the Price Cutter on RTE 32 in
which a firearm was displayed. The same male subject then committed robberies in Norwich
and Montville. The Montville and Waterford Police Department were quickly able to identify a
suspect. The suspect confessed to the Montville robbery and was arrested on site at his
residence in Montville. It was determined that the firearm arm displayed was a facsimile.
Detective O’Connell prepared an arrest warrant for the male subject which has been signed.
Detective Carroll was assigned to the Post Academy for a simunitions training day with recruit
Morgan. He was also assigned to qualify Officer Ramos at the firing range upon completion of
the LEC Academy.
Investigator Bushwack was assigned a juvenile sexual assault in which a juvenile female, while
in the hospital, reported being sexually assaulted by her mother’s ex-boyfriend years before
when she previously resided in Waterford. A forensic interview is being planned.
Detective Bonkowski was assigned to investigate an alleged sexual assault between a wife and
husband approximately two years ago when the couple was residing in Waterford, CT. This case
is ongoing.
Detective O’Connell was assigned an untimely death of an adult female. This case appears to be
an accidental overdose though toxicology is still pending. This case is not suspicious in nature.

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAINING REPORT
FEBRUARY 2026
New Officer Updates
Hiring Process: The Waterford Police Department continues it’s efforts in
recruiting and hiring. Training is holding an active hiring process to fill one current
vacancy and an additional vacancy in the next month.
Recruit Status: Recruit Ramos graduated from the Law Enforcement Council
Eastern Regional Police Academy. Recruit Ramos has started her Field Training
and is currently in Phase 1 doing 25% of the work.
Recruit Morgan has completed his twenty first week at the Connecticut Police Acad-
emy located in Meriden, CT. Recruit Morgan is scheduled to graduate from the
academy on March 18th.

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAINING REPORT
FEBRUARY 2026
Sergeant Nickerson trained all the supervisors on how to use the 40MM
Launcher. This is a non-lethal use of force option that launches projectiles
up to 50 yards to subdue suspects.
A handful of supervisors attended a first amendment auditor training.
This training reviewed many different ways and approaches to handling
and talking to first amendment auditors to help prevent any issues that
may arise.
Detective Carroll went to the POSTC Academy in Meriden to assist with
their simunitions training. This training is a scenario based training with
many different kinds of scenarios. Recruits use simunition guns with simu-
nition rounds to act as if they are shooting an actual gun during their sce-
narios. The rounds are similar to bb’s or pellets.
Sergeant Nickerson attended the POSTC Academy in Meniden to assist
with their low light shooting. This shoot- \\\ io aS
ing day is in bits des k and low light somdic ea ae
the differences between shooting during
the daytime and the nighttime.
Recruit Ramos took a three hour online
LINX new user training. This training fa- J
miliarizes officers with how to use LINX.
LINX is a law enforcement information ex- |
change website that assists officers in find-
ing suspects using reports from other
agencies, as well as known associates just
to name a few.

Records Activity
114
34
FOI Requests
Warrants
Phone Calls
Walk in Assists
Background Checks
Protective Orders
Officer Tasking Requests
Case Erasures
DCF Requests
Court Requests
Abstracts
Video Requests
Reports Accepted
CISS Arrest Packets
CSO Activity
Adult Arrests
Juvenile Arrests
Firearms Transfers
Pistol Permits Issued
Walk In Complaints
Support Services Report
February 2026
*
The CSOs covered 62 shifts were covered
this month.
Records participated in a Valentine’s Day
event the police department with grade
school children
Records has attained a 99% compliance
rate with Clean Slate Erasures.
Fingerprints
Pistol Permits
Employment
Miscellaneous
Peddler/Precious Permits
Warrant Follow Ups

Patrol Report
Commissioners Activity Report
February 2026
Winter Storm Calvin
On February 22, 2026 Winter Storm Calvin arrived in our community
bringing high winds, lots of snow, and a heavy impact to the town. The
patrol division staffed additional officers for numerous shifts, shut down
numerous roadways while emergency utility crews worked to restore
power, and dealt with issues as they came up. In the aftermath of the
storm officers ensured the roadways were safe and initiated several traf-
fic stops for Failure to Remove Snow from a Motor Vehicle.
Retail Theft Crew hits Home Depot: Arrests Made
On 10/26/25 three male suspects went to Home Depot and
brazenly stole in excess of $3,000.00 worth of Milwaukee
tools. Loss prevention advised they had recently been
responsible for over $50,000.00 worth of theft statewide.
Off. Sabilia diligently worked the case obtaining three arrest
warrants. On February 4, 2026 two of the suspects were
taken into custody and charged with Larceny Third Degree.
SELF INITIATED MOTOR VEHICLE ACTIVITY BY BADGE NUMBER
1 88 111 96 98 102 $10 D21 64 107 $17,105
Badge Number
82 89 103 60 109 110 106 87 99 o4
Patrol Calls for Service
Monthly Snap Shot:
Total Service Calls 2424
Case Numbers 124
Arrests 68
Juvenile Arrests 0
Larcenies 29
Arrest Warrants I}
Domestic Violence 9
Investigations
Traffic Crash 42
DUI Investigations 6
EDP/Welfare 30
Check
School Checks 50
Motor Vehicle 514
Written Warnings 274
Infractions 85
Verbal Warnings 135
Misdemeanor LZ
Other 3
Off. Reed w/ 80 stops
Off. Winakor w/ 55 stops
Off. Rogers w/ 54 stops
Off. Charron w/ 49 stops
83 84 \3 022 SiS S16 $18

6 Page 2 Patrol Report
DV Incident Leads to Multiple Arrest
On February 5, 2026 day shift responded to an apartment complex in town for a
domestic disturbance. A male and female were located and both were placed in-
to custody for disorderly conduct. Both subjects failed to show up to court the
following day. On February | 1, 2026 officers responded to their residence and
took both subject into custody for failure to appear in court. The two individuals
were also in violation of “conditions of release” which barred them from being
together. Both subjects were also arrested for Violation of Conditions of Release
(C.G.S. 53a-222) and held on bond until their appearance at the Superior Court.
FLOCK Hit: Domestic Suspect Taken into Custody by Warrant
On January 19, 2026 Off. Rogers responded to a local urgent care facility to take
a domestic violence complaint from a subject at the facility. After an investigation
took place an arrest warrant was obtained for a suspect that lives in Quaker Hill,
CT for Violation of a Protective Order (C.G.S. 53a-223*). The suspect was unco-
operative for several weeks and initially refused to turn herself into the police
department. On February 2, 2026 the suspect’s vehicle hit on the RTE | at Wil-
letts AVE Flock camera and officers immediately responded to the area where
she was located. The subject was taken into custody and then released on bond.
Stolen Car in 2024 Leads to Arrest in 2026
On November 15, 2024 Off. Barrows took a stolen motor vehicle complaint in
the lobby of the Waterford PD. The victim, who resides on S. Bartlett RD, initially
lent the vehicle to a friend but it was never returned. On December 2, 2024 the
vehicle was located in Norwich, CT and returned to the owner. After a lengthy
criminal investigation Off. Barrows got an arrest warrant signed by a judge at
New London Superior Court. On February 13, 2026 Off. Barrows responded to
the courthouse and took the suspect into custody for Larceny of a MV.

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Animal Control
Report
February 2026
e On February 7, a dog that was picked up that had been thrown from a vehicle in 10 de-
gree weather. Actively investigating animal cruelty case.
e Numerous reports of sick skunks and raccoons in the area, possible distemper outbreak
© On 2/22/26 ACO Yuchniuk spent the night at the shelter to ensure heat stayed on dur-
ing the blizzard.
e ACO Ryan and Percy attended Coffee with a Cop, event at Waterford Library, Valen-
tines Day at WPD, event at Groton Library and Special Olympics kick off at Mohegan
Sun Casino
Kast
Waterford Lyme
Calls for Service 59 32
After Hour Call Outs 2 3
Tickets Issued 0 0
Warnings Issued 2 0
Dog Bites ® 5
Animals Redeemed 3 3
Animals Adopted. 1 il
Animals DOA 0 0
Huthanized 0 0
Total Processed 4 4
Money Taken In $45 $25
Donations $15 $10
"Speaking for those who have no voice"

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Community Engagement Report
February 2026
Internship: Intern Caleb Cobb shadowed SRO Winters, Dispatch, Traffic Officer Charron,
SRO Malbaurn, CSO Ziolkovski, and Evening Shift Patrol. Cobb received a tour of the
Groton Town Police Department. Intern Kian Gordy shadowed SRO Lane, Court/Evidence
Officer Barrows, Traffic Officer Charron, Day Shift Patrol, Investigative Services, Evening
Shift Patrol, and Dispatch. Gordy received a tour of the East Lyme Police Department.
Both interns attended a Commissioner Meeting.
Interaction with Youth Services: Spoke about Citizenship at Youth Promise.
Special Olympics Efforts: Attended the monthly Torch Run Council Meeting. Fundraising
for the Southeastern CT Police Penguin Plunge Team. Organized officers to attend the
Torch Run Kickoff Event where Waterford Police received a Level of Excellence Award.
Q _ | > j
ir a ' POLICE,
Domestic Violence Follow-ups: Conducted 1 follow-up with a DV victim. Hosted the CT
Coalition Against Domestic Violence Quarterly Meeting.
Officer Wellness: Assisted at the POST Police Academy OC Exposure Day. Organized
Oswegatchie First Graders to come to the police department to give out Valentine’s Day
Cards to officers. Attended a funeral for a family member of a Waterford Police Officer
and had Hodges interact with the family.
Hodges T-Shirt Contest: Organized a contest for Clark Lane Middle School students to
create Hodges T-Shirt Designs. The winning students will get free Hodges T-Shirts and
lunch with SRO Lane, Officer Fredricks, and K-9 Hodges. Visited CLMS school multiple
times and participated in the morning announcements to promote the contest.
K-9 Officer Hodges: Went to WFSB Channel 3 News for their Super Bowl Prediction
Segment. Attended Chelsea Groton Bank’s Blood Drive, Waterford Library’s “Take You
Child to the Library” event, Groton Town Library’s Valentine’s Day event, and Mystic
Aquarium’s Freezin’ for a Reason Kickoff.
Assistance to Youth Officers: Provided a tour of the Waterford Police Department to
Waterford Cub Scouts.
Interaction with Senior Services: Attended the Valentine’s Day Senior Luncheon. Visited
senior living facilitys to drop-off flowers and chocolates to residents.
Rotary Club: Attended monthly meeting.
Recruiting: Held a recruitment session at Central Connecticut State University.