Board of Police Commissioners - Minutes - 04/12/2021

MINUTES
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
April 12, 2021
Zoom Meeting
PRESENT: Vice Chairman Mark Gelinas, Thomas Sheridan Secretary; Christopher Gamble and
Robert Brule Commissioners
DEPARTMENT: Chief Mahoney, Lt. Silva, Lt. Balestracci, Lt VanOverloop, Administrative Sergeant
Ferland, and Traffic Officer Jake Nickerson
CALL TO ORDER AND ESTABLISH QUORUM: Called to order at 5:02pm Quorum was
established
PUBLIC INPUT
No public input.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Acceptance of the March 8, 2021 was tabled until the May 10",
2021 meeting,
MOTION: made by Rob Brule Seconded by Commissioner Gamble to accept the meeting minutes of
Chris Gamble. The vote to table the minutes was passed
CORRESPONDENCE:
+ Quinn Kelly-Request for Patrol Checks of Beechwood Estates.
¢ Victor Ferry- Thank you for patrol checks of Beechwood Estates.
¢ Jon- thank You for Officer Rogers and Investigator Carroll while investigating a financial crime.
¢ Anote from a Girl Scout , thanking the brave Officers for what they do.
¢ Thank you card from Great Neck School Carelot Clubhouse.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION REVIEW:
The review will be conducted during the Chiefs report under Traffic.

CHIER’S REPORT
March Patrol report- Report was received. Lt Balestracci stated that the number of traffic stops
has increased tremendously due to new officers, and with COVID restrictions being relaxed.
March K9 report- Report was received, Lt Balestracci states that with the warmer weather the
number of K9 uses will likely increase.
March Animal Control Report- Report was received.
March Records Report- Report was received. Lt VanOverloop reports that the numbers are
back on track to what they were prior to COVID. She also reports that the Speedbowl
Reopened so the schedule will be busy. On April 24, 2021 the PD will be participating in a
drug take back program.
March Training Report- Report was received, discussed the hiring of James Barlett for Police
Officer. He will be taking the polygraph this week and then the other requirements will ensue
after.
March Investigation Report- Report was received, Lt Silva noted that the sex assault case of
Samuel Moore will be a lengthy investigation and we will continue to see reports as warrants
come out.
March Youth Office Report- Report was received. Lt Silva reported that there will be 3 tents
set up at the high school, this will allow some classes to be held outside, and will require
heightened police presence when they began to utilize them.
March CSO Report- Report was received. Lt Balestracci states that the number of CSOs has
decreased but with East Lyme potentially not requiring our facilities in June we will not need as
many CSO. Chief Mahoney states we will not be filling vacancies. Lt. Balestracci also reports
that the CSO have been doing a great job in assisting in updating the 287 active warrants, they
pull each and every warrant and attempt to update contact information and research the wanted
person. This has helped them vacate and serve some warrants.
OLD BUSINESS
a. 
Body Cameras- They are up and running, the Chief reviewed some footage today to see the quality
and what to expect, he reports that having the cameras in people’s houses is going to require
redactions and may be a bit time consuming but it will be worked out. Thank You to LT Silva,
Sgt. Ferland and IT Tom Price for working diligently to assure the deployment of the cameras went
smoothly.
b. CALEA- Chief Mahoney received a letter stating that a portion of the bill changed and they will
now accept state certification which wil] be a lot cheaper than the original requirements. Lt
VanOverloop continues to work on policies, and coordinates with subject experts when necessary
NEW BUSINESS
a.
b.
The hiring of James Barlett for Police Officer (pending background investigation) was
discussed during the Training report.
The high visibility grant has started. The grant is for 9000.00 and allows 16 6 hour shifts
during the daytime hours. The target is for cell phone use. Rob Brule asks if this must be
advertised, Jake Nickerson replied that it does not have to be advertised, however; he has
reached out to various news sources and have not seen anything or heard anything on the radio
or television. Lt Balestracci has posted it on social media. The focus areas include but are not
limited to Cross Roads and Route 85.

ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: made by Rob Brule and SECONDED by Chris Gamble to adjourn the meeting at 5:28
p.m. Passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by:
Katy Ubu
Rud\ York
Recording Secretary