Board of Police Commissioners Regular Meeting Agenda (PDF)

Town of Waterford, Connecticut, Police Commission Meeting Agenda
Training Room at the Waterford Police Department
01/09/2023 5:00 pm
Zoom Access: https://us02web.zoom,us/j/84386835216
Meeting ID: 843 8683 5216 Passcode: 884936
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/v/kbUWpnDv86 +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Call to order and establish quorum:
Pledge of Allegiance:
Public input:
Acceptance of minutes: December 12, 2022 Regular Meeting
Correspondence:
a. Thank you note from Beth Podsobinski
b. Thank you note from Vincent Ukleja
c. Thank you email from Marianna Grillo, from the Friendship School
d. Letter of Appreciation from Ann Marie Keating, WHS English teacher
Traffic Commission Review:
Chiefs report:
a. K9 Reports for December
b. Youth Report for December
c. Investigative Services Report for December
d. Training Report for December
e. Records Report for December

f. Community Service Officer Report for December
Patrol Report for December
> @
Animai Control Report for December
Community Engagement Report for December
j. Officer Wellness Quarterly Report
Old Business:
a. Police Chief Selection Process
New Business:
a, Executive Session for Personnel Discussion

MINUTES
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
December 12, 2022 at 5:00 p.m,
PRESENT: Chairperson T. Sheridan, Commissioner Brule, Commissioner C. Gamble,
Commissioner M, Gelinas, Commissioner J, Dimmock
DEPARTMENT: Chief M. Balestracci, LT T. Silva, LT N. VanOverloop, LT D. Ferland,
Sgt T. Gelinas, Traffic Officer J. Nickerson, Training Officer N. Surdo
>
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
PUBLIC INPUT:
No public input.
CALL TO ORDER AND ESTABLISH A QUORUM:
Chairperson Sheridan called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the General Meeting Room of
the Waterford Police Department. A Quorum was established.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gamble and seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to
accept the minutes from the November 14th Regular Meeting. Passed unanimously.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gamble and seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to
accept the minutes from the December 5th Special Meeting. Passed unanimously.

CORRESPONDENCE:
Correspondence was reviewed.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION REVIEW:
Discussion regarding when Cross Road painting will be done. Traffic Officer Nickerson said the
painting should be done within the next two weeks weather permitting.
CHIEF’S REPORT:
a. K9 Reports for November
November report was received.
b. Investigative Services and Youth Reports for November
November report was received.
c. Training Report for November
November report was received.
d. Records Report for November
November report was received.
e. Community Service Officer Report for November
November report was received.
f. Patrol Report for November
November report was received.
g. Animal Control Report for November
November report was received.
h. Community Engagement Report for November
November report was received.
OLD BUSINESS:
Discussion of the status of the Chief of Police Selection Policy. There was a question of who is
responsible for revising the current Chief of Police job description. Chief Balestracci said he
will contact the Director of Human Resources for that information.

NEW BUSINESS:
Discussion of appointment of a Commissioner to the Retirement Commission.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gelinas and seconded by Commissioner Gamble to appoint
Commissioner Dimmock to the Retirement Commission. Passed unanimously.
Commissioner Sheridan asked if the Police Department is considering using electric cars. Chief
said that Sgt Farrior has been researching it but it’s not a viable option at this time due to
charging time and other issues that would have to be worked out. Discussion ensued. Chief
Balestracci said the Agency will continue to research this option.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gelinas and seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to
adjourn the meeting at 5:26 p.m. Passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by:
Diane Driscoll
Recording Secretary

DET Ponsodinsé) —

Vincent & Susan Ukleja
Ukleja’s Christmas Tree Farm
81 Old Colchester Road
Quaker Hill, Ct. 06375
December15, 2022
Chief Mark Bailestracci
C/O Waterford Police Department
41 Avery Lane
Waterford, Ct. 06385
Chief Mark Ballestracci,
Susan and | would like to thank you for sending Officer Erickson with the Wellness K-9
To our Family Day event that was held at Ukleja’s Christmas Tree Farm back on December 10,2022.
There was a great turn out for this event and the presence of the K-9 added to a fantastic day at our
Tree Farm. Thanks again and we would like to wish you and your Police Department and family a very
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Sincerely, .
Jwasrk Upla
Vincent B. Ukleja

Diane Driscoll
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Officer Colkos,
Marc Balestracci
Thursday, December 15, 2022 2:15 PM
Stephen Colkos
David Ferland; Diane Driscoll
FW: Thank You!
You made a very positive impression while at the Friendship School yesterday. Keep up the great work!
Thank you,
Marc Balestracci
Chief of Police
Waterford Police Department
41 Avery Lane, Waterford, Connecticut
860-442-9451 Ext. 2282
From: Marianna Grillo <Mare3178@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2022 4:30 PM
To: Marc Balestracci <mbalestraccl@waterfordct.org>
Subject: Thank You!
5 mm omy
Dear Chief,
Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. i
content is safe. i
I just wanted to send a quick email to thank you and your department for assigning an officer to our school
today. I work at The Friendship Schoo! and found it a comfort to have your officer there, especially on this sad
day for our state. It was also lovely to see him in the crosswalk at the end of the day greeting the children as we
walked them to their cars. The children were excited to say hello, though they kept asking if he had a dog. I
think they were looking for Hodges, lol. He must be very popular © Your officer was gracious and kind and a
welcome friend today. Please thank him and thank you all for your hard work and dedication to keeping us safe
each and every day.

Thanks again,
Marianna Grillo

Diane Driscoll
De ea se PT RE ins SATIS
From: Marc Balestracci
Sent: Friday, December 23, 2022 11:48 AM
To: Norman Malbaurn
Cec: David Ferland; Timothy Silva; Diane Driscoll; Nicole VanOverloop
Subject: FW: Praise for the Youth Officer
Norm,
Through my conversations with Superintendent Giard, | know you have been doing well in your new role. However,
emails such as this show the true positive impact you are having at the high school. Keep up the great work.
This will be forwarded to the Police Commission for the next meeting.
Thank you,
Marc Balestracci
Chief of Police
Waterford Police Department
Al Avery Lane, Waterford, Connecticut
860-442-9451 Ext, 2282
From: Ann Marie Keating <AnnKeating@waterfordschools.org>
Sent: Friday, December 23, 2022 11:27 AM
To: Thomas Giard ill <tgiard @waterfordschools,org>
Subject: Praise for the Youth Officer
Dear Tom,
| wanted to express my appreciation for Norm Malbaurn. He is such a great presence at WHS, and it feels as
though he's been here for years. From the beginning of the year, he's made such an effort to build a rapport
with every person in the building- students and staff alike. He always has time to answer questions, and
numerous times, I've seen him talking to students who are in need of meaningful connections with adults, and
he has tremendous patience and good-naturedness with them. Norm is an incredible addition to the building.
| thought you would like to know. Have a great holiday! Sincerely, Ann Marie Keating (WHS English teacher)
1

WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT TRAFFIC REPORT
* December 2022
Traffic Complaints:
The Traffic Officer (TO) received 2 complaints for speeding and parking issues. The complaints were for already
known issue locations and are continuously under watch by patrol. Some additional traffic calming methods are
under discussion for several roads in Waterford. Primarily fog line striping to narrow the travel Janes.
Road Permits
No new Road Permits were received. This is the normal lull in road permits which will pick back up in early spring.
Trailer Display Signs
The Signs were deployed at several locations over the holidays to implore drivers to be safe on the roadways.
Proposed Building Projects
Affordable housing plan for the development on Clark Lane was reviewed. The private roadways in the
development appear to be adequate. The entrances show adequate field of view and should not cause line of
sight issues.

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
‘K-9 Activity Report
| POLICE
December 2022
K-9 Neo
Monthly Uses: 4 Training
2022 Uses: 46 Monthly K-9 training was conducted on 12/6
& 12/20 in obedience, tracking, article search,
K-9 Ozzy ah :
building search, area search, and aggression.
Monthly Uses: 4
2022 Uses: 55
K-9 Usage
Neo
¢ On 12/24/2022 Officer Epps and K-9 Neo assisted Old Saybrook Police with a track for
an operator who fied from a MVA. The track lasted approximately 1/2 mile before it was
terminated
¢ On 12/26/2022 K-9 Neo was deployed for a vehicle search during a motor vehicle stop
and showed a positive alert for the presence of narcotics, and several packaging materials
with residue were located.
¢ On 12/28/2022 Officer Epps and K-9 Neo responded to a mutual aid request in Stoning-
ton for a track of 4 individuals who fled on foot from a motor vehicle accident after being
pursued by RI State Police. K-9 Neo tracked the suspects and successfully located 3 of
them. While they were being taken into custody the 4th suspect turned himself in to offic-
ers.
+ On 12/29/2022 K-9 Neo was utilized for an exterior open air sniff of a vehicle stopped by
Officer Barrows.
Ozzy
¢ Officer Genung and K-9 Ozzy conducted K-9 demonstrations for the East Lyme Police
Department Citizen’s Academy, as well as for the Waterford High School Criminal Jus-
tice classes.
« On 12/20/2022 K-9 Ozzy was utilized to assist in locating a missing juvenile, and as he
began to search the juvenile was located walking back to the residence.
¢ On 12/22/2022 Officer Genung deployed K-9 Ozzy in an attempt to located a missing ju-
venile that was not properly dressed for the current weather conditions. K-9 Ozzy tracked
for a distance and the juvenile was located after coming out of the woods when he was
made aware of a K-9 search.

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Youth Office Activity
Report POLICE
December 2022
¢ SRO Malbaurn and SRO Lane conducted numerous meetings with parents during the month
involving various concerns including possible bullying and a parent’s concerns with their child's
social interactions.
¢ SRO Lane and SRO Malbaurn continue to attend many school sporting events outside of school
hours, often on their personal time to show support for the students and develop relationships
with the school community.
¢ SRO Mailbaurn presented on several teen-
related topics in the WHS health classes.
¢ Both SROs participated in holiday and commu- 2
nity events to include Oswegatchie School Sing-
a-long, Shop with a Cop, Quaker Hill School 4 ee
Tree Decorating at the Police Department and
CLMS Holiday Concert.
¢ SRO Malbaurn intervened in an altercation be-
tween a student and teacher, subsequently
meeting with school administration, the stu-
dent and his mother.
¢ Several mental health concerns were addressed during the month including grief resulting
from the death of a family member, an online report of possible self harm, and an additional
emergency committal for suicidal ideations.
¢ Officer Lane coordinated a meet-and greet event for students at CLMS in which several officers
participated in greeting and interacting with students and staff as they arrived for the last full
day of school before the holiday break.
Month at a Glance
8— Home Visits
8-— CAD Report
3— Case Reports
0- Arrests
SRO Lane & SRO Malbaurn 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 between the department and the youth in our community.

THE WATERFOROAD POLICE DEPARTMENT
V@N Investigative Services
Division
POLICE
December 2022
During the month of December 2022 Investigative Services Division was assigned or assisted
with 36 new cases.
Homicide—1
Burglary—3
Pistol Permits—11
Narcotics—1
Current Active Investigations (28 Cases):
(These numbers do not include assist’s to the Patrol Division)
Sex Assault—1
Larceny—3
Crypto Scam—1
Fugitive—1
Elderly Fraud—1
Untimely—4
Background Check—1
Suicide—]
Year to Date Statistical Report
Case Amount Recovered - Search Sex Arrests
Numbers Investigated Seized Warrants Assaults
154 $332,625.90) $51,262.94 31 22 19
Ex-Parte’s Auto Theft Burglary Unattended Robbery Background
Deaths Checks
7 2 8 17 2 17

THE WATERFOROAD POLICE DEPARTMENT
7@N\ Investigative Services
Division POLICE
December 2022
December 2022 Arrests:
Robert Ardoin, 44-years-old of Albany, NY— Extradited from New York on active warrant for Burglary
Third, Criminal Mischief Third, Larceny Fourth, and Larceny Sixth. The investigation, initiated in April
2021, for a series of commercial burglaries within the Crystal Mall. Suspect was developed through contact
with local hotels and review of surveillance footage. Ardoin was also found to have an active warrant for his
arrest in New Jersey. Detective’s have completed a fugitive warrant so he can be held for New Jersey
authorities.
Anthony Dodd, 42-years-old of New London — Investigative Services was conducting undercover
operations related to retail theft during the holiday season. During this operation patrol officers responded to
a possible larceny in progress call at a local business. Those assigned to the retail operation responded and
located Dodd. His identity was confirmed and it was learned he had an active warrant from the Groton Town
Police Department. Patrol officers arrested Dodd for Conspiracy to Commit larceny Sixth, Criminal
Trespass, and was held for the Groton Town Police Department.
Steven Wisniewski, 38 of No Certain Address — was arrested on an active warrant for Larceny in the First
Degree stemming from a theft from a Waterford residence in October 2022. Detectives identified Wisniewski
and the places the stolen items were sold. Wisniewski was held on a $100,000.00 bond and presented to
court,
December 2022 Investigations:
Timothy LeBlanc, 62-years-old of Waterford — Patrol received complaints of various pathway lighting
being stolen over a certain period of time. Investigative Services conducted surveillance of the neighborhood
and located similar lighting in the front yard of LeBlanc’s home. They made contact with LeBlanc, obtained
a confession and recovered 6 pathway lights, that were returned to the proper owners. Confession and suspect
information provided to the Patrol Officer for arrest.
Investigative Services conducted a neighborhood canvas and search for a vehicle involved in a hit and run
accident on Great Neck Road. Patrol Officers had responded the previous evening to the accident and had not
located the suspect vehicle. While conducting a canvas in a local neighborhood a tip was received that led
investigators to a home a few houses away. The suspect vehicle and operator were located and identified. A
confession was obtained from the operator. The information was provided back to the Patrol Officer. The
accident is still under investigation.
During the month of December, Investigative Services members executed 4 search warrants related to
financial crimes. Additionally, members have assisted and tracked cryptocurrency related scams designed to
steal money from unwitting victims. Two Crypto-Wallets have been frozen but no money was received for
the victims.
Officer Rodriguez was assigned to the Connecticut State Police Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF). He has
assisted in identifying three (3) suspects in two (2) different shooting instances in New London County. His
assignment has also led to more information sharing between surrounding police departments and our
officers related to local violent crimes. Many of the crimes occur between Norwich and New London with
many suspects traveling through our community. This information allows for greater officer safety and the
ability to assist with locating suspects and vehicles involved in crimes.

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAINING REPORT
DECEMBER 2022.
New Officer Updates
Hiring Process: Officer Christopher Ewing has completed Field Training and is
currently assigned to the Patrol Division.
Police Candidate Andrew Reed has also successfully passed the background investi-
gation and is scheduled to attend the first Law Enforcement Council (LEC) police
academy in January, 2023 in Norwich, CT.
In-house training: Members of the Waterford Police Department completed a
mandatory Blood-Borne Pathogens training. Mark Greczkowski with Waterford
Ambulance Service, Inc. instructed the course.
Waterford Police Department hosted SIRCHIE Evidence Collection & Processing
Training. Waterford Police Department was able to send our four (4) members of
Investigative Services and received one free seat. The training provided partici-
pants with crime scene management, latent print processing, crime scene photog-
raphy, among many other important areas.

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAINING REPORT
DECEMBER 2022
Members of Investigative Services attended an online/virtual training titled, Fire-
arms and Firearms Evidence: Facts and Fundamentals not Typically Covered in
Police Training. The training focused on anatomy of a cartridge, dynamics of dis-
charging a firearm, among many other important topics,
Officer Stephen Rogers and Peter Barrows attended a one-day Street Cop Train-
ing, Connecticut Case Law in Hartford, CT. The training focused on legal court
decisions on proper police procedure in a variety of circumstances.
Sergeant Michael Firmin and Officer Stephen Rogers attended a two (2) week
Basic Crash Investigation course in Cranston, Rhode Island. This 80 hour course
provided knowledge and skills to conduct an initial assessment of every crash
they encounter.
Chief Marc Balestracci, Lt. David Ferland and Sergeant Troy Gelinas attended a
one-day winter meeting and mini-expo hosted by the Connecticut Police Chiefs
Association. In Bristol, CT.
Lt. David Ferland attended an online/virtual Fair and Impartial Policing Training
Program. This course provides a two (2) year instructor certification, which he us-
es instructing officers in-house and at other agencies.
Administrative personnel Jennifer Anderson, Valerie Clark, and Ashley Kuvent
attended a Freedom of Information (FOD course in Farmington, CT.

The Waterford Police Department Records Department
Activity for DECEMBER 2022
This activity reflects daily activity for the reporting month inclusive of: administrative and
court paperwork or processing, contact with members of the public, and state or federal
mandated reporting requirements.
Ticket/Written | Freedom of | Motor | Warrants | Phone | Walk in Background
Warning information ; Vehicle | (Entering | calls | Lobby Check
Entries Requests | Accident or Window | Requests
Entries | clearing)
93 184 81 41 206 139 4
| Protective Officer Case State/Federal | Supervisor DCF
Order Tasking Erasures Report Tasking Requests
Entries Requests Entries Requests
43 44 362 0 24 16
Court Request Case Copies Abstracts
25 4 358

CSO Monthly Statistical Report
December 2022
Waterford Arrests #
Adult 26
Juvenile 2
Total Processed 28
Fingerprints #
Pistol Permits 15
Employment 18
Miscellaneous 1
Peddler / Precious Permits 0
Total Fingerprints 34
Firearms #
Firearms Transfer 46
Pistol Permits Issued 9
Initial Complaints (34's) #
Total 43
> CSO Green is finishing up her training
> CSO’s covered 74 shifts during the month
> CSO Hughes was hired by Montville Police Department
> CSO Reed was hired by Waterford Police Department

Patrol Report
Commissioners Activity Report
POLICE December 2022
Patrol Calls for Service
Car Breaks/ Recovered Stolen Vehicle Monthly Snap Shot:
On December 25, 2022 at approximately 9:30pm officers were
dispatched to the Millstone Point neighborhood for report of multiple
people attempting to break into cars. Responding officers arrived and 2
vehicles fled the area. One of the vehicles was quickly located in the Case Numbers 204
Pleasure Beach neighborhood and determined to be stolen from another
jurisdiction. Four suspects fled on foot and were subsequently located by
officers. One adult and three juveniles were arrested and charged with Juvenile Arrests 6
various offenses, including the stolen motor vehicle.
Total Service Calls 2763
Arrests 71
Larcenies 30
Arrest Warrants 8
Domestic Violence 2
Investigations
Traffic Crash 78
DUI Investigations [1
EDP/Welfare 34
Check
School Checks 60
Motor Vehicle 358
Stops
Written Warnings 67
Manslaughter Arrest 8
On December 28, 2022 Officer Epps was on patrol when he observed a Infractions 45
passenger in a vehicle that he recognized and knew to have an active
watrant for Manslaughter from CSP-Eastern District Major Crimes. Officer
Epps conducted a motor vehicle stop and was able to take the suspect into
custody without incident
Verbal Warnings 225
Misdemeanor ai
SELF INITIATED MOTOR VEHICLE ACTIVITY BY BADGE NUMBER
73-Off. Epps with 46 stops
86-Officer Scarpa with 37 stops
85-Officer Brown with 36 stops
94-Officer Ewing with 27 stops
i 1 J i iy i 1
Si? Ct D22 D238 Sit $13 S816 $18

@ Page 2 Patrol Report
Car v. Pedestrian Evading
On December 21, 2022 Officers responded to 45 Great Neck Rd for report of a pedestrian hit by a
motor vehicle, which evaded the scene. The pedestrian was transported to the hospital for treatment
of non-life threatening injuries. Officer Colkos utilized pieces of the vehicle left at the scene to de-
termine the make, model and year range of the vehicle. The information was shared on the WPD Fa-
cebook page, which garnered a tip from a resident the next morning. Patrol Officers and Detectives
were able to locate the vehicle and speak to the operator, who admitted to operating the vehicle and
striking something that he though was a deer.
Theft Investigation
On December 11, 2022 Officer Devine began investigating multiple thefts of walkway/landscape
lights from various units of a condominium complex that occurred during the month of December. A
photograph of the suspect was obtained from a Ring doorbell camera and shared in PIN. Officer
Bunce was able to identify the suspect. Lt. Silva and Investigator Zaldivar later located the suspect,
obtained a confession, and recovered the stolen lights.
Overdose
On December 18, 2022 at approximately 12:30 am Officer Donovan observed a vehicle stopped on
the side of Rte 32 in Quaker Hill. Officer Donovan stopped to check on the operator of the vehicle as
he appeared to be sleeping. Officer Donovan approached the vehicle and noticed that the operator
appeared blue and was barely breathing. Evidence in the vehicle suggested possible drug use, and
Officer Donovan administered Narcan while calling for EMS. The operator later gained conscious-
ness and admitted to drug use.
Felony Arrest Warrant Assist
On December 16, 2022 officers were dispatched to Walmart for a suspicious male in the store that
they believed to be actively stealing. Officer Epps observed a photograph of the male from store sur-
veillance and immediately identified him from previous police encounters. Officer Epps also knew
that the suspect had an active felony arrest warrant out of Groton. Plain clothes officers from Investi-
gative Services approached and detained the suspect, who was later turned over to Town of Groton
Police Department.
POLICE

Monthly Report December 2022
CALLS FOR SERVICE
AFTER HOURS CALL OUTS
DOG BITES
INFRACTIONS
WRITTEN WARNINGS
ANIMALS REDEEMED
ANIMALS ADOPTED
ANIMALS DOA
EUTHANIZED
ANIMALS PROCESSED TOTAL
TOTAL MONEY TAKEN IN
DONATIONS TAKEN IN
$
WATERFORD
81
Ee Oo UW NY 8 ODO WwW NWN
8
320.00
EAST LYME
36
3
0
1
0
10
1
1
2
14
$ 1061.00
986.00

1) Using the money raised by the Waterford Lions Club, the City of New
London has installed a public safety camera system at the shelter facility.
These cameras are motion activated, record for 30 days and have the ability
to be monitored in real time by Police dispatchers. This will help keep the
animals safe and help identify people who may wish to do nefarious deeds.
2) On 12/10/22 your ACO’s participated in the Niantic light parade, a good
time was had by all, AACO Ryan spent quite a while decorating the van with
lights and garland, she even got some other animal control people and dog
rescue people to march with us. The crowds loved the dogs!

3) On 12/16/22 and 12/17/22 your ACO’s donated their time to dress as
Santa and company to take pet photos with Santa at the Waterford Petco

4) On 12/07/22 animal control received a call from a citizen who purchased a
dilapidated home without doing any inspection or walk through, when they
began cleaning it out they located numerus cats who had been living inside
the unsecured residence which was located next to the junk yard on
Bloomingdale road. It is unknown if these were stray junkyard cats who
came to reside in the abandoned house or if they were left behind by
previous tenants. While ACO’s don’t typically collect stray cats, we began
trapping the cats inside the residence, in total, we caught eight (8) cats,
three (3) are very nice, two (2) are unpleasant and three (3) are coming
around nicely. We will continue to work with them in hopes that they can
all become adoptable.
5) On 12/20/22 someone abandoned a crate of four kittens behind a
dumpster in the freezing temperatures, thankfully someone found them
and we were able to take them in, sadly after being in our care for a few
days, the kittens took a turn for the worse and one of them was found
deceased in the cage, two others were in severe distress, they were taken
to the vet and sadly determined to be suffering from distemper, a disease
that is fatal in kittens. The second and third kittens were humanely
euthanized to send their suffering. The fourth kitten was signed over to the
vet's office in hopes that they can provide her with the care she needs to
pull through, one of the vet techs has agreed to adopt her if she survives.

6) The distemper virus that was introduced to the shelter environment by the
kittens has spread throughout the cat population here, one of the adult
cats came down with the virus and was humanely euthanized. Most
shelters at this point would euthanize every cat in the shelter in an effort to
stop the virus completely, however, we have elected to try and save the
remaining cats, one of which is very pregnant. We discarded all the
bedding, litterboxes, bowls and toys in the cat cages, we sterilized the cages
as best we could, we instituted a policy of utilizing a dedicated cat litter
scoop for each cage, and will be washing our hands between handling the
cats in an effort to mitigate the spread of the virus. We also took the cats in
to the vet to get a distemper vaccination In the hopes that we can get them
some immunity, our fingers are crossed for the remaining cats.
BIOHAZARD

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Community Engagement Report
December 2022 lp
Recruiting/Internships: Intern Bennett shadowed Sgt. Gelinas. She completed her
internship with exit interviews from Chief Balestracci and Ofc. Fredricks. Brian Dec, a
student at CCSU, will be the Spring intern. Held a recruitment session at UNH.
Domestic Violence Follow-ups: Conducted 3 follow-ups with DV victims. Reviewed DV
reports to make sure they were completed properly. Attended a DV Update Meeting.
Interaction with Youth Services: Attended two after school programs.
Officer Wellness: Day shift was provided pizza for their Officer Wellness Day. Created
peer support flyers. Attended a CT peer support meeting with Officer Devine.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: $1,020 was donated to Healing Therapies Thru Sharing
from the Waterford Pink Patch Fundraiser.
K-9 Officer Hodges: Visited the WTFD IT Department, Greentree Manor, Bayview Health
Care, and the Friendship School. Read to Hodges took place at the WTFD Library.
Attended the St. Jude Radiothon, GTPD’s Cocoa with Cops and a WTFD Library holiday
event. Hodges was recognized at a Giants Game by going onto the field during halftime.
Rotary Club: Attended monthly meeting. Served food at the NL Homeless Shelter.
Holiday Events: Attended the town tree lightings and town hall’s open house. QH School
first graders decorated the WPD tree and got a visit from Santa. Organized a toy drive at
LongHorn Steakhouse and attended various other toy drives.
Assistance to Youth Officers: Spoke about traffic stop safety at Rae’s Driving School.
Hodges was used to calm three different WTFD students. Visited all the elementary
schools on the Sandy Hook incident anniversary. Attended three school holiday events.
Stuff-a-Crusier: Six WPD officers and three CSOs participated in a toy drive at Walmart.
Donations filled 5 crusiers and $1,040 for gift cards was collected.
Interaction with Senior Services: Attended two Coffee with a vet events and
two senior holiday events. Created online safety brochures with WTFD Fire Safety
Department. Five officers served food to attendees of the Senior Holiday Luncheon.
Shop with a First Responder: 16 children from families in need were matched up with a
First Responder (WTFD Police, GTPD, NLPD, WTFD Fire, WITFD Ambulance & CT DOC) to
buy presents for their families at Target.

ai AMER,
RS eZ
/ peer \ The Waterford Police Department
SUPPORT
Bee eS Peer Support and
Officer Wellness Report
Peer Support Team members:
Officer Gil Mafeo
Officer Eric Fredericks
Officer Peter Barrows
Officer Mark Devine (Coordinator)
Team members have met on two occasions this quarter, once with Chief Balestracci (October 11, 2022)
to discuss expectations and goals for the program. During this meeting Officer Devine volunteered and
was selected as the coordinator of the Peer program. On November 30, 2022 the members met to
discuss progress and discuss events to be held in the near future to promote the peer program and
officer wellness,
Planned Additional Team members:
The team met and discussed additional members of the Peer Support Team. Officer Ray Rodriguez and
Dispatcher Tina Cook have been selected by the other team members will scheduled for training when
available and approved. CABLE has a scheduled Peer training on January 30 to February 3, 2023 at Yale
West Campus (Orange, CT). Registration has not opened for this training.
LEC Regional Peer Support Team:
No further information from the LEC Regional Peer support team has come out since the meeting on
August 16, 2022. LEC Director, Wilfred Blanchette, advised no new meeting or forward movement has
occurred at this time, due to LEC preparing for it’s first academy class.
North American Peer Support Officer Association (NAPSOA):
On December 8, 2022, Officer Fredericks and Officer Devine attended an interest meeting for NAPSOA,
which is anticipated to be a new association being started in Connecticut and moving on to the national
stage. This association is in the beginning stages and it is anticipated that monthly meeting will follow to
steer the program as it builds. The association intends to facilitate in connecting peer officers in
Connecticut and assist in coordinating large incidents where peer support is needed. Plans for
additional training, above and beyond the basic peer program, as well as mock debriefings have been
discussed as future events. We anticipate in following up on the status of this association and attending
the meetings when possible in the coming months.
Planning of Programs for Officer Wellness:
Discussions about programs have included the following:
- Coffee with the Chaplains to get newer officers acquainted with the Chaplains. The Chaplains
were going to be invited to a wellness pizza lunch during dayshift that Officer Fredericks had
setup, but two Chaplains were ill.
- Adiscussion about having financial advisors and other professionals come in an speak about the
different stages in life and on the job to help personnel plan for retirement, college tuition
payments, life insurance, wills and other life matters. Per Human Resources this will be put on
as a union event. Programs such as Rookie to Retirement from Street Cop training were
discussed.
Lof2

Swe neti by
( Se
M4 ‘\ The Waterford Police Department
SUPPORT
ees aS Peer Support and
Officer Wellness Report
- Discussion about creating a fund to recognize life changing events (i.e. birth of child, death of
family member, etc...) being created, to buy cards, flowers and other items deemed appropriate.
- Discussion about creating a Facebook group for Waterford Police Officers and Spouses. Possibly
open to retirees. This would include pre-checking profiles before being accepted to the group
and having a review feature before posts being allowed. This Facebook group would be for
information sharing on life events, available services and events that member may like to
attend. This will not be a place for political discourse or complaining about current social issues
or trends.
Pending Work to be Completed:
A review of the Peer Support Policy in Power DMS. The Peer Support Program is referred to in two
sections (3.10 and 8.18) of the Policy, but does not appear to be defined or have guidelines.
2 of 2