Board of Police Commissioners Regular Meeting

Town of Waterford, Connecticut, Police Commission Meeting Agenda
Training Room at the Waterford Police Department
10/10/2023 5:00 pm
Call to order and establish quorum:
Pledge of Allegiance:
Public input:
Acceptance of minutes: September 11, 2023 Regular Meeting
Tom and Diane Harrington Recognition
Gordon “Smitty” Beals Recognition
Presentation of Exceptional Service Award to Detective Carroll and Investigator Zaldivar
Correspondence:
a. Thank you letter from Ryan McNamara, Director of Recreation & Parks
b. Thank you from Lakes Pond Baptist Church
Traffic Commission Review:
Chiefs Report:
a. K9 Reports for September
Youth Report for September
Investigative Services Report for September
Training Report for September
Records Report for September
~o9 a9 5
Community Service Officer Report for September

g. Patrol Report for September
h. Animal Control Report for September
i. Community Engagement Report for September
Executive Session for interviews of Sergeant candidates and new hire candidates
Old Business:
a. Police Chief Selection Process
b. Recording of Commission Meetings
New Business:
a. Annual Report DRAFT
b. Review of 2024 Meeting Schedule

a WNDUSTRY 5
MINUTES
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
September 11, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioner C. Gamble, Commissioner R. Brule, Commissioner M. Gelinas,
Commissioner Dimmock via phone
ABSENT: Commissioner T. Sheridan
DEPARTMENT: — Chief M. Balestracci, LT N. VanOverloop, LT D. Ferland,
LT P. Flanagan, Traffic Officer J. Nickerson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
PUBLIC INPUT:
CALL TO ORDER AND ESTABLISH A QUORUM:
Commissioner Gamble called the meeting to order at 5:00p.m. in the General Meeting Room of
the Waterford Police Department. A Quorum was established.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gelinas and seconded by Commissioner Brule to accept the
minutes from the August 14, 2023 Regular Meeting. Motion passed.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Correspondence was reviewed.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION REVIEW:

Traffic Report was received. Traffic Officer Nickerson commented that line painting on Fog
Plain and Oswegatchie Roads will be completed this fall.
CHIEF’S REPORT:
a. K9 Reports for August
August report was received.
b. Youth Reports for August
August report was received.
c. Investigative Services for August
August report was received.
d. Training Report for August
August report was received.
e. Records Report for August
August report was received.
f. Community Service Officer Report for August
August report was received.
g. Patrol Report for August
August report was received.
h. Animal Control Report for August
August report was received.
i. Community Engagement Report for August
August report was received.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. Police Chief Selection Process — The town attorney will address concerns soon regarding
the police chief job description. Commissioner Dimmock asked if a representative from
the Personnel Review Board should be present at the next BOPC meeting to be included
in further discussion. Chief Balestracci said he would extend the invitation to the PRB.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. Recording Commission Meetings — Commissioner Dimmock would like to see all
meetings recorded and available on YouTube for anyone to view at anytime. Chief
Balestracci explained that the current meeting room located in the Police Department

does not have the required infrastructure to make that possible and suggested moving the
BOPC meetings to Town Hall once the infrastructure installation project there is
complete. He mentioned that there will be a cost associated with storage of the
recordings. This topic will remain on the agenda for further discussion.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gelinas and seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to enter
into Executive Session at 5:16 p.m. Chief Balestracci was included in the Executive Session.
Motion passed unanimously.
The Board came out of Executive Session at 5:48 no votes or actions were taken while in
Executive Session.
MOTION: Motion made by Commissioner Gelinas and Seconded by Commissioner
Dimmock to extend an offer to candidate Dylan Luce for the current vacancy, contingent on the
candidate successfully completing the hiring process and background investigations. Passed
unanimously.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gelinas and Seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to
adjourn the meeting at 5:59 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by:
Diane Driscoll
Recording Secretary

Kelsey S Harrington Foundation
Diane and Tom Harrington
Waterford, Connecticut
The Waterford Police Department and Board of Police Commissioners
wish to thank you for your partnership and community investment.
The Kelsey S Harrington Foundation continues to have a positive impact
on our community and their significant contributions to the Waterford
Police Department have not only better prepared our agency to deal
with emergencies, but have also helped to make Waterford a safe town
to live, work and visit.
The foundation’s partnership with the Waterford Police Department
delivers on the foundation’s mission statement to provide opportunity
for community involvement with a goal to allow children to interact on
a social, recreational and educational basis.
Thank you for your partnership and for being a great community
neighbor, you truly espouse the Waterford Police Department motto
“In the Community Interest.”
Chief Marc Balestracci
Waterford Police Department

Gordon “Smitty” Beals
Waterford Fire Police
Waterford, Connecticut
The Waterford Police Department and Board of Police Commissioners
wish to thank you for your continued partnership and community
dedication.
Smitty Beals continues to have a positive impact in our community and
his significant contributions to the Waterford Police Department have
not only better prepared our agency to deal with emergencies, but
have also helped to make Waterford a safe town to live, work and visit.
For over 20 years, Smitty Beals has served in the Waterford Fire Police
service, now holding the rank of Captain. He helps organize large scale
events in town, responds to emergency incidents and has committed
countless hours to the safety of our community and to the other
members that he leads.
Thank you for your partnership and for being an extraordinary
emergency services responder for the Town of Waterford, you truly
espouse the Waterford Police Department motto “In the Community
Interest.”
Chief Marc Balestracci
Waterford Police Department

Exceptional Service Award
Presented to
Raymond Carroll
Detective
Waterford Police Case #2023-01208
On Friday July 14, 2023 at approximately 6:00 PM, Detective Carroll (Captain) and Investigator Zaldivar (Crewmember) overheard a PAN-PAN transmission
on VHF radio channel #16 transmitted by the United States Coast Guard. PAN-PAN is the international standard urgency signal that someone aboard a boat,
ship, aircraft, or other vehicle uses to declare that they need help and that the situation is urgent. They reported that a windsurfer was in distress ’ mi. off of
Black Point in Niantic. Det. Carroll and Investigator Zaldivar were quick in their response and located the windsurfer approximately 450 yards east of Black
Point (41.289607, -72.191319).
‘The windsurfer was holding onto his board and was exhausted from his efforts due to the sea and wind conditions. The wind was blowing approximately
15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph with the seas 2-3 ft. Investigator Zaldivar utilized a rescue throw bag and threw it to the windsurfer. Investigator Zaldivar
pulled the windsurfer to a safe location alongside the boat. Both Investigator Zaldivar and Detective Carroll worked together to bring the windsurfer on
board. The windsurfer was safely transported to shore at the Jetty of Osprey Road in Niantic. The windsurfer declined medical attention once on shore.
Due to their safe response, marindtraining and skills, the windsurfer was quickly retrieved from the water preventing any further dire consequences.
“Christopher Gamble Marc Balestracci
Chairman Board of Police Comission Chief of Police

Exceptional Service Award
Presented to
Taylor Zaldivar
Investigator
Waterford Police Case #2023-01208
On Friday July 14, 2023 at approximately 6:00 PM, Detective Carroll (Captain) and Investigator Zaldivar (Crewmember) overheard a PAN-PAN transmission
on VHF radio channel #16 transmitted by the United States Coast Guard. PAN-PAN is the international standard urgency signal that someone aboard a boat,
ship, aircraft, or other vehicle uses to declare that they need help and that the situation is urgent. They reported that a windsurfer was in distress ’ mi. off of
Black Point in Niantic. Det. Carroll and Investigator Zaldivar were quick in their response and located the windsurfer approximately 450 yards east of Black
Point (41.289607, -72.191319).
The windsurfer was holding onto his board and was exhausted from his efforts due to the sea and wind conditions. The wind was blowing approximately
15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph with the seas 2-3 ft. Investigator Zaldivar utilized a rescue throw bag and threw it to the windsurfer. Investigator Zaldivar
pulled the windsurfer to a safe location alongside the boat. Both Investigator Zaldivar and Detective Carroll worked together to bring the windsurfer on
board. The windsurfer was safely transported to shore at the Jetty of Osprey Road in Niantic. The windsurfer declined medical attention once on shore.
Due to their safe response, marine training and skills, the windsurfer was quickly retrieved from the water preventing any further dire consequences.
Christopher Gamble Marc Balestracci
Chairman Board of Police Comission Chief of Police

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
September 18, 2023
Waterford Police Department
Attn: Marc Balestrucci, Chief of Police
15 Rope Ferry Road
Waterford, CT 06385
Dear Marc,
On behalf of the Waterford Recreation and Parks Commission, we would like to thank you for
your assistance at our summer concert series. Your time and presence at the concerts gave the
community reassurance of safety while enjoying a fun night out with family & friends. This year
our concerts averaged over 1,000 listeners at each event and the compliments around your
services were overwhelming. We are very proud to hold this event every summer and once again
would like to thank you for being a part of our 2023 Waterford Beach Summer Concert Series.
24 Rope Ferry Road
Waterford, CT 06385

(/4 Jeol
We appreciate your sacrifice and commitment to our community. We ~~
specifically would like to thank Detective Carroll, Sergeant Avdevich,
and Investigator Zaldivar for their work on our recent break-in. We
know everyone plays a vital vole and we wanted to say “thank you”
with a treat!
Praying for you,
Lele fot 7 EC

WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT TRAFFIC REPORT
e September2023 «
Traffic Complaints:
The Traffic Officer (TO) received complaints involving Mullen Hill Road, Gallup Lane and Niles Hill Road.
Construction Reviews
Preconstruction plan was approved for the site work for the Chipotle building at 122 Boston Post Road.
A preliminary review for a hotel at 295 Willetts Ave was completed but further discussions will be needed.
Hotel would be “extended stay” with 122 efficiency rooms.
Upcoming Events
October 1‘- ARC Road Race- Pleasure beach area and Great Neck Road- no significant traffic impact.
October 7""- Terri Brodeur Marathon- Uses Rope Ferry Road to Gardiners Wood Road to Pleasure Beach. No
significant traffic issues
October 15'"- Addy’s Run- 5k within Pleasure Beach- No traffic issues
Stop Sign Request
A four-way stop sign request was received for the intersection of Ridgewood Ave and Birch Street. The complaint
appears to be driven by “high speeds” during summer traffic. | have found a line of site issue involved with the
intersection and will seek to remediate it. Further review will be needed before presenting data for the
commission to review.
Waterford Ambulance
Waterford Ambulance has moved into a new building located at Route 1 and Niantic River Road. They are
requesting some new signage and possible road paintings for the new building, to help the ambulances enter and
exit the roadway safely. The cost incurred will be the responsibility of Waterford Ambulance. Once a budget is
secured, a proposal will be brought to the commission.
Training
T.O. instructed in annual rifle qualification and less lethal shotgun training, as well as instructing at LEC recert.

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
K-9 Activity Report
September 2023
K-9 Ozzy
Monthly Uses: 6
2023 Uses: 50
K-9 Tico
Monthly Uses: 3
2023 Uses: 38
K-9 Usage
Ozzy
¢ K9 Ozzy and Off. Genung responded to East Lyme for a mutual aid
assist on a narcotics search. K9 Ozzy alerted on the exterior driver’s
door and then once inside of the vehicle alerted on a backpack on the
front passenger seat. Located in the bag was 16 grams of crack co-
caine (evidence photo attached to the right).
¢ K9 Ozzy and Off. Genung conducted a K9 demonstration at the Fall
Festival hosted by Camp Harkness.
Tico
¢ K9 Tico and Off. Surdo completed their initial training course and
were certified in Patrol work as well as Narcotics detection on
9/16/23.
¢ K9 Tico and Off. Surdo attended their first K9 demonstration at the
fall festival hosted by Camp Harkness.
¢ On 9/28/23 K9 Tico responded to 277 W. Main ST East Lyme,CT
for a narcotics search. Tico alerted to the left rear bumper/trunk area
of the vehicle. Upon searching the vehicle there were no narcotics
located in the vehicle but several empty baggies were located.
Monthly Training
+ Monthly K-9 training was conducted on 9/12/23 and 9/26/23 in obedience,
tracking, article search, building search, area search, narcotics detections, and
apprehension work.

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Youth Office Activity
Report
September 2023
¢ SRO Malbaurn assisted the WHS school psychologist with a risk of injury to a minor
report. A case number was pulled and DCF was notified regarding the investigation.
¢ SRO Malbaurn investigated an incident in which pepper spray was ere sprayed
in the air at the WHS soccer game. There were noin- ,
juries and upon reviewing school cameras there was no
corroborating evidence.
¢ SRO Malbaurn assisted the WHS administration as
well as the superintendent’s office with a custody issue
involving a newly enrolled WHS student. ,
¢ SRO Malbaurn investigated a fighting incident which
occurred in the bathroom at WHS. Both students were
arrested as a result of the investigation. One was re-
ferred to the juvenile review board and the other was
referred to the juvenile court.
¢ SRO Lane worked with the administration at Great
Neck School and Quaker Hill School to perform
“lockdown drills” at both schools.
¢ SRO Lane attended Youth Promise Meetings as well as _
several parent meetings at the three elementary
schools.
¢ SRO Lane attended the Safety Committee meeting via
Zoom.
Month at a Glance
6 — Home Visits
5 — CAD Report
3 — Case Reports
— 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 WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
>“@\ Investigative Services
A, Division
September 2023
In the month of September 2023 the Investigative Services Division worked or assisted with
25 active investigations.
Current Active Investigations (21 Cases):
(These numbers do not include assist’s to the Patrol Division)
Homicide—1 Pistol Permits—5
Burglary—4 Background Investigation—1
JV Sex Assault—3 Monogram Scam—1
Untimely—4 Fraud/Larceny 1—1
Juvenile Complaint—1 ID Theft—1
Year to Date Statistical Report
Case Search Background Arrests Sex
Numbers Warrants — Assaults
86 24 8 19 14
Ex-Parte’s Auto Theft Burglary Unattended Robbery
Deaths
0 3 8 5 1

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
[2 Investigative Services
Division
September 2023
September 2023 Updates:
Sergeant Richard Avdevich is now assigned full time to the Investigative Services Division.
In his first full week Sergeant Avdevich along with Investigator Zaldivar took it upon
themselves to follow up on a burglary that had occurred at Lake Ponds Baptist Church. They
located a subject in an abandoned building behind the church area who had items on him that
were taken from the church during the burglary. Though Lakes Ponds Baptist Church
ultimately decided not to press charges the case was solved due to their diligence.
The Investigative Services Division has also seen an uptick in Juvenile Sexual Assault cases
this month with four cases coming in from various locations in the month of September.
Officer Bonkowski and I conducted a safety inspection at the request of Regal Cinema. We
assisted them in locating areas that could be of concern in the case of an emergency and
going over there protocol to responding to emergencies.
September 2023 Investigations:
Detective Bonkowski has been working on an overdose death investigation from our town
with connections to other surroundings cities in the area. This case may not result in an arrest
due to lack of probable cause but the information gained may prove valuable in the future.
Detective Carroll is in the process of investigating two Juvenile Sexual Assault cases. One of
the cases involves surrounding areas and the possibility of trafficking is also being
investigated. The other involves a sexual assault from Hopkinton Rhode Island and whether
or not a Risk of Injury charge from Waterford should be added due to failure to report the
incident.
Detective Carroll assisted the East Lyme Police Department in a fatal motor vehicle
investigation in there town.
Investigator Zaldivar investigated a sexual assault report from the Friendship School
involving a child and an employee that has been placed on leave. This investigation is
ongoing.
Detective O’Connell conducted and completed a background investigation on a police
candidate for the Waterford Police Department.

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
MN Investigative Services
Division
September 2023
September 2023 Investigations (continued):
Detective O'Connell assisted the Patrol Division in processing a firearm for evidence at the
courts request in a case involving a motor vehicle stop in which a firearm was located in
2022.
Task Force Report:
In the month of September, the VCTF executed | search warrant resulting in the recovery of
narcotics in Norwich. VCTF along with probation conducted warrant follow ups which led to
the arrest of two outstanding violent offenders. Lastly, VCTF had 11 other narcotics and
warrant related arrests.

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
PU INTEGRITY
eq? | RAINING REPORT
Sal = SEPTEMBER 2023
New Officer Updates
Hiring Process: The Waterford Police Department continues it’s efforts in
recruiting and hiring. The hiring process for entry level and certified officers is open
and will remain open for the next several months. Recruit Dylan Luce successfully
completed his polygraph examination and is continuing forward in the process. A
physical agility examination for prospective candidates is scheduled for October 1,
2028
Recruit Status: Officer David Diogo transferred from the New London Police
Department and is currently in a modified, four week period of Field Training.
Recruit Officer Andrew Reed has progressed to Phase 3 of Field Training.

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAINING REPORT
SEPTEMBER 2023
Officer Brown and Officer Bushwack attended a Basic SWAT Operator school.
The training was hosted by the Montville Police and highlighted the academic
and practical aspects of basic SWAT operations.
Officers Colkos, Robinson and Donovan attended a two day De-Escalation
Training Program. The training, hosted by the New London Police Department,
offered de-escalation tactics adopted to lower use of force incidents within law
enforcement.
Officers Scarpa, Brown, McComic, Charron and Ewing attended an in house Less-
Lethal shotgun course. Officer Jake Nickerson instructed the course utilizing
existing shotguns, converted to discharge cloth covered beanbags as a less-lethal
option. Officers were instructed on the proper operation, as well as effective
placement areas of the beanbag projectiles for compliance, while minimizing
potential injury.
Officer Zachary Caler began training as a certified Drug Recognition Expert.
Officer Caler will undergo a three-week training to detect and identify the various
types of drug impaired driving.
Officer Christopher Robinson attended a 5-day IPMBA Police Cyclist course.
Officer Robinson successfully completed his training earning a Police Cyclist
Certification.
Officers Genung, Ewing, Swarr and Barrows attended a one-day Street Cop
training. The training, hosted by the East Lyme Police Department, provided
officers with the skills needed to identify the latest drug and drug paraphernalia
trends reported by other police departments. The training concentrated on motor
vehicle stops, as the most common area for contact.

The Waterford Police Department Records Department
Activity for SEPTEMBER 2023
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)
203 127 27 35 135 135 8
Protective Officer Case State/Federal | Supervisor DCF
Order Tasking Erasures Report Tasking Requests
Entries Requests Entries Requests
47 25 198 0 27 16
Court Request Case Copies Abstracts
36 3 260
e Records staff processed a FOI request for a few years’ worth of complaints
for a civil/child custody issue in the State of New York, as the child and one
parent live in Waterford
e A request by a news agency was made for information regarding stolen
motor vehicles for the 2023 calendar year in Waterford, seeking the date,
time, location stolen and location recovered. This is an example of
requests frequently made that can be time consuming through research,
rather than a more basic request to copy and send a specific report.

CSO Monthly Statistical Report
September 2023
Waterford Arrests #
Adult 20
Juvenile 2
Total Processed 22
Fingerprints #
Pistol Permits 5
Employment 27
Miscellaneous 1
Peddler / Precious Permits 1
Total Fingerprints 34
Firearms #
Firearms Transfer 7A,
Pistol Permits Issued 6
Initial Complaints (3A’s) #
Total 41
> CSO’s covered 61 shifts during the month.
> CSO Glenn resigned from her position as she accepted a new job with the Judicial
Marshalls
> A group of CSOs conducted refresher training in handcuffing, prisoner control, and
defensive tactics, as well as prisoner processing and warrant follow-up procedures.
> Interviews were conducted for new CSO’s and five conditional offers were extended to
candidates.

Patrol Report
Commissioners Activity Report
September 2023
Marine Patrol Rescues Kayaker
On 9/4/23 Sgt. Firmin and Off. Caler were on marine patrol when they
encountered a kayaker in distress off of the Ocean Beach / Waterford Beach
area. The kayaker was clinging to his kayak which had rolled over/filled with
Patrol Calls for Service
Monthly Snap Shot:
water. The male was hauled out of the water and onto the patrol boat. His Total Service Calls 2460
kayak was righted and drained before the subject was safely returned to his
vessel. Case Numbers 147
On 9/18/23 the WPD police boat (Sgt. Farrior / Off. Bushwack) responded to Anssts a
a 911 call for a man in distress in the Niantic River. The man, who was Juvenile Arrests 2
intoxicated, and had fallen off of his kayak and was struggling to stay above
water. WPD personnel, working with WFD personnel, removed the subject
from the water and he was safely brought to shore on the WPD police boat. Ares’ Warrants:
Larcenies 32
Domestic Violence 7
Investigations
Traffic Crash 44
DUI Investigations 3
EDP/Welfare 35
Check
School Checks 136 |
Car Break Suspect Caught on Pine ST Riotor Velde 413
On September 25, 2023 at 0831 hours day shift was dispatched to the Pine Stops
ST area for a suspicious male reported to be going through unlocked | Written Warnings 114
vehicles. Upon arrival Sgt. Michael Fedor located the suspect. Based on his
actions the male was detained. It was later determined that he broke into| Infractions 44
numerous cars in New London and Waterford. Various stolen merchandise
was recovered. The suspect was taken into custody and charged with the| Yerba) Warnings 241
thefts from a motor vehicle (Larceny Sixth Degree).
Misdemeanor 14
SELF INITIATED MOTOR VEHICLE ACTIVITY BY BADGE NUMBER
$10-Sgt. Epps with 36 stops
ey
R 44
60 -Officer Surdo with 34 stops
hi rales
94-— Officer Ewing with 32 stops
78-Officer Caler with 30 stops
Tt TTP ee Soils
a aa ot aad ma REED eee eet ee eer
S10 60 94 78 83 62 92 93 8 95 90 Si7 87 8 91 72 6&4 8 D2i 54 13 77 89 Sié 64 43 74 8& SiS Ci 022 D23 519

@ Page 2 Patrol Report
Stolen Moped Recovered:
On September 14, 2023 Officer Diogo (on his first day of FTO Training)
and FTO DiFusco were on routine patrol in the area of the Crystal Mall.
They observed a suspicious motor vehicle and made routine contact with
the male operator. After a brief investigation it was learned that the mo-
ped had been reported stolen out of the city of New London in May of
2022. The vehicle was seized and towed from the scene. The suspect
was taken into custody and charged with Larceny Fifth Degree (by pos-
session) (C.G.S. 53a-125a).
Larceny Arrest: Stolen Check
On September 11, 2023 midnights responded to an address on Mullen Hill RD for a suspi-
cious motor vehicle. It was determined that the vehicle had broken down and it was ultimate-
ly towed from the scene. A short time later a nearby resident reported that his RING camera
captured footage of a female suspect entering his property and stealing a check off of his
front door. Patrol units flooded the area and located the female suspect a short time later
walking East on Fog Plain RD. The female suspect was taken into custody for Simple Tres-
pass and Larceny in the Sixth Degree. The stolen check was recovered and returned to the
victim.
Welfare Check / Drug Overdose
On September 6, 2023 at approximately 0954 hours day shift was sent to an address in
Ridgewood Park to conduct a welfare check. Officers on scene had negative contact at the
front door but began to make phone calls, check with neighbors, and investigate further. Ulti-
mately officers made the decision to open the front door based on the exigency present. A
male subject who had taken a large quantity of prescription pills was found semi-conscious
on the living room floor. Officers provided medical aid to the subject until EMS arrived.
The subject was transported to the hospital and an emergency committal was completed.
MV Stop leads to Recovery of Stolen Trailer
On 9/22/23 Off. Caler stopped a suspicious U-Haul during the midnight
shift. The operator was found to have an extraditable warrant out of Rhode
Island. The trailer attached to the U-Haul contained various merchandise
to include a snow blower / additional commercial equipment. The trailer
was determined to be stolen out of Johnston, RI. The operator was taken
into custody and the investigation remains open into the recovered items.
Sn the Communiky, Sntereot

o
THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Animal Control
Report
September 2023
On September 9th a female pit bull mix dog was humanely eu-
thanized due to aggression issues. The dog had been found roam-
ing near the Connecticut Humane Society in Quaker hill. Many
dogs are “dumped” in that area of town. This dog showed aggres-
sion toward other dogs, cats and food aggression. Sadly there was a
too much liability associated with the dog to safely adopt it back
out into the public. As always, animal control officers were pre-
sent during the procedure to calm and comfort the dog as she
passed,
For several weeks, animal control officers have been helping a senior citizen in Quaker
Hill administer insulin shots to her cat daily as her husband is in the hospital and she
has no other family.
On September 11th the ACO worked with several Town of Waterford employees and a
turtle expert to address the concerns with numerous turtles crossing the roadway by
the duck pond project. Construction workers are now collecting the turtles that are lo-
cated and turning them over to the
ACO.s, who are keeping the turtles in : ee _ East
totes and kiddie pools at the dog pound ae i o oon oe
until the project is complete and they [Calis for Service 105 35
can be released back to nature. After Hour Call Outs | iT 5
Tickets issued 0 0
Warnings issued 0 0
Dog Bites ae it 1
Animals Bedeomed ) 4
[Animals Adopted 1 0
[Animals DOA oe il 0
Boi Re jot it 0
ro 5 4
$160 $20
Donations 880 $5

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Community Engagement Report
September 2023 ID
Internship: Intern Mackenzie Andrews shadowed Dispatch Day Shift, Day Shift Patrol,
Dispatch Evening Shift, and the Records Department. She observed rifle qualifications and
received a tour of the Connecticut POST Academy. She helped out at the Senior Services
Program Fair and the Waterford Police Union Pickleball Fundraiser.
Special Olympics Efforts: Attended Over the Edge and the monthly Torch Run Council
meeting. The Waterford Police Department raised $1,169.00 for the Plane Pull Event.
Interaction with Senior Services: Visited Bayview Health Care and multiple Waterford
Senior Services classes. Attended the Senior Services Luncheon and Program Fair.
Domestic Violence Follow-ups: Conducted 3 follow-ups with DV victims.
Assistance to Youth Officers: Brought donated school supplies to the Waterford Country
School and the Lakes Pond Baptist School. Visited Clark Lane Middle School students on
their Yearbook Picture Day. Spoke about traffic stop safety at Rae’s Driving School.
Camp Harkness Fall Fest: Attended event for Hodges to interact with attendees and
handed out free school supplies. Organized a Patrol K-9 Demo for the event.
Officer Wellness: Visited the Hartford Police Department after their loss of an officer.
Attended the Believe 208 Run that was dedicated to the memory of Officer Lapkowski.
K-9 Officer Hodges: Attended the Groton Town Dog Fair, the Niantic Touch-a-Truck,
Waterford Fire K-9 Ginger’s Birthday Party, Yale University’s Wellness Event, and the
Alzheimer's Association Walk. Visited Waterford Town Hall and the Groton Senior Center.
Went to Bedford Hills Correctional Facility to speak to the inmates that raised Hodges. A
report on Hodges and other CT Facility K-9s was published in Connecticut Public Media.
Rotary Club: Attended the monthly meeting. Visited multiple Waterford Schools for the
Rotary Dictionary Project.
Interaction with Youth Services: Attended multiple after school programs.
Autism/Cognitive Issues Programs: Completed follow-up telephone calls for all registered
participants of both programs.
Recruiting: Started a partnership with the US Coast Guard where our recruitment
pamphlets will be distributed to attendees at their Transition Assistance Program.

TOWN OF WATERFORD CONNECTICUT
POLICE DEPARTMENT
ANNUAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2022/2023
“TO PROTECT AND SERVE THE PUBLIC, PREVENT CRIME, AND PROVIDE
PROFESSIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES TO OUR COMMUNITY.”
-Waterford Police Department Mission Statement-
1 | ‘Jn The Community Interest”

WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT
FY 2022/2023
Waterford officers volunteering in the CT Special Olympics Torch Run
INTRODUCTION
The Waterford Police Department is a 49-member community oriented police agency with many of the current
Waterford Police Officers living and paying taxes in the Town of Waterford. The department provides
exceptional service to the town and works closely with other town departments to keep our community safe and
engage residents in various outreach efforts.
During Fiscal Year 2022/2023, under the guidance and direction of the Board of Police Commissioners and
Chief Mare Balestracci, the Waterford Police Department continued to fulfill its motto, “Jn the Community
Interest.”
2 | “In The Community Interest”

The Board of Police Commissioners is comprised of members (L to R) Christopher Gamble, James Dimmock,
Mark Gelinas, Thomas “Tony” Sheridan and First Selectman Robert Brule.
The Waterford Police Commission is a civilian oversight board, empowered under Connecticut state statutes and
Town of Waterford, Connecticut ordinances. Connecticut state statute 7-276 details the authority of the Police
Commission, but the members are appointed by the town's Representative Town Meeting and comprise of two
members from each of the Democrat and Republican Town Committees, as well as the Town’s First
Selectperson.
The members of the Police Commission are all volunteers, with the exception of the First Selectperson, and
make the final decisions regarding hiring, promotions, demotions and certain civilian complaints.
Chief Marc Balestracci conducts admin meetings each week with the administrative
team of the Waterford Police Department to review the state of the department’s
budget, request updates from department leaders and to assign and update tasks as
appropriate.
eal, In FY 2022-2023, the administrative team consisted of Investigative Services
Chief Lieutenant Tim Silva, Patrol Services Lieutenant David Ferland, Administrative
Mare Balestracci Services Lieutenant Nicole VanOverloop, Administrative Sergeant Troy Gelinas,
Training Officer Nicolas Surdo, Office Coordinator Diane Driscoll and a
representative from the IT department.
Staff meetings are held quarterly with all Lieutenants, Sergeants and assigned personnel to discuss department
needs, personnel and equipment, morale considerations, training issues, budget parameters, scheduling, building
and vehicle issues and assignments. Improving communication is a priority and these regularly scheduled
meetings assist in that effort.
Late in the fiscal year, with the retirement of Lt. Tim Silva, position adjustments were made and the
current department layout will be reflected in some details below. (Updated September 2023)
3 | “In The Community Interest”

Board of Police Commissioners
(
L
Chief Marc Balestracci |
Waterford Police Department Personnel & Structure
Investigations Lieutenant Patrol Lieutenant Administrative Lieutenant
Nicole VanOverloop Patrick Flanagan David Ferland
— .
co ~ ")
Detective Ser t 4 Patrol Sergeant Andrew Farrior ) Administrative Sergeant
fh % ae ena Patrol Sergeant Matthew Fedor Michael Fed
seiedame Patrol Sergeant Ryan Spearrin parle
\ a Patrol Sergeant Michael Firmin ea
ff TM~ Patrol Sergeant Patrick Epps Tealiing Officer
q Patrol Sergeant (TBD} ) Officer (TBD)
Detective Todd O’Connell
Detective Leigh Bonkowski f oF. Edwards Ofc. Swarr Ofc. Devine >») ( Office Coordinator Diane Driscoll a;
het tials Ofc. Winters Ofc. Caler Ofc. Charron Secretary Jennifer Anderson
" = = pe = a _ Accounts Receivable Valerie Clark
. Girardi ic. Bushwac! . Colkos
NX P. Ofc. Krysztofiak Of. Rogers Ofc. McComic Data Technician Ashley Kuvent
4 ) Ofc. Surdo (K9) Ofc. Barrows Ofc. Reed Evening Secretary Joyce Brown
Court/Evidence Officer i
a Rie Ofc. Sylvestre Ofc. Robinson Ofc. Ewing \ Custodian Allan Ostertag y
Ofc. DiFusco Ofc. Brown Ofc. Diogo
~ / \ oF. Genung {K9}__ Ofc. Donovan Ofc. Luce Pe, (~ Community Service Officers Y
( *) (50 Ritchie C50 Silva
Task Force Officer a 2 2 -
Raymond Rodriguez School Resource Officers cso — CSO Chrzanowski
L J Daniel Lane CSO Ziolkovski CSO Bertrand
r ~ Norman Malbaurn J SO Hunt CSO Glenn
\
Community Engagement Officer r CSO Bennett CSO Brown
Eric Fredricks (KS Hodges) Traffic Officer (SO Reynolds (SO Bullock
. y, Officer Jake Nickerson Kee Griswold yy,
2022/2023 Fiscal Year Prominent Events
e In July of 2022, Officer Malbaurn was named the new School Resource Officer stationed out of Waterford High
School
e On July 28, 2022, Officer Kyle McComic graduated the police academy and began his FTO program
e On August 3, 2022, a multi-agency training exercise was conducted at Quaker Hill Elementary School related to
active shooter response from emergency services and the Board of Education
e On August 17, 2022, members of the Waterford Police Department made an arrest for the People’s Bank robbery
that took place in June
e In September of 2022, Niantic River Road was painted using optical speed bars and road diet plans as the first road
to use this treatment as a speed mitigating effort
4 | “In The Community Interest”

On September 8, 2022, the Investigative Services Division served an arrest warrant in Quaker Hill resulting from a
search warrant involving the transporting of controlled substances
On September 12, 2022, the department launched its first ever community outreach video, featuring members from
the department relaying critical information to the public
In September, WPD offered pink patches as a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness, raising $1,020.
On October 3, 2022, the Waterford Police Department again participated in an Autism Spectrum Traffic Stop
practice event, allowing those on the spectrum to practice a safe traffic stop with police
In October of 2022, the Waterford Police Department entered into an inter-local agreement with the Ledyard Police
Department to share resources on a multi-town Special Response Team
On October 31, 2022, the police department partnered with Waterford Fire and Ledge Light Health District to offer
Naloxone (Narcan) at various town facilities for free
In November of 2022, Officers Rogers and Colkos were certified as child-seat installation technicians, returning a
service to the public that was once offered many years ago
On November 8, 2022, members of the department’s Accident Investigation Team responded to a major collision on
RTE 85. An arrest was later made for assault, reckless endangerment and DUI
The department supported the CT Special Olympics once again on November 12, 2022 by hosting a Tip-A-Cop at
Longhorn’s restaurant, raising $2,720.
On November 15, 2022, Officer Christopher Ewing started with the department after transferring from the Groton
City Police Department.
In December of 2022, Waterford PD and East Lyme PD entered into an inter-local agreement to share resources in
the investigation of serious and fatal motor vehicle accidents
In December of 2022, the Waterford Police Department began offering our building as a warming center in town to
assist the community at all hours and relieve town staffing in other departments and buildings
On February |, 2023, four subjects were arrested after they engaged in pursuit, crashed and fled the scene on foot.
The subjects, from NY, were arrested for trafficking personal information and using fraudulent checks at local banks
On February 8, 2023, Andrew Reed was sworn in as our newest police officer
On February 18, 2023, the Waterford Accident Investigation team was deployed to a double-fatal accident on Cross
Road. The operator was later arrested for Manslaughter, Reckless Endangerment and DUI
On March 10, 2023, Waterford officers were engaged in pursuit from a subject who had just carjacked a vehicle in
New London. The suspect crashed on Rte 85, fled on foot and was apprehended after a short foot pursuit onto
Douglas Lane.
On March 20, 2023, our agency began accepting digital payments from the public for various services
On March 21, 2023, our agency arrested a subject involved in a crash on Rte 85 for possession and manufacturing
of illegal drugs, criminal possession of a firearm and various other offenses including DUI
On June 5, 2023. Lt. Timothy Silva retired after 25 years of service
On June 8, 2023, Lt. David Ferland graduated from the FBI National Academy program in Virginia
On June 14, 2023, Sgt. Patrick Flanagan was promoted to Lieutenant and Officer Patrick Epps was promoted to
Sergeant
5 | “In The Community Interest”

WATERFORD POLICE TYPES. OF CALLS, USE OF FORCE*,
AND CAR STOP DATA FISCAL YEAR 2022/2023
Category Number Change from previous fiscal
year
Arrests 990 -8.3%
Calls For Service 27,829 +3.4
Case Numbers 2,270 -2.4%
Motor Vehicle Stops 4,331 - 10.6%
EDP/Welfare Checks 490 +18.9%
Larceny/Shoplifting 348 +14.8%
Domestic Violence 113 -18.7%
Assault 11 -50%
Drug Overdose i +10%
Impaired Driving 85 +3.6%
Missing Person 194 +92%
School Checks 801 +7.5%
Motor Vehicle Crashes 793 +4%
Walk-in Complaints 590 +21.9%
Alarms 903 -10.4%
Residence Checks 1,954 -14.2%
Suspicious Person/Vehicle 793 +2.8%
Stolen Cars 24 +26.3%
Motor Vehicle Stop Statistics
80.74% White
a 17.32% Black
1.71% Asian
4 0.23% Other
61.81% Male
38.19% Female
poate
Nature of Stop Result of Stop
ee E 21.27%
10.67% ane aN
W 218% — o— MS.66% 81.51% Non-Hispanic
EO) S
067%
16.95% Hispanic
1.55% Middle Eastern
— V 60.56%
Waterford Police Department Use of Force — (multiple types of force can be used in one incident) Waterford Police Department
Taser Use of Force by gender/race
Total UOF Verbal Control Firearm Pointed Taser Pepper Restraint
Takedown r K9 Strike
Incident commands Hands Display Firearm Only Usage Spray Chair Black Hispanic White Totals
Female 2 3 5 10
30 28 9 16 5 3 3 Deniz, 1 1 ty) inl G a pe)
6 “In The Community Interest”

PATROL SERVICES
The Patrol Division, which is now led by Lt. Patrick Flanagan, is the largest and
most visible component of the Waterford Police Department, often serving as the
first impression of the agency during interactions with members of the community.
Patrol provides service to approximately 20,000 residents in addition to the
numerous business owners, employees and visitors that enjoy what our town has to
offer on a daily basis. Patrol coordinates and implements community policing
initiatives and enforcement activities in the Town of Waterford in accordance with
Lieutenant ae ; : j
Patrick Flanagan our mission “to protect and serve the public, prevent crime, and provide
professional law enforcement services to our community.”
The Patrol Division is comprised of one (1) Lieutenant, six (6) Sergeants and twenty-seven (27) Patrol Officers.
Patrol services are organized into three (3) shifts: Midnight, Day and Evening, with a varying number of officers
assigned to each shift based on the time of year, level of activity and budgetary guidelines. Each shift has a two
(2) Sergeants assigned with differing days off to ensure consistent supervision at all times. The town is delineated
into three (3) separate patrol zones to ensure adequate coverage for all areas of town. Zones A and C consist
primarily of residential neighborhoods, parks, beaches and schools. Zone B houses the town’s largest retail
developments and a youth facility that caters to troubled juveniles.
During the 2022/2023 fiscal year, the police department handled 27,829 calls for service, representing a 3%
increase over the previous year. Patrol services deals with a wide variety of calls, ranging from criminal
investigations and civil disputes to assisting people who need different services such as medical, psychological
and/or financial assistance.
In addition to these duties, officers perform security checks of businesses and residences, conduct security walk-
throughs of the public schools and one private school, locate wanted persons and enforce traffic offenses including
impaired driving investigations. They also assist the public with other non-criminal situations such as missing
persons, juvenile runaways and have the ability to deploy Naloxone to combat opiate related overdoses and deaths.
| “In The Community Interest”

The Town of Waterford has numerous wooded areas and is also a shoreline community, which the department
must use specialized equipment to navigate. The presence of a large number of retail establishments along with a
nuclear power facility, a racetrack, two interstate highways, a railway system, a town beach and state parks
combine to keep Waterford Police Officers busy throughout their shifts. All of these areas are patrolled with 20
marked and unmarked patrol vehicles equipped with Mobile Data Computers (MDCs), 4 All-Terrain Vehicles
(ATYs), 1 Regional Marine Patrol Boat, I jet ski, 5 bicycles and a mobile command vehicle. Years ago, the
department obtained a Humvee type vehicle through the military surplus program, which it uses for community
events and storm responses. Patrol services continues to mark its patrol vehicles with a “black and white” color
scheme to reflect a more traditional police service while capturing the essence of community policing.
Patrol Services works cooperatively with other law enforcement and governmental agencies and non-profit
groups including Senior Services, Emergency Management, Youth and Family Services, Recreation and Parks,
the Department of Children and Families and Safe Futures (which provides domestic violence counseling
services). These types of partnerships as well as the continued regional Southeastern Connecticut Marine Patrol
that provides maritime safety, equipment and training, have allowed reduced individual department costs through
the sharing of resources.
MARINE PATROL
The Waterford Police Department Marine Division, which is led my Sgt. Michael
Firmin, continues to partner with the East Lyme Police Department to operate a regional
marine patrol vessel. Both towns share responsibility with staffing, maintenance and fuel
costs. The Southeast Marine Patrol vessel patrols the navigable waters of both
communities to include the Niantic River, Niantic Bay, Long Island Sound, Fishers
Island Sound and the Thames River.
The Southeast Regional Marine Patrol is available for service calls year round and staffed by each department
separately with a Captain and Crewmember on various weekdays, weekends and holidays from late May thru
September.
Detective Leigh Bonkowski, who assists Sergeant Firmin with the leadership of the
marine patrol, holds extensive training, experience and USCG licensing.
During this boating season the Marine Division:
Conducted 31 marine patrols.
Detective
Leigh Bonkowski
Officer Devine and Officer McComic received their initial crewmember training.
Assisted with a multi-agency security zone in the Thames River for the Department of Homeland Security Secretary
Mayorkas’ visit to the United States Coast Guard Academy graduation on May 17, 2023.
8 | “In The Community Interest”

Provided maritime security for Sailfest, East Lyme Day Fireworks, the Niantic Bay Triathlon, the New London Cup
Paddle Board Race, and the Maritime Heritage Festival.
Recovered a distressed windsurfer near Black Point.
Responded to a boat fire off of the shore of Old Saybrook, CT.
Assisted the USCG by responding to a vessel aground on the south side of
Fisher’s Island.
Assisted a capsized kayaker near Ocean Beach.
Enforced multiple speed and wake violations in the Niantic River.
Assisted the Waterford Harbormaster as needed.
Responded to several complaints within the Millstone Security Zone.
Maintained a high visibility presence, conducted vessel safety inspections and assisted disabled boaters.
Educated kayakers regarding the importance of labeling their kayaks to prevent unnecessary search and rescue
response and provided “If Found Stickers.”
Sergeant Firmin and Detective Bonkowski participated in monthly meetings at the New London Marine Group
Region 4 regarding the safety and security of the maritime environment for the areas of Long Island Sound and
the Port of New London. The group is currently working to update its CONOPS “Concept of Operations Plan” for
all maritime responses within the region.
K9 UNIT
The 2022/2023 fiscal year was once again a successful year for the Waterford Police
Department’s K9 Unit.
K9 Neo (Six-Year-old German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix) and Officer Epps, are a
dual-purpose team which is trained in patrol work and narcotics detection. Throughout
the year, the team was involved in the location of missing persons, numerous criminal
arrests and narcotics finds.
On March 11, 2023 a suspect committed an armed carjacking in New London, CT.
. Officer Epps located the vehicle in Waterford and attempted to stop it. The vehicle fled
K9 Officer and engaged Officer Epps in pursuit. The vehicle later crashed and the suspect fled on
Patrick Epps and | fo 6¢ into the woods. As Officer Epps was searching the area, he observed the suspect
K9 Neo coming out of the woods. Officer Epps removed K9 Neo from the back of the cruiser,
which caused the suspect to surrender immediately. The suspect was then taken into
custody without incident. A firearm was later located inside the vehicle and ammunition the suspect attempted
to discard was recovered in the woods. On June 14, 2023, Officer Epps was promoted to the rank of Sergeant,
and subsequently retired K9 Neo. The Waterford Police Department congratulates Sergeant Epps on his
promotion, and wishes K9 Neo a happy and healthy retirement.
9 | “In The Community Interest”

K9 Ozzy (Four -Year-old Belgian Malinois) and Officer Genung, are also a dual
purpose team trained in patrol work and narcotics detection. Throughout the 2022-2023
fiscal year, K9 Ozzy and Officer Genung have tracked and located individuals
including criminal suspects, emotionally disturbed persons and missing persons. They
have also had several narcotics finds resulting in arrests (not only in the Town of
Waterford, but also for surrounding agencies on mutual aid requests).
On March 20, 2023 an individual known to the Waterford Police Department fled in
his vehicle from evening shift officers on two (2) separate occasions when officers
attempted to conduct motor vehicles stops. The vehicle was later found broken down
K9 Officer on Cross Road and unoccupied. The subject was located on foot and had a loaded
Nicholas Genung magazine in his pocket, but no firearm was located on him or in the vehicle. K9 Ozzy
and K9 Ozzy ; and Officer Genung conducted an arti