Board of Police Commissioners Regular Meeting Agenda
agenda center agenda
| Board/Commission | Board of Police Commissioners |
|---|---|
| Meeting Date | December 09, 2024 |
| Pages | 63 |
| File Size | 22.2 MB |
| OCR Status | Searchable (OCR processed) |
| Source URL | Original |
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Town of Waterford, Connecticut, Police Commission Meeting Agenda
Training Room at the Waterford Police Department
12/9/2024 5:00 pm
Call to order and establish quorum:
Pledge of Allegiance:
Public input:
Acceptance of minutes: November 12, 2024 Regular Meeting
Correspondence:
a. Thank You letter from a resident
b. A Petition from the residents of Savi Ave and Tiffany Ave
Presentation of Chief's Awards
Traffic Commission Review:
Chiefs Report:
a.
b.
K9 Reports for November
Youth Report for November
Investigative Services Report for November
Training Report for November
Support Services Report for November
Patrol Report for November
Animal Control Report for November
Community Engagement Report for November
Old Business:
a. Recording of Commission Meetings
New Business:
a. FY26 Budget Review
b. Chief's Update
MINUTES
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
November 12, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioner J. Dimmock, Commissioner C. Gamble, Commissioner M.
Gelinas, Commissioner T. Sheridan arrived at 5:09
ABSENT: Commissioner R. Brule
DEPARTMENT: — Chief M. Balestracci, LT N. VanOverloop, LT D. Ferland,
LT P. Flanagan, Traffic Officer M. Devine, Officer N. Surdo, Office T.
Krysztofiak
CALL TO ORDER AND ESTABLISH A QUORUM:
Commissioner Dimmock 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:
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
Commissioner Gelinas noted the following errors in the October 15" minutes: On page 1 under
the heading CALL TO ORDER AND ESTABLISH A QUORUM, “Commissioner Gamble”
should be changed to “Commissioner Gelinas”, and on page 3 in the first sentence of the second
paragraph, the word “the” should be changed to the word “that”.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gamble and seconded by Commissioner Gelinas to accept
the minutes from the October 15, 2024 Regular Meeting with the noted corrections. Motion
passed.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Correspondence was reviewed.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION REVIEW:
Traffic report was received.
Traffic Officer Devine presented a request to the Commission to approve a change to the parking
signs on Windy Ridge Place from “No Parking Anytime” to “No Parking Beyond this Point” to
allow for guest parking.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gelinas and seconded by Commissioner Gamble to approve
signage change on Windy Ridge Place. Motion passed unanimously.
CHIEF’S REPORT:
a. K9 Reports for October
October report was received.
b. Youth Reports for October
October report was received.
c. Investigative Services for October
October report was received.
d. Training Report for October
October report was received.
e. Support Services Report for October
October report was received.
f. Patrol Report for October
October report was received.
g. Animal Control Report for October
October report was received.
h. Community Engagement Report for October
October report was received.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. Recording Commission Meetings — The audio part of the project has gone out to bid and
will be awarded soon. The video portion will be going out to bid soon.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. Route 85 at Cross Road Development Intersection Changes — The State is planning to
change this intersection from the current 3-way intersection to a 4-way intersection, due
to an apartment complex that will be built on Route 85 directly across from Cross Road.
This project is planned for summer 2025. The Commission reviewed the plan and had no
objections.
b. Retirement Commission Appointment
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Sheridan and Seconded by Commissioner Gelinas
to appoint Commissioner Dimmock to the Retirement Commission. Motion passed
unanimously.
Cold Case Podcast — Chief Balestracci informed the Commission that the Seidel case will be the
subject of a podcast that has an audience of approximately 50 million listeners. The family of
Kyle Seidel will be participating in interviews as well as the Chief and the detectives that are
working on the case. Please see attachment for more information.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gamble and Seconded by Commissioner Sheridan to
adjourn the meeting at 5:37 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by:
Diane E. Driscoll
Recording Secretary
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WHAT THEY RE SAYING
"You guys did a heck of a job on that podcast. Thanks so
much for being professional as well as protecting
information | didn't want shared."
~Chief Deputy Jim Warren, Wabasha County (MN) Sheriff's Office
"| just wanted you to know that | am grateful ... and
although initially a skeptic, | am now a believer in the
power of the podcast."
~Detective Jim Parks, Norman (OK) Police Department
"| never realized you had so many listeners. I've had
quite a few local acquaintances tell me they've listened.
It turned out really good and | appreciate your work.”
~Detective Matt Hefner, Charlotte-Mecklenburg (NC) Police Department
crimejunkiepodcast.com
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‘Help Us Keep Our Kids Safe
Slow Down Kids
at Play
Savi Avenue Speed bump Petition
Waterford Connecticut
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KIDS PLAYING
Slow Down! Kids at Play
Savi Avenue Speed bump Petition
Waterford Connecticut
- Help Us Keep Our Kids Safe
Our story begins with a series of everyday occurrences on Savi
Avenue in Waterford, Connecticut; Tania Dimitriou-Martin, Jess
Morris and other neighborhood parents have repeatedly had to
halt their routines to flag down drivers and urged them to slow
down. This plea for safer driving is especially poignant since
over 50 children, who engage in regular outdoor activities,
reside in our neighborhood. The risk to our children's safety
came to a head this past summer of 2024 which saw an
alarming increase in the number of incidents involving
neighborhood visitors and new residents driving at
uncomfortable speeds. On our own initiative, we even placed
signs in our yards, imploring drivers to decelerate. Now, we
believe implementing a speed bump on our street is the most
effective and permanent solution. According to the Federal
Highway Administration, speed bumps reduce vehicle speeds
by 20 to 40 percent, making neighborhoods safer for children.
We, the parents, and residents of Tiffany Ave and Savi Ave,
demand that the Waterford town officials install speed bumps
on Savi Avenue to ensure the safety of our children. Do not let
this problem escalate any further. Join us in making our
neighborhood safer for our children. Please sign this petition.
Thank you - Andre Martin & Tania Dimitriou-Martin 17 Savi ave
Thank You - Jess Morris 22 Savi ave
The Waterford Police Department
Traffic Officer Report
November 2024
LINE OF SIGHT ISSUES:
- | was contacted by a town Zoning Official in regards to a previously reported sight line issue Sea
Breeze Dr. onto Niles Hill Rd. Zoning is working with the town attorney to resolve the issue with
the homeowner.
DOT RELATED ISSUES.
- DOT conducted a study and approved a speed reduction on Rope Ferry Rd (Rt 156), from Boston
Post Rd. (Rt 1) to North Rd. The speed limit will be changed from 35 mph to 30 mph in the near
future.
- Traffic Light issues reported at Route 1 and Stosberg Rd. Strossberg Rd traffic was not getting
green light when stopped for extended periods. DOT was contacted, responded and adjusted
cameras and reinstalled loops detectors on Strosberg.
- Complaint of traffic light from Fog Plain Rd to Route 1 not cycling for Fog Plain Rd traffic.
Observed for several cycles and tested pulling up to the light multiple times and follow up. No
issues observed.
- DOT Engineering was contacted to review the traffic light timing and/or set up at Route 1 and
Clark Lane. Multiple complaints about cars having trouble turning left from the Aldis parking lot
and from Clark Lane.
PARKING COMPLAINTS:
- Changes have been made to Windy Ridge Place parking signs, that were approved in last
month’s meeting
ENFORCEMENT RELATED COMPLAINTS:
- Multiple speeding complaints for the area of Tiffany Ave and Savi Ave. A petition was also
received requesting speed bumps be put on Savi Ave., due to large amount of children playing in
the neighborhood. One of the reported offenders for speeding was identified and spoken to. A
speed sign was utilized on Tiffany Ave near the intersection with Savi Ave. Multiple phone calls
have been received requesting the continued use of the sign.
REQUESTS FOR SIGNS OR CHANGE OF ROADWAY FEATURES:
- None at this time.
SPEED TRAFFIC SIGN DEPLOYMENT:
The two solar powered speed signs have remained in place at the below listed locations.
1. Niantic River Rd. in the area of Old Niantic River Rd, facing southbound traffic. The data shows
that vehicle traffic during the month of November 2024 was at or below the speed limit
The Waterford Police Department
Traffic Officer Report
November 2024 DLIC
“approximately 12% of the time. Approximately 71% of the vehicles were traveling between 31
to 40. An increase in vehicles traveling above 41 mph was observed showing 17% traveling
between 41-50 mph and .002% traveling above 51 mph.
2. Great Neck Road near Goshen Rd, in front of Great Neck School. The data shows that vehicle
traffic during the month of November 2024 was at or below the speed limit approximately 31%
of the time. Approximately 57% of the vehicles were traveling between 26 to 35. An increase in
vehicles traveling between 36-45 mph at 12%. Approximately .001% were traveling at a speed
of 46 mph or greater.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
1. Pearl Harbor Memorial Race; December 8, 2024
UPCOMING ROAD CONSTRUCTION WITH CLOSURE:
No large projects anticipated
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT:
Officer Devine #88 Diogo #95 Combined
Infractions ‘ 257 258
Written warnings 5 107 112,
misdemeanor 0 4 4
THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
K-9 Activity Report
November 2024
K-9 Ozzy
Monthly Uses: 1
2024 Uses: 36
K-9 Tico
Monthly Uses: 3
2024 Uses: 39
K-9 Usage
Ozzy
¢ K9 Ozzy and Officer Genung assisted members of patrol in
safely clearing a building that had signs of forced entry.
Tico
¢ Officer Surdo located a suspicious vehicle and an occupant
of the vehicle had an arrest warrant. K9 Tico was shortly
after deployed for an open air sniff of the vehicle as the vehi-
cle owner admitted to recent narcotic use. K9 Tico showed
alert behavior on the outside of the vehicle and located a
glass smoking pipe with chore boy right outside of the vehi-
cle. The female suspect was found to have a small quantity
of crack cocaine on her person.
¢ The Groton Town Police Department had attempted to stop a
motor vehicle as the operator had just committed a larceny
and had an active arrest warrant. The vehicle traveled into
Waterford and eventually came to a stop. The operator of
the vehicle fled from the vehicle on foot, engaged GTPD of-
ficers in a foot pursuit and was shortly after taken into custo-
dy. Officer Surdo deployed K9 Tico for an article search
and no contraband was located.
Monthly Training
¢ Monthly K-9 training was conducted on 11/5/24 and 11/19/24 in obedience,
tracking, article search, building search, area search, narcotics detections, and
apprehension work.
| THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
te« Youth Office Activity
Report
November 2024
¢ On November 20, 2024 SRO Malbaurn collaborated
with the Department of Labor to conduct underage
purchases of nicotine / vape products. This was in re-
sponse to several complaints about two businesses in
town selling these products to juveniles. Two citations
were issued as a result of the investigation.
¢ SRO Lane hosted a “meet and greet” holiday event
during CLMS drop-off on the last day of school before
the Thanksgiving break. Numerous police officers at-
tended the event handing out candy canes to students.
¢ Both SRO Malbaurn and SRO Lane attended the
“Battle of the Bay” football game at ELHS. The game
was a success and there were no incidents re-
ported.
¢ SRO Lane conducted several home visits
throughout the month checking on truant stu-
dents as well as one having a mental health cri-
sis.
¢ SRO Malbaurn hosted/attended an event in
which a company came to WHS with driving = —
simulators educating students on the hazards of x . ae |
distracted driving. ae me
¢ SRO Winters assisted elementary school administrators conducting drills.
a
Month at a Glance
2— Home Visits
6 - CAD Report
2- Case Reports
Arrests - 0/ JRB Referrals— 1
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
November 2024
In the month of November 2024 the Investigative Services Division worked or assisted with
33 investigations.
Current Active Investigations (25 Cases):
(These numbers do not include assist’s to the Patrol Division)
Homicide—1 Pistol Permits—8
Burglary—2 JV Sex Assault—1
Larceny—1 Narcotics—1
ID Theft—2 Shots Fired—1
Risk of Injury—l Untimely—5
Jewelry Store Grab—1 Skimmer—1
Year to Date Statistical Report
Case Search Background Arrests Sex
Cc
Numbers Warrants hecks Assaults
91 9 10 17 15
Ex-Parte's Auto Theft Burglary Unattended Robbery
Deaths
0 0 2 18 0
THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Investigative Services
Division
November 2024
November 2024 Updates:
Investigative Services worked with Intern Juliana Giortzakos for her second and final visit in Investigative
Services. Jen Anderson set up numerous serious crimes that have occurred in the Town of Waterford
throughout the years for Intern Giortzakos to review and get a chance to see what a complex case entails.
Investigative Services completed two (2) potential dispatcher candidate background investigations at the
request of Emergency Management.
Detective O'Connell attended a three (3) day training hosted by The Narcotics Enforcement Officers
Association NESPIN in Newport Rhode Island. This is a large conference held yearly where a wide variety of
topics are covered in regards to police investigations.
Detective Ray Carroll prepared for a national podcast that will be coming to the Waterford Police Department
to interview the Seidel family as well as Detective Carroll in regards to the unsolved murder of Kyle Seidel in
December of 2012.
November 2024 Investigations:
While on duty Detective Sergeant Avdevich observed a vehicle driving erratically while traveling behind it in
his unmarked police cruiser. After conducting a motor vehicle stop the female suspect was arrested on
numerous drug charges after the motor vehicle stop led to a search of the vehicle.
After receiving a letter in the mail from an alleged victim of a sexual assault Investigator Zaldivar was
assigned to follow up. Investigator Zaldivar is in the process of investigating the alleged sexual assault and
stalking case that occurred over the span of numerous years by a subject that is known to the alleged victim.
This case is still under investigation.
Detective O’Connell responded to the death of an adult male by suicide on Glendale Road. The case is under
further investigation though deemed not suspicious.
Investigative Services has also begun a new investigation into an anonymous and credible report of drug
activity from a residence in the Willetts Avenue area of town. This case will progress in the upcoming month.
After observing a suspicious vehicle in the shopping district Det. Sgt. Avdevich and Detective Bonkowski
enacted a motor vehicle stop. Through the course of the motor vehicle stop drugs were located on the
occupants of the vehicle as well as inside of the vehicle resulting in their arrests.
Detective Bonkowski was assigned to investigate a burglary in the now closed Café NV Restaurant. A
potential suspect has been identified and the case is under further investigation.
Investigator Zaldivar was assigned to investigate a case of a potential accidental shooting in which the subject
shot himself in the neck with a pistol. The subject’s firearms were seized as a precaution and the subject has
been released from the hospital.
THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAINING REPORT
NOVEMBER 2024
New Officer Updates
Hiring Process: The Waterford Police Department continues it’s efforts in
recruiting and hiring. Training is continuing with the new hiring process to fill two
current vacancies.
Recruit Status: Recruit Boxley graduated from the City of New Britain Police De-
partment Satellite Basic Recruit Academy and started her twelve to sixteen week
Field Training Program here at the Waterford Police Department.
Recruit Maselli and Recruit Abram completed their fourteenth week at the Eastern
Regional Police Academy hosted by the Law Enforcement Council of Connecticut.
THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
NINTEGRITY®
TRAINING REPORT
NOVEMBER 2024
Officer Maffeo, Chief Balestracci, and Lieutenant
Ferland hosted a four-day Advanced DUI course |
here at the police department for our officers and
various other officers all over the state. This
training placed a heavy emphasis on properly ad- f
ministering and interpreting the Standardized §
Field Sobriety Tests as well as touch on topics
such as report writing, urine/blood collection kits, |
and a wet lab just to name a few.
Officers in the entire department completed a
roll call training on Law Enforcement and Citi-
zens with Special Needs. This training was fo-
cused mostly on how to interact and deal with
citizens with dementia and other Alzheimer related illnesses.
Detective O’Connell attended a three-day Criminal Investigation School in New-
port, RI. This is an annual training hosted by the Narcotics Enforcement Officers
Association. Some of the topics discussed are investigating officer involved shoot-
ings, fentanyl updates, call and geolocation data for narcotics investigations, cur-
rent police surveillance techniques, and the emotional toll on police officers and
their families after critical incidents just to
name a few.
Officer Surdo went to a one-day Search and Sei-
zure class. Topics like the 4th, 5th, and 6th
amendment, due process, the exclusionary rule,
interrogation issues, the terry doctrine, protec- ‘
tive sweeps, and search warrant exceptions were WEATHER
just some of areas discussed.
Sergeant Avdevich and Lieutenant Flanagan at- = —
tended a one-day media training at WFSB studi- jm
os. This training discussed topics like on camera
interviews, writing news releases social media
best practices, news conferences, and drone use
just to name a few.
Support Services Report
Records Activity
FOI Requests
Warrants
Phone Calls
Walk in Assists
Background Checks
Protective Orders
Officer Tasking Requests
190
Ay
November 2024
Records personnel have been assisting the
Administrative Sergeant with redacting re-
ports to be utilized as proofs for the ac-
creditation process.
Records began the process of reviewing all
case files from 2014 in preparation for the
destruction of applicable cases in accord-
ance with the State of Connecticut records
retention schedule.
The CSOs covered 80 shifts during the
month, equating to over 631.5 hours of
Case Erasures
shift coverage.
DCF Requests
* The CSOs have been tasked with com-
Court Requests pleting monthly cruiser inspections and as-
Abstracts sisting with additional tasks associated
with the agency’s accreditation efforts.
Video Requests
CSO Activity
Adult Arrests
Fingerprints
Pistol Permits
Juvenile Arrests Employment
Firearms Transfers Miscellaneous
Pistol Permits Issued Peddler/Precious Permits
Walk In Complaints
Total Fingerprints
Patrol Report
Commissioners Activity Report
November 2024
MV Theft Suspect Taken into Custody
On September | 0th day shift responded to the Great Neck Country
Club for a stolen Mercedes E350. The stolen vehicle was observed on a
FLOCK camera traveling West on RTE 156 into East Lyme. After an
lengthy investigation, the vehicle was located in Wethersfield.
Subsequent investigative leads led officers to Norwich where a suspect
was located with the key to the stolen motor vehicle. Two arrest
warrants were applied for and on November | |, 2024 one of the
suspect was located and taken into custody in the city of Hartford. The
suspect was transported to the Waterford PD where he was charged
with Larceny of a Motor Vehicle. The US Marshals Service also had an
active warrant for the suspect and he was held on a detainer.
Pictured at left is the
motor vehicle which
was captured on a
FLOCK camera leaving
Waterford and enter-
ing East Lyme shortly
after it was stolen.
911 Call: Man Shoots Himself in Neck
On November 12, 2024 the midnight shift was sent to an address on
Ist Avenue for a man that had shot himself in the neck. Police and
EMS provided first aid and the subject was transported to the
hospital for further evaluation. Off. Reed and Inv. Zaldivar completed
a Risk Protection Order as well as a Risk Warrant. Five firearms
were seized from the residence as well as a silver sword.
Patrol Calls for Service
Monthly Snap Shot:
Total Service Calls
Case Numbers
Arrests
Juvenile Arrests
Larcenies
Arrest Warrants
Domestic Violence
Investigations
Traffic Crash
DUI Investigations
EDP | Welfare
Checks
School Checks
Motor Vehicle
Written Warnings
Infractions
Verbal Warnings
Misdemeanor
Other
2985
142
73
|
34
6
12
54
6
3l
103
730
300
301
94
27
8
“Traffic Stops by Officer
400 363
300
200
s+ + €
100 54
Buurgreaneyappwooss 666444433
95 103 99 9 98 93 60 97 8 87 88 102 & 9% 92 79 S10 74 & D2 70 8 8
Badge Number
Off . Diogo w/ 363 stops
Off. Jordan w/ 54 stops
Off Arpin w/ 29 stops
Off. Ewing w/ 27 stops
40 022 Sis St7 S18 101 Li 3 SH St
@ Page 2 Patrol Report
Car Rolls Over at Pleasure Beach Boat Launch
On November 25, 2025 Off. Arpin, Off. Suplita, Off. Rogers, Off. Boxley, and Sgt.
Fedor responded to the Pleasure Beach Boat Launch for a one car motor vehicle
accident. Upon arrival, officers located two subjects who had self-extricated
themselves from the overturned motor vehicle. Further police investigation led
to the arrest of the female operator for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
and/or Alcohol. The female was processed, held, and later released on a non-
surety bond.
911 call leads to Breach of Peace / Interfering Arrest
On November |, 2024 day shift was sent to the Aldi’s parking lot for a male running at
vehicles and chasing people through the parking lot. Police arrived on scene and sub-
sequently located the intoxicated male suspect on Woodland Grove. Off. Jordan and
Off. Luce exited their vehicles and attempted to make contact with the suspect. He
screamed several vulgarities at officers and took off running. Officers, believing that
there could be a threat to the public, chased after the suspect and used force
(takedown) to detain him. The suspect was charged with Breach of Peace CGS 53a-
181 and Interfering w/ Police CGS 53a-|67a.
Witness To Domestic Incident Calls 91 |
On November 4, 2024 evening shift was dispatched to the Crystal Mall for the report
of a physical domestic violence altercation between a male and female. The witness,
who met with police upon arrival, advised that she had observed a physical altercation
occur ending with the male body-slamming the female to the ground. An intensive
search was conducted in the area of the Crystal Mall but the male was not located.
Off. Genung obtained statements from all parties on scene and sent an arrest warrant
affidavit to the New London Superior Court for review. Ultimately both parties, the
male and female, were arrested. The female was arrested for Breach of Peace CGS
53a-181 and the male was arrested via warrant for Breach of Peace CGS 53a-I81.
THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Report
November 2024
¢ On 11/1/24 and 11/8/24 the ACOs took in 2
small kittens that were turned over by resi-
dents. Although the ACOs don’t typically take
in “stray” cats, these two were too young to sur-
vive on their own. The ACOs will care for the
kittens until they are old enough to be adopted.
¢ On 11/22/24 the ACOs took temporary custody
of a dog at the request of the police department
after the operator of a motor vehicle was sent
to the hospital for a medical emergency. The
operator’s family later took custody of the dog.
East
Waterford Lyme
Calls for Service 51 29
After Hour Call Outs 3 By}
Tickets Issued 0 0
Warnings Issued 0 0
Dog Bites Of 4
Animals Redeemed 5 0
Animals Adopted 3 2
Animals DOA 0 0
Euthanized 0 0
Total Processed 8 9
Money Taken In $175 $55
Donations $55, $5
"Speaking for those who have no voice"
THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Community Engagement Report
November 2024 Pb
Internships: Intern Juliana Giortzakos shadowed the Records Department, Evening Shift
Patrol, Court/Evidence Officer Maffeo, SRO Lane, CSO Bertrand, Day Shift Patrol, Dispatch,
Investigative Services, and CSO Robinson. She had exit interviews with Chief Balestracci
and Officer Fredricks. Reviewing resumes for the upcoming Spring Semester Intern.
Assistance to Youth Officers: Attended the Friendship School Resource Fair. Spoke at
Great Neck School for Youth Promise. Conducted a police department tour for the WHS
Criminal Justice Class. Spoke about traffic stop safety at Rae’s Driving School. Held Read to
Hodges at the Waterford Library.
Special Olympics Efforts: Sooke about Police Facility K-9s at the Athlete Leadership
Training Day. Attended monthly Torch Run Council Meeting.
Domestic Violence Follow-ups: Conducted 6 follow-ups with DV victims.
K-9 Officer Hodges: Conducted a K-9 Demo at Great Neck School. Assisted Pierce Country
Sheriffs with starting a comfort dog program. Participated in a Lawrence & Memorial
Hospital debrief after the untimely death of an employee. Visited all polling locations on
Election Day to interact with polling staff. Attended the Waterford Veterans Day
Ceremony. Visited Oswegatchie School after the untimely death of a student.
Interaction with Senior Services: Attended a Senior Social and Coffee with a Vet.
Stuff the Bus: Waterford Schools collected food donations for the Waterford Community
Food Bank. The classrooms that collected the most food got a special visit from Hodges.
National Torch Run Conference: Attended the National Torch Run Conference with
various Connecticut law enforcement officers to represent Special Olympics CT in San
Antonio, Texas. Attended classes regarding new ways to fundraise, participated in the
LETR International 5K, and interacted with officers and athletes from around the world.
Citizen’s Academy: Assisted Montville Police in starting their own Citizens Academy.
Advance Services Programs: 1 new registrant added to the program.
Recruiting: Participated in two mock police officer interviews for Mitchell College. Held
recruitment sessions at Eastern CT State University and Central CT State University.
Officer Wellness: Hodges visited Groton Town Police Department and Waterford
Dispatch.
BUDGET FUNCTION
The Waterford Police Department is a 24-hour, 7-day a week and 365 days per year public
safety and community outreach agency. As the police department is staffed around the clock,
we are able to assist other agencies with their needs while also serving in a law enforcement
capacity.
The police department employs 52 sworn officers, 17 part-time Community Service Officers, 5
support staff personnel and 1 custodian.
The Animal Control Officer program is a split cost with the Town of East Lyme and employs two
full-time Animal Control Officers.
@ \NOUSTRY
TOWN OF
BUDGET SUMMARY
The Waterford Police Department prides itself as being an integral part of the town and our
municipal government. Our agency is passionate about community outreach and engagement,
strengthening our relationships with the community we serve and delivering high quality police
services. We work closely with other town departments and the Board of Education in an effort
to make Waterford a safe place to live, work and visit.
As the police department attempts to be completely transparent in the presentation of our
budget request, the following factors are critical elements to consider this year:
This year’s request is an increase of 2.10% from last year, totaling $149,225. This increase is
primarily driven by the collective bargaining agreement between the Town of Waterford and
the Waterford Police Union as well as costs that are outside of the control of the police
department, such as auto maintenance and repairs and F.I.C.A. increases.
The collective bargaining agreement between the Waterford Police Union and the Town of
Waterford was approved by the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) on November 14, 2022.
This agreement impacts this year’s budget request by representing a wage increase for every
Waterford Police Officer of 2.75% effective July 1, 2025.
The collective bargaining agreement between the civilian staff who work at the police
department and the Town of Waterford was approved by the Representative Town Meeting
(RTM) on November 14, 2022. This agreement also impacts this year’s budget request by
representing a wage increase for every civilian employee of 2.5% effective July 1, 2025.
These wage increases, approved by the RTM, cause the F.I.C.A. line item request to rise by
$10,945.
To summarize, the 51000 series increase in our budget request is $154,017, whereas the 52000
series decreased $1,281, the 53000 series decreased $7,011 and the 54000 series increased
from $0 to $3,500.
Other high profile items in the budget request are explained below:
Replacement Overtime: The replacement overtime request in the police department budget
had been flat from FY2019 through FY2024. Although each officer who needed to be replaced
received contractual increases of a combined 12.25% during those years, and also received step
increases from the same agreements, the annual budget request did not request increases in an
attempt to present a reasonable budget to the town. Funding was historically transferred to
cover shortages and or shifts were not filled appropriately. This line was increased in last year’s
request by $17,416, to allow us the ability to fill an additional 50 vacant shifts (at Officer 1 pay
rate), as we continue to staff below the needed level frequently. We held the line level this
year, to fully review the impact of last year’s increase, but wanted to note that every officer
who needs to be replaced is costing more due to the 2.75% increase in pay received by the
RTM.
Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs: Our department has faced significant challenges with our
fleet. Not only does it take between 12-18 months to acquire a new vehicle when needed and
approved, but the vehicles we do have are in need of constant repair. The strain on our
vehicles when others are out of service or delayed in being replaced, compounds the challenges
and results in additional repairs and maintenance. We have increased the vehicle maintenance
and repair line items after considerable review of past spending, current trends and forecasted
availability. As of October 30, 2024, we have already replaced three transmissions, costing
approximately $17,000 of a line item that was approved for the fiscal year at $18,000.
Board of Education Agreement: In a recently negotiated agreement between the Waterford
Police Department and the Waterford Board of Education, the School Resource Officer program
will see increases in funding from the BOE. In 2025-2026, the department will receive $90,000
to offset the School Resource Officers positions and an additional $12,000 to offset the police
services requested at school functions and sporting events. This is an increase to the
department of $33,000 from the previous year as the number of SROs increased from two, to
three. This increase directly lowers our request to the town as it does not increase our
replacement overtime request. This transfer of funding is now listed in the Replacement
Overtime Line Item (51820) to more accurately show where the funding is used. Although this
funding supports the SRO program, it does not cover the cost of three full-time officers nor
does it accurately portray the dedicated security our agency provides to every school
throughout the year.
@ WOUSTAY
Consistant review of spending and reductions: The department has decreased costs in many
areas of the budget request as well, not considering the BOE stipend, our reductions total
$22,033. In every budget series, we continue to review the need, costs and overall impact each
expenditure has on our budget and adjust when appropriate.
Budget Explanations By Category
51110 Admin
51210 Clerical
51220 Custodial
51420 Patrol
51421 Marine Patrol
51430 Inv. Services
51435 CSO Program
51810 Overtime
51820 Rep. Overtime
51830 Training
51920 FICA
51000 Series
$15,992 increase due to Union contract agreement with town
$10,624 increase due to Union contract agreement with town
$2,609 increase due to Union contract agreement with town
$169,162 increase due to Union contract agreement with town
$952 increase due to Union contract agreement with town
$38,884 increase due to Union contract with town
$812 decrease due to staffing adjustments
Line item remains level
Line item decreased $90,000 due to BOE funding being applied
$4,339 increase due to review of program and BOE stipend changes
$10,945 increase due to budgeting guidelines
52010 Advertising
52020 Postage
52030 Prof. Fees
52040 Serv. Contracts
52050 Prof Dues
52060 Printing
52080 Telephone
52300 Training/Ed
52305 OSHA
52370 Uniforms
52520 LEC
53010 Off. Supplies
53020 Other Supplies
53070 Auto Repairs
53080 Auto Maint.
53090 Fuel & Lube
53100 Tires
53180 Equip/Supp
52000 Series
Line item remains level
Line item remains level
Line item remains level
$1,143 increase due to item returned from IT budget and other
adjustments
$2,405 increase due to regional SRT funding program and other
adjustments
Line item remains level
$713 increase based on averages
Line item remains level
$1,500 decrease due to current needs of department
$4,387 decrease due to reduction of proposed new hires needed
$345 increase in fee
53000 Series
Line item remains level
Line item remains level
$2,000 increase based off projections/history
$1,000 increase based off projections/history
This line remains level
$984 increase due to increase in cost per tire and recent
expenditures
$6,445 decrease due to inventory, review of past expenditures and
needs during next fiscal year
i USTR
Ao \WNOUSTRY >
53210 Sel. Enforce $1,250 decrease due to current needs of department
53220 Marine $3,300 decrease due to capital improvement project being
requested for FY2026
53260 ACO Line item remains level _
54000 Series
54020 Equipment $3,500 increase for Training/Community Room needs. This line was
$O in FY25.
Looking Ahead
Staffing: The Waterford Police Department increased staffing levels in FY2025. Currently, there are no
plans for an additional increase in staff as we believe we are well positioned for the challenges before
us. Retaining the employees we have is a concern, as trends continue to show employees in every field,
including law enforcement, are able to move between agencies at will when seeking increased pay and
benefits. To remain competitive in retaining valued employees and attracting new employees, collective
bargaining agreements must be evaluated.
The collective bargaining agreement for the police union expires on June 30, 2026 whereas the
collective bargaining agreement for civilian staff at the police department expires on the same date.
These agreements will have significant impacts on the department's current and future employees, but
on the annual budget as well.
Capital Project Needs: The Waterford Police Department continues to operate in an older building,
which is functional and appropriate for our current and long-term needs. However, we will continue to
seek upgrades in various parts of the building to meet current standards and to provide a safe
environment for staff and the public. The facility is in considerable need of repairs to the roof, HVAC
system and parking lot. These projects, controlled by another town department, will need funding as
will the smaller internal projects mentioned in the department's five and ten year capital plan.
Excerpts from the Uniform Crime Report
*The requirements for law enforcement service vary greatly from one locale to another based
upon each jurisdiction’s unique demographic traits and characteristics. A small community
situated between two larger cities, for example, may require a greater number of law
enforcement personnel than a community of the same size that has no urban center nearby.
Similarly, the needs of a community having a highly mobile or seasonal population may be very
different from those of a city with a relatively stable population. A community that incorporates
legal gambling establishments will have different law enforcement challenges than one in which
the presence of a large military base is the dominant influence, just as a small college town will
have different needs than one comprised predominantly of retirees,
*The functions of law enforcement are also significantly diverse throughout the Nation. The
responsibilities of state police and highway patrol agencies vary considerable from one
jurisdiction to another. Their duties range from traffic enforcement on state highways and
interstate roadways to major investigative responsibilities for all violent crimes committed
statewide. Nationally, the overall role of law enforcement continues to be expanded and
redefined in light of the constant threat from international and domestic terrorism. When
attempting any comparison of law enforcement employee rates, the data user must consider
these differing service requirements and responsibilities.
In view of these differing service requirements and responsibilities, care should be used when
attempting any comparison of law enforcement rates. The rates presented should be viewed as
guides or indicators, not as recommended or preferred police strengths. Adequate personnel for
a specific locale can be determined only after careful study and analysis of the various
conditions affecting service requirements in that jurisdiction.
New London County is home to 23 jurisdictions with a mix of organized police departments,
constabularies and state police coverage.
The latest Connecticut uniform Crime Reporting statistics places Waterford as one of the busier
police departments in New London County. While activity remains high, the Waterford Police
Department has the highest crime solve rate in the county for the latest reporting period at
65.94% (NIBRS2023).
Page 7
WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT Page 8
FY 2025-2026 BUDGET
Personnel Cost 91.68% 2024-2025 Request
Services 3.87%
Materials and Supplies 4.45%
Equipment 0.00%
4.45% Materials
and Services. 0.00% Equipment
3.87% Services
\
SA
s \
<<
N\
91.68%
Personnel
Cost
WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT Page 9
FY 2025-2026 BUDGET
Personnel Cost 91.88%
Services 3.80% 2025-2026 Request
Materials and Supplies 4.28%
Equipment 0.04%
100.00%
4.28% Materials
3.80% Services 0.04% Equipment
91.88%
Personnel
Costs
WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT PAGE 10
FY 2025-2026 PROPOSED BUDGET
61000 Series Breakdown
Administration 8.19%
Clerical/Technical 4.34%
Custodial : 0.82%
Patrol 60.57%
Marine Patrol 0.41%
Investigative Services 8.50%
CSO Program 1.74%
Overtime 2.25%
Replacement OT 4.31%
Training 1.68%
FICA 7.19%
100.00%
1.74% CSO 1.68% Training
4.34% Clerical
8.19% ee 0.82% Custodial
4.31% ROT Administration
y
JA
2.25% Overtime
8.50% Investigative
Services
0.41% Marine Patrol
Page IL
AGENCY: 10129 POLICE COMMISSION FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026
COLUMN 4 [COLUMN 2| COLUMN 3 | COLUMN 4|COLUMN 6| COLUMN 6 | COLUMN 7| COLUMN S| COLUMN 9
2023/24 2024/26 | ACTUAL | 2026126 | 02626 | 2 "202626 | 2026126 |
RLM, | TRANSERS |EXPENDED| DEPTIAGY| APPR BDOFFIN| RTM.
APP, ADD, 41/30/2024 | REQUEST| BD/COMM, RECOMM. | APPROVED
_ LINE ITEM _
40129 [DESCRIPTION
_|ADMINISTRATION 497,183] 530,425)
CLERICAUTECHNICAL 265,019} 279,275 _ “|. 289,899
CUSTODIAN cactus semua 48,482|__62,179) 54,788
PATROL 3,393,088) 3,873,698
MARINE PATROL 22,039 26,477
~|INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES 510,450| 528,324
COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS “426.4501 146,846] _ 416,034)
BOS% | BOF% |
~100.00%) 10.00%
=400.00%! -100.00%
~400.00%| —_ -400.00%
~100,00%] -400,00%|
__:400,00%| __-100.00%
_2400,00% ~100.00%|
-100.00%| _ -100.00%
. _ 150,075 ~ -100.00%| -100.00%
‘ : 287,924 23.81%] -100.00%
TRAINING sos cose se sean sasnemeenen _- 116,224 114,602} _ . SO7SN. 2. -100.00%
PLCA.* —__ | 422,398] 468,902 | 2.83%] -100.00%| " -400.00%
SUB-TOTAL| $6,073,995 () o 2,36%| _ -100.00%| _ -100.00%|
2000 _|SERVICES ee - - :
52010 [ADVERTISING o “0.00% 00%
gb2020.. RO! ee 1,179) 4,600) ae 0.0056) _ -100,00%
52030 __ | PROFESSIONAL FEES 27628} evi] ert 0.00% ~100.00%|
_ |SERV.CONT, & REPAIRS _ 13,825) 24,661 4.66% .
_|PROFESSIONAL ASSOC. DUES | 1,739} 3,020] 79.64%
PRINTING 758 600 0,00%|
- 59,260! 85,500 _. | 85,500 | || ___.. 0.00%!“ -400.00%| ~-100.00%|
; db .. . 2282) 3,500 ene i " -42.86%| -100.00%| _-400,00%|
UNIFORM ALLOWANCE 96,403) 90,346] ; |, 85.958 | — ||... . 74.86%)" -100.00%| " ”-100.00%|
82520 |LAW ENFORCEMENT COUNCIL 46,741) 47,212 : 17,557 . 2.00%] -100.00%| _ -100.00%
208,604) RET AEA) ewes li SREY o 9}... . 20,46%) -100.00% -100.00%
MATERIALS & SUPPLIES | | #OIVIO!
__,OFFICE SUPPLIES 244)... 4,000) semsles ego cles aus He x eho ae sass onan OOM], -100,00%} | ~100,00%|
OTHER SUPPLIES 6,990) 7,000] 7,000 0.00%| -100.00%) 10.00%
21,043) 48,000} _| 20,000 14.11%) -100.00%| -400,00%|
20,049| 18,000] is 49,000 ee 5.60%] -100.00%| 100.0%
108,603 108,603 0.00% -100.00%|"_-100.00%
TIRES
POL. EQUIP, & SUPP.
16,213)” 43,912 7 14,896
A3,029| 44,135]
_1,07%| -100,00%| 100,00%
~14,60%| _-100.00%|_-100,00%|
783.33%| -400.00%| “400.00%|
L CONTROL PROGRAM 100,000] ~~ 400,000 i _|__ 100,000 | 0.00%] _100.00%
SUB-TOTAL 335,308] 348,150] | 344a3q| tO] SCi Of Oo] -2,20%| -400,00%| -100,00%
“84000 [EQUIPMENT a —
54020 __JEQUIPMENT ca Ah) ee 3,500 400%| #DIVIO! | #OIViO!
‘SUB-TOTAL _ 7114 0: [ee 3,600) 0 100%] #DIvio! | #OIVOL
#OIVIOI
DEPARTMENT TOTAL _ 6,671,098) 7,115,644 0} 7,264,869 0 ol ol a] 2.40%) -100,00%| _ ~100,00%
WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
FY 2025-2026 BUDGET REQUEST
BREAKDOWN 10129-51000 SERIES — SALARIES
10129-51110
10129-51210
10129-51220
10129-51420
10129-51421
10129-51430
10129-51435
10129-51810
10129-51820
10128-51830
10129-51920
ADMINISTRATIVE
CLERICAL/TECHNICAL
CUSTODIAL
PATROL
MARINE PATROL
INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES
CSO’S
OVERTIME
REPLACEMENT OVERTIME
TRAINING — SALARIES
F.LC.A.
BREAKDOWN 10129-52000 SERIES — SERVICES
10129-52010
10129-52020
10129-52030
10129-52040
10129-52050
10129-52060
10129-52080
10129-52300
10129-52305
10129-52370
10129-52520
ADVERTISING
POSTAGE
PROFESSIONAL FEES
SERVICE CONTRACTS & REPAIRS
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION DUES
PRINTING
TELEPHONE
TRAINING & EDUCATION
OSHA COMPLIANCE
UNIFORM ALLOWANCE
LAW ENFORCEMENT COUNCIL
BREAKDOWN 10129-53000 ~ MATERIALS & SUPPLIES
10129-53010
10129-53020
10129-53070
10129-53090
10129-53100
10129-53180
10129-53210
10129-53220
10129-53260
BREAKDOWN 10129-54000 — EQUIPMENT & FURNITURE
10129-54020
OFFICE SUPPLIES
OTHER SUPPLIES
AUTOMOBILE REPAIRS
GASOLINE
TIRES
POLICE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT
MARINE PATROL
ANIMAL CONTROL PROGRAM
EQUIPMENT & FURNITURE
Page #
13,19
13,19
13,19
13,20
13,21
13,20,23
13,22
43,23,24
14,25
14,26
44,27
14
14
14
14, 28
14, 29
15
15, 30
15, 31
15
15, 32
15
16
16
16
16,33
16
16
17
17
17
34
Page 12
WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT Page 13
FY 2025-2026 BUDGET REQUEST
51000 SERIES — SALARIES A detailed breakdown is attached
10129-51110 ADMINISTRATION $546,417
CHIEF OF POLICE
LIEUTENANT
LIBUTENANT
LIEUTENANT
Expended FY24 $497,183 FY23 $504,211 FY22 $532,495 FY21 $481,981 FY20 $546,583
10129-51210 CLERICAL/TECHNICAL $289,899
OFFICE COORDINATOR
SECRETARY III - Investigative Services
DATA TECHNICIAN - Records
ACCTS, REC/SECRETARY ~ Records
EVENING SECRETARY - Records
Expended FY24 $265,019 FY23 $249,536 FY22 $237,394 FY21 $310,999 FY20 $270,884
10129-51220 CUSTODIAN $54,788
Expended FY24 $48,482 FY23 $45,833 FY22 $36,838 FY21 $17,559 FY20 $37,729
10129-51420 PATROL
$4,042,860
This line item consists of regular force wages subject to contractual increases to include most contractual benefits
and requirements of State and Federal Law.
Expended FY24 $3,393,088 FY23 $3,332,029 FY22 $3,255,806 FY21 $3,284,650 FY20 $3,209,509
10129-51421 MARINE PATROL
$27,429
This line item consists of wages from May through October in partnership with East Lyme Police, the
Transportation Security Administration and USCG Sector Long Island Sound operations. See Page 21.
Expended FY24 $22,939 FY23 $27,391 FY22 $17,754 FY21 $23,519 FY20 $24,601
10129-51430 INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES $567,205
This line item consists of three Detectives, one assigned Investigator and one assigned Detective Sergeant.
Expended FY24 $510,450 FY23 $503,035 FY22 $456,319 FY21 $478,474 FY20 $553,154
10129-51435 COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS $116,034
We are authorized seventeen Community Service Officers who work on a part-time basis. They are stationed at the
front window 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to be available to the public and are the first point of contact for a
citizen seeking assistance, The CSO is responsible for booking prisoners, conducting fingerprinting services to the
public, providing security to the building and performing miscellaneous tasks for officers. See Page 22
Expended FY24 $125,450 FY23 $115,538 FY22 $118,808 FY21 $112,913 FY20 $120,035
10129-51810 OVERTIME $150,075
This line item is designed to cover costs associated with extended hours of duty, special investigations, community
events, 9 responsibities, holiday patrols and other efforts. A detailed breakdown sheet has been provided. It is
important to note that clerical overtime is also contained within this line item, See Page 23 and