Board of Police Commissioners Regular Meeting Agenda

Town of Waterford, Connecticut, Police Commission Meeting Agenda
Training Room at the Waterford Police Department
9/9/2024 5:00 pm
Call to order and establish quorum:
Pledge of Allegiance:
Public input:
Acceptance of minutes: August 12, 2024 Regular Meeting
Correspondence:
a. Thank you letter from Rich and Julie Muckle
b. Community Policing Award from the New England Association of Chiefs of Police, Inc.
Traffic Commission Review:
Chief's Report:
a. K9 Reports for August
b. Youth Report for August
Investigative Services Report for August
c
d. Training Report for August
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Support Services Report for August
Peal
Patrol Report for August
Animal Control Report for August
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Community Engagement Report for August
Old Business:
a. Recording of Commission Meetings

New Business:
a. CCSU student intern Juliana Giortzakos introduction
b. Review of FY 2023-2024 Annual Report
c. Executive Session for police officer candidate interview

MINUTES
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
August 12, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioner J. Dimmock, Commissioner C. Gamble, Commissioner R.
Brule, Commissioner M. Gelinas
ABSENT: Commissioner T. Sheridan
DEPARTMENT: Chief M. Balestracci, LT D. Ferland, LT N. VanOverloop, Traffic Officer
M. Devine, Officer M. Sylvestre
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:
Quaker Hill residents, Tina DuBosque and Bryan Sayles, submitted letters to be entered into the
minutes.
A presentation on speed enforcement was made by Staci Noto of TrafficLogix.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gamble and seconded by Commissioner Brule to accept the
minutes from the July 8, 2024 Regular Meeting. Commissioner M. Gelinas abstained. Motion
passed.

CORRESPONDENCE:
Correspondence was reviewed.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION REVIEW:
Chief Balestracci commented on the great job Officer Devine did coordinating road closures and
security for the Waterford Day Parade.
Traffic Report was received.
CHIEF’S REPORT:
a. K9 Reports for July
July report was received.
b. Youth Reports for July
July report was received.
c. Investigative Services for July
July report was received.
d. Training Report for July
July report was received.
e. Support Services Report for July
July report was received.
f. Patrol Report for July
July report was received.
g. Animal Control Report for July
July report was received.
h. Community Engagement Report for July
July report was received.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. Recording Commission Meetings — The furniture has been repaired and reinstalled. No
bids were received for the combined audio/video part of the project. They will now go
out to bid individually.

NEW BUSINESS:
a. Retail Theft Initiative — Chief Balestracci introduced the Waterford Police Department
Retail Theft Initiative program. Sergeant Patrick Epps and Officer Andrew Reed will be
leading the program to develop relationships with retailers in town in order to improve
security and decrease theft. The program is expected to be up and running in late
September.
b. Discussion of Survey Results — There was a brief discussion of the first set of results
from the South Central Chiefs of Police Association survey that the Waterford Police
Department is participating in. Chief Balestracci noted that the WPD uses most if not all
of the retention strategies listed in the survey.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gelinas and seconded by Commissioner Gamble to add
firearms transition discussion to New Business. Motion passed unanimously.
Chief Balestracci explained that the firearm transition process was brought before and approved
by all town boards. This transition included trading in retired firearms for a savings to the Town
of $13,500. The Chief said that this process will move forward as is, as it would be improper to
change the plan after being approved and presented at public meetings to all the relevant town
boards. The Chief believes that in the future when new firearms are needed, discussions should
be had on other disposal methods for retired firearms.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gamble and Seconded by Commissioner Gelinas to adjourn
the meeting at 6:01 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by:
ion & Areal
Diane E. Driscoll
Recording Secretary

August 12, 2024
To: Town of Waterford Board of Police Commissioners
From: Tina DuBosque, Quaker Hill, CT
Re: Disposal of Town Police Handguns
Dear Police Commissioners
I feel that the current method of disposal of Town Police handguns is an issue
worth debating and working to change.
This is not a Second Amendment issue.
It is an issue of responsibly retiring Town Police handguns.
The handguns being retired are not permanently destroyed, but temporarily
disabled. This means that they can be made whole again and put out on the
used gun market. The Town of Waterford benefits financially from this current
disposal program.
These retired handguns can, and do, fall into the hands of those who wish to
use them for criminal activities. There are other licensed, acceptable methods
currently in use to responsibly dispose of retired handguns, in ways that
permanently disable them, rendering them unsaleable, out of reach of the
criminally minded.
I advocate for a review of the current disposal program, and a change to a more
responsible disposable program, one that will help to keep these used
handguns permanently out of circulation.
Citizens' lives are at stake, nation-wide.
Let’s be part of the solution, not part of the problem!
As the current program to retire used Police handguns was discussed and
approved by Board of Police Commissioners, Board of Selectmen, Board of
Finance, and Representative Town Meeting some time ago, clearly there is an
established procedure for discussing, reviewing, updating and approving.
Commissioners, let's be proactive and known as a town that includes in its
efforts to fight crime a used Police handgun disposal program that shows a
responsible effort.
Again, this is not a Second Amendment issue.
Good change is good.
Thank you.
Respectfully submitted,
; yor =
Tina DuBosque, Quaker Hill

August 12, 2024
Waterford Police Commission Meeting
Waterford, CT
Re; Obsolete handguns
Dear Commissioners,
| am here at today’s Police Commission meeting to call attention to an ongoing concern
about the disposition of forty-nine (49) soon to be obsolete town of Waterford owned
handguns. During the public comment section of a July 9, Board of Selectman meeting, |
shed new light on the problem of former police guns traded in to suppliers being found at
the scene of a crime. In fact, since 2006, 52,529 such guns. Concerning to say the least.
Waterford’s 49 obsolete guns are shown as a line-item credit within Whitmer's cost quote.
It seemed to me and others that would be simple to have that credit removed so that those
obsolete, taxpayer funded guns could be disposed of safely. And while it took little time and
effort, | finally identified a resource where those guns could be destroyed, following ATF
guidelines with documentation and pictures for the reasonable cost of $300 total.
A decision was made to move forward with the original plan which is to take the credit from
Whitmer. A short-sighted decision at that given the societal costs of gun violence.
In closing today's letter is now about accountability. Years from now, should any of the 49
guns be traced back to Waterford let it be known that First Selectman Brule, Second
Selectman Muckle and Chief Balestracci are unwilling to reverse course and should be
held accountable for their decisions. They are doing so with the knowledge that there was
an alternative to guarantee that not one of Waterford’s obsolete handguns would ever be
used in the commission of a crime.
Quaker Hill

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New England Association
of Chiefs of Police, Inc.
Executive Director
Chief Douglas Johnston, Ret.
Springfield, VT
P.O. Box 391
North Springfield, VT 05150
August 7, 2024
Chief Marc Balestracci
Waterford Police Department
41 Avery Lane
Waterford, CT 06385
Dear Chief Balestracci:
On behalf of the New England Association of Chiefs of Police it is my pleasure to announce the
Waterford Police Department as the second-place winner of the New England Association of Chiefs
of Police Community Policing Award for the year 2023 to a Department serving a population of
15,000 to 30,000.
The Awards Committee reviewed many submissions from across New England, your department was
rated second place. The competition was intense and we applaud the remarkable innovative effort
and time departments are investing in Community Policing, as a result the scores were very close.
On behalf of all of our members we congratulate you and your Department on their excellent
Community Policing Program. We recognize the importance of having community policing programs,
such as yours, which other departments can use as an example to make their city or town a true
community policing environment.
We highly recommend and encourage you to reapply next year for this award,
Thank you for participating in this competition and your interest in the New England Association of
Chiefs of Police.
amie A. Hainsworth
Chief of Police (Ret.)
Committee Chairperson
Enclosed (1) certificate of achievement
WWw.neacop.org
(802) 886-7188
P.O. Box 391
North Springfield, VT 05150

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The Waterford Police Department
Traffic Officer Report
August 2024
CHANGES TRAFFIC UNIT:
Officer Diogo was added to the Waterford Police Traffic Unit during the month of August.
Traffic Officer Diogo hit the ground running with traffic enforcement during the month.
LINE OF SIGHT ISSUES:
- Complaint of a sight line issue at Seabreeze Dr. and Niles Hill. Spoke with the owner and she
had trimmed the hedges along the street. After a discussion she agreed to cut some more off
the corner of the hedges.
- Assist DPW with Fog Plain Rd near Route 1, while they trimmed brush back that contributed to a
blind curve.
- Fog Plain/ Rockwood Rd - Spoke with resident she agreed to allow DPW to trim bushes and
brush to improve sight line
- Shore Rd/Division St. Bushes grown into the sidewalk and cannot see around corner from
Division St. while pulling out. No contact with homeowner at this point. DPW made contact and
was taken care of.
DOT RELATED ISSUES.
- DOT Replaced speed limit sign on Route 85 in area of Waterford Commons, which had been
knocked down in an accident.
- Request for Pearl Harbor Day race, Highway Use Permit was forwarded to DOT for review. The
race is in November.
- Received encroachment permit from DOT for speed feedback sign installation in front of Great
Neck School. The “Call Before You Dig” (CBYD), request was denied and a new location in front
of the school is being checked for CBYD.
PARKING COMPLAINTS:
- Ongoing parking complaint about a tractor trailer parking in a residential area on Devonshire
Rd., in violation of town parking ordinance. The owner/operator was previously warned. A
town parking ticket for the ordinance violation was issued this month.
- Ongoing parking complaint on 3 Ave. , where vehicle’s are parking too close to the intersection
on 3" Ave at Niantic River Road. Two vehicles were located in violation during this month. A
request for a “No Parking Here to Corner” has been requested.
- Complaint of a commercial truck parking in Ridgewood Park area. The vehicle was determined
to be parking on private property, not violating the town parking ordinance. The information
was forwarded to zoning and we will work with them regarding the issue.
- Complaint of cars parking on Stone Heights in areas marked no parking. The area was checked
multiple times and no violations were observed.

The Waterford Police Department
Traffic Officer Report
August 2024
ENFORCEMENT RELATED COMPLAINTS:
Huntsbrook Rd. near Waterford Country School has a concern about speed prior to the school
when traveling in a northerly direction. The speed feedback sign was placed in this area for two
weeks before school.
Complaint of vehicles speeding on Lloyd Rd. Attempted data collection, but the files were
corrupted and no useable data was obtained. Will be continuing to work on this complaint.
Complaint of speeding on North Rd., additional enforcement was conducted during the month.
Online complaint of cars cutting in and speeding on Route 32 near the Montville Connector,
additional enforcement was conducted during the month.
Additional target areas included Old Colchester Rd, Bloomingdale Rd and Douglas road for past
complaints
REQUESTS FOR SIGNS OR CHANGE OF ROADWAY FEATURES:
A request for a “No Parking Here to Corner” sign being installed on 3" Ave near the intersection
of Niantic River Rd. Multiple calls on this over the past few months for vehicles parking too
close to the intersection. Several cars park in the area legally, which would not be effected. The
area is across from stairs leading to the water on the Niantic River and people frequently stop
there to go down to the water. The addition of this sign could prevent some frequent parking
violations without impacting the residents who normally park in the area.
Complaint from last month, in which the caller requested crosswalk be added on Niantic River
Rd at Wood/East Wood St. The caller feels that the vehicles are going too fast traveling south
and do not recognize the crosswalk at Niantic River Road and Bishop/East Bishop St. until it is
too late. The area does not allow for a clear line of sight, since it is just over the crest of a hill, to
be a safe choice for a crosswalk. The caller was advised of the sight line issue. Speed
enforcement was conducted in the area and a speed feedback sign was installed on Niantic River
Rd. near Donna St., facing southbound traffic. The additional of a crosswalk is not
recommended.
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 July 2024 was at or below the speed limit approximately
15% of the time. Approximately 37% of the vehicles were traveling between 31 to35 mph and
another 36% were traveling between 36-40 mph. Leaving the remaining roughly 12% traveling
at 41 mph or higher.
The Willets Ave sign at the old Bank of America building, facing westbound traffic. The data
shows that vehicle traffic during the month of July 2024 was at or below the 30 mph speed limit
approximately 42% of the time. Vehicles were traveling 31-35 mph approximately 37% time and

The Waterford Police Department
Traffic Officer Report
August 2024
36-40 mph 18% of the time. 3% of vehicles were traveling above 41 mph. This posted speed
limit for this area is 30 mph and the vehicles are traveling downhill in the area where the speed
radar sign is set up.
Battery powered speed feedback signs were placed at the following locations:
1. A battery power speed sign was placed on Huntsbrook Rd facing northbound traffic, prior to the
Waterford Country School. The data shows that approximately 42% of vehicles were traveling at
or below the 25 mph speed limit. Approximately 44% were traveling between 26-30 mph and
13% were traveling between 31-35 mph. Leaving approximately 1% of vehicles traveling 36 mph
or faster in the area. This area is downhill as it approaches the Waterford Country School.
2. Abattery powered speed feedback sign was placed on Niantic River Rd in the area of Donna St.,
facing southbound traffic. The data showed, approximately 42% of traffic was traveling at or
below the 30 mph speed limit. Approximately 39% of vehicles were traveling at 31-45 mph and
15% were traveling at 36-40 mph. This leaves approximately 4% traveling 41 mph or more.
3. A battery powered speed sign was placed on Clark Lane prior to the school, facing north bound
traffic. This was placed for the first day of school (8/28/24). No data at this time.
4. A battery powered speed sign was placed on Wilcox CT, facing traffic that is exiting from
Oswegatchie school. The speed limit is not posted on this roadway, but complaints that people
leaving the school speed through the street as a cut through. 99% of vehicles were found to be
traveling at or below 25 mph.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
No large scale events involving roadways or traffic scheduled for September.
MESSAGE BOARD DEPLOYMENTS:
Dates Location Message
08/01 to 08/27 Mago Point Don’t Rock the boat baby;
No Wake Zone
8/13 to 08/27 Clark Lane Eyes up;
Phones down
08/27 to 8/29
Rt 156 Friendship School/Community
Center
Drop off and pickup instructions
for friendship school
08/27 to 8/29
Miner Lane at High School Entrance
Drop off and pickup instructions
for friendship school
08/29 to Great Neck Rd at Great Neck School Enjoy Labor Day;
Don’t get Burned by a DUI
8/29 to Niantic Bay Boathouse Don’t Rock the boat baby;
No Wake Zone

The Waterford Police Department
Traffic Officer Report
August 2024
Additional Activities:
Waterford Day Parade set up, planning meetings, and debrief
Garden Brothers Circus, evaluate parking area safety and dropped off barriers
Friendship school traffic control drop off and pickup day 1 and 2
Assist school bus company by utilizing the unmarked vehicles to shadow the busses and
watching for passing violations.
BOnNRer
UPCOMING ROAD CONSTRUCTION WITH CLOSURE:
No known large road construction projects are expected in the near future.
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT:
Officer Devine #88 Diogo #95 Combined
infractions 15 140 155
Written warnings 14 59 74
Verbal 2 11 13
misdemeanor 1 6 7
Total Traffic Stops 32 216 248

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
‘K-9 Activity Report
August 2024
K-9 Ozzy
Monthly Uses: 3
2024 Uses: 25
K-9 Tico
Monthly Uses: 0
2024 Uses: 27
K-9 Usage
Ozzy
¢ Ofc. Genung and K9 Ozzy were requested to respond to |
assist the Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) in Groton,
CT as an individual who they had just taken into custody ce
was observed throwing items into the wood line. K9 aa
Ozzy was deployed (article search) down an embank-
ment and pulled to a small section of bushes. Ofc.
Genung observed a small green container which VCTF
officers advised this is what they saw the suspect dis-
card. Narcotics were subsequently located inside the
container. K9 Ozzy was then deployed for an exterior
search of a suitcase the suspect was seen pulling and he
showed a clear alert for the presence of narcotics. A
hand search of the suitcase was conducted and narcotic
paraphernalia was located.
Tico
¢ During the month of August, Officer Surdo was tasked
with training (FTO) a new officer and also attended a
week long training class.
Monthly Training
« Monthly K-9 training was conducted on August 13, 2024 and August 27, 2024
in obedience, tracking, article search, building search, area search, narcotics de-
tections, and apprehension work.

| THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
; Youth Office Activity
Report
August 2024
¢ SRO Winters, ASO Morgan, and ASO Masucci all ,
began their new positions at their assigned ele-
mentary schools. All three assisted with drop-off
and pick-up on the first several days of school.
They also assisted the elementary school princi-
pals with lockdown and shelter in place drills.
¢ Off. Malbaurn helped mediate an issue which
arose at the High School with a concerned non-
custodial parent. Off. Malbaurn worked closely
with school administration, the patrol division,
and school counselors to conduct a welfare check. |
The complaint from the parent was unfounded.
« Off. Lane and Off. Malbaurn hosted a regional
School Resource Officer meeting at the WPD.
Groton Town Police Department, East Lyme
Police Department, and Willimantic Police
Department all attended to share local trends.
¢ Allthree SRO’s attended a board of education
Department Head meeting at WHS to briefly
discuss the upcoming school year.
¢ The SRO’s attended various events to include
Freshman Orientation, 6th grade orientation,
student meetings and parent meetings.
Month at a Glance
| 0 — Home Visits
0-— CAD Report
1— Case Reports
0— Arrests
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
August 2024
In the month of August 2024 the Investigative Services Division worked or assisted with 21
investigations.
Current Active Investigations (18 Cases):
(These numbers do not include assist’s to the Patrol Division)
Homicide—1 Pistol Permits—3
Burglary—1 JV Sex Assault—2
Larceny—2 Violation of Protection Order—1
ID Theft—1 Shots Fired—1
Risk of Injury—1 School Threat—1
Child Pornography—1 Untimely—1
Sexual Assault—1 Skimmer—1
Year to Date Statistical Report
Case Search Background Arrests Sex
Numbers Warrants as Assaults
61 8 6 11 14
Ex-Parte's Auto Theft Burglary Unattended Robbery
Deaths
0) 0 0 10 0

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Investigative Services
Division
August 2024
August 2024 Updates:
The Investigative Services Division currently has four (4) warrants being reviewed by the
New London Superior Court. Arrest warrants are expected to be signed for all of the cases.
One case involves a sexual assault, a second involves child pornography, the third involves a
retail theft ring, while the last is a Violation of Probation stemming from calls being placed
by an inmate from the Department of Corrections to a victim in town. These were all months
long investigations that are coming to a closure. All cases were investigated by Detective
Bonkowski.
The Investigative Services Division made contact with forty three (43) retail businesses in
town. We provided them with information about “skimmers’ being attached to payment
machines to gather customers banking information. We learned that checking for “skimmers”
regularly has been put into policy for many of the businesses is town.
Sergeant Avdevich and Detective Bonkowski attended a week long detective school hosted by
the Chiefs’ States Attorneys Office at the University of New Haven. This training provided
them with updates in the always changing field of conducting investigations.
August 2024 Investigations:
Members of the Investigative Services Division conducted surveillance and background work
in regards to possible criminal activity from a business in Waterford. This was initiated after
receiving complaints from patrons at the business. This case is under further investigation.
Investigator Zaldivar assisted patrol with an investigation into a fight that occurred resulting
in injury after a large party involving younger adults at an address in Waterford.
Surveillance and other investigative tools were used to investigate a report of narcotics
activity at a residence. This so far has resulted in an arrest of one subject leaving the
residence during a motor vehicle stop. This address will be under further investigation.
Detective Carroll and Investigator Zaldivar completed two background checks for potential
Community Service Officer hires.
Detective O’Connell responded to an untimely death investigation on Scotch Cap Road. A
drug investigations has been opened in New Hampshire in regards to this untimely. We are
still awaiting a report from the Medical Examiners’ Office.
Detective Carroll and Lieutenant VanOverloop served a Habeas warrant on a suspect in
Hartford, CT in regards to a bank robbery at the old People’s Bank in Waterford.
Detective O’Connell assisted patrol on a fraud complaint from a freight delivery company.
This is a multi jurisdictional case that is still under investigation.

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAINING REPORT
AUGUST 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 Dylan Luce and Recruit Tanner Suplita continue their-
Field Training Program on patrol. Recruit Suplita and Recruit Luce are currently in
Phase 3.
Recruit Boxley completed her seventeenth week at the City of New Britain Police
Department Satellite Basic Recruit Academy.
Recruit Maselli and Recruit Abram started the Eastern Regional Police Academy on
August 16th hosted by the Law Enforcement Council of Connecticut. This academy
is expected to completed in January.
Officer Jordan completed all field training requirements and was certified by the
Police Officers Standards Training Council.

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
INTEGRILYTM
my) =6T RAINING REPORT
AUGUST 2024.
Training Officer Sylvestre attended a week long International Police Mountain
Bicycle Association (IPMBA) Instructor School. This was a rigorous training that
required passing of bicycle obstacle courses and a written test on day one. After-
wards, there was instruction and lesson plans given on how to teach others to be-
come bicycle certified officers. This class allows Officer Sylvestre to teach and cer-
tify officers here at the police department to be bicycle certified.
Officer Arpin, Officer Colkos, and Officer Robinson successfully completed Phle-
botomy School. This training is in preparation for when police officers will be re-
quired by state law to draw blood during DUI investigations.
Officer Rogers attended a two-week Traffic Crash Reconstruction course. This in-
depth class covered many topics regarding reconstructing how accidents occur. Some
of the topics covered were friction and acceleration factors, time-distance relationships,
collision analysis using damage momentum, spin analysis, and rollovers to name a few.
The firearms instructors attended a three day training offered through GLOCK called
Modular Optic System Instructor Workshop , which was hosted at our police department.
This training is essential so the firearms instructors can train our officers on how to oper-
ate the new firearms we are getting that will have red dot optics on them.
Detective Bonkowski and Sergeant Avdevich attended a week long Detective School.
This was offered via the Henry Lee Institute and covered many topics regarding detective
investigations. Some of the many topics covered were risk protection orders, cell phone
extractions, interviewing suspects, and sexual assault investigations.
Officer Jordan and Officer Arpin attended a week long Crisis Intervention Training. This
training brings community and law enforcement resources together to address
common issues related to mental health and how law enforcement interacts with
people that have mental health issues
Bars Ss [BY bas &

Support Services Report
August 2024
» Anew form was created in conjunction
Records Activity with the courts for all requests to vacate
FO! Requests 161 warrants. Our Records department has
Wangs 33 been working diligently for a long period of
time to vacate old/”stale” warrants.
Phone Calls
* Anew weekly request from a “Crime
Walk in Assists » . . . ;
Blotter” website began in August, in which
Background Checks they request a list of all calls for the week
Protective Orders with certain information to be used on
: : their website.
Officer Tasking Requests
* The CSOs covered 62 shifts during the
month, equating to over 531.5 hours of
Case Erasures
DCF Requests shift coverage.
COMIN Red ueeis « CSO Griswold developed a new shift activi-
isetiacte ty report form to assist in tracking statistics
for monthly and annual reports, as well as
Video Requests _ .
providing documentation for OSHA regula-
tions
CSO Activity Fingerprints
Adult Arrests 24 Pistol Permits
Juvenile Arrests 0 Employment
Firearms Transfers 37 Miscellaneous
Pistol Permits Issued 2) Peddler/Precious Permits
Walk In Complaints 43. Total Fingerprints

Patrol Report
Commissioners Activity Report
August 2024
Larceny Call at Walmart Leads to Several Arrests ;
On August 5, 2024 Off. Robinson, Off. Barrows, and Sgt. Epps responded “HordlilySnan Shots
to Wal-Mart for two subjects that had just stolen numerous cases of Red
Bull and other assorted merchandise. While responding to the call officers
observed a suspect vehicle fleeing the scene which matched the description
provided by asset protection. A traffic stop was initiated and both suspects | Case Numbers 157
Total Service Calls 2444
were taken into custody. The merchandise was recovered and returned to | jects 105
the store. The operator of the MV was found to have 2 felony PRAWN
warrants. The female suspect (passenger in vehicle) was also taken into Juvenile Arrests 4
custody for the larceny. Larcenies 67
Arrest Warrants II
Left and Right
are items which Domestic Violence 14
were seized / Investigations
recovered on a Traffic Crash 57
traffic stop after
a larceny from
Wal-Mart. DUI Investigations 3
EDP / Welfare 50
Checks
School Checks 100
On August | Ith Off. Krysztofiak and Off. Robinson responded to Best Buy | Motor Vehicle 606
for a larceny of a TV and various other electronic items. Off. Krysztofiak Stops
then began checking several local businesses and located the suspect in Written Warnings 243
front of Home Depot. Upon attempting to take the suspect into custody
he resisted arrest and fled on foot. He was apprehended with a Phazzer Infractions 219
and taken into custody without any injuries. The suspect, who was on
probation for prior larcenies, was charged for the Best Buy Larceny and Verbal Warnings 118
also Interfering with an Officer, Weapons in a MV, Criminal Possession of
Ammunition, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. Misdemeanor 26
SELF INITIATED MOTOR VEHICLE ACTIVITY BY BADGE NUMBER
219
- Off. Diogo w/ 219 stops
- Off. Jordan w/ 45 stops
- Off. Devine w/ 32 stops
95 103 88 74 99 94 83 91 93 87 60 82 89 102 97 54 84 40 92 80 46

) Page 2 Patrol Report
Trespassers in Southwest School
In the first week of August there were several reports that the former Southwest School
had been entered by trespassers / vandals. Patrol in turn conducted numerous extra patrols
of the property. On August 5, 2024 patrol responded to the school for suspicious persons
on property. Five juveniles, all of whom reside in East Lyme, were located in the school. The
five youths were issued juvenile summons for simple trespass. SRO Lane then worked with
the East Lyme SRO and Juvenile court. The juvenile subjects were referred to the juvenile
review board in East Lyme.
DV Call: Leads to Use of Force / Emergency Committal / Arrest
On August 7, 2024 Off Colkos, Off. Arpin, and Off. Bunce responded to an address on Third
AVE for a emotionally disturbed person. Upon Off. Colkos’ arrival the subject immediately
fled on foot. Off. Colkos was able to catch up with the suspect and initially de-escalate the
individual into voluntary compliance. After further investigation into the domestic violence
assault it was determined that the subject would be taken into custody. It was at this time
that he attempted to escape and subsequently fought w/ officers. A minimal amount of force
was used to successfully gain control of the subject and get him the necessary help needed.
Missing Swimmer Leads to Multi-Agency Response / Drone Deployment
On August 25,2025 at 0000 hours a call came in from the East Lyme Police Department that
they had efforts underway to locate a missing swimmer in the Niantic River. Reports were
that an intoxicated swimmer had swam away from East Lyme PD officers in the area of the
Niantic Bridge. Officers had lost sight of the swimmer and a rescue operation commenced
due to her level of intoxication, fearing she may not be able to adequately swim. Sgt. Caler
coordinated a response from the Waterford Police Department's midnight shift checking the
Waterford Shoreline. Sgt. Caler and Off. Bushwack (spotter) also deployed the Waterford
Police Department’s drone as part of the rescue operation. Sgt. Caler utilized the drone’s
thermal capabilities and swept the cove/inlet area around the docks where the swimmer
went missing. Sgt. Caler then moved to the EL side and set up a location to fly the drone at
the “Dockominiums”. No heat signatures were detected. After a lengthy search the female
swimmer was located on the East Lyme side of the river alive and well by ENCON police.

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Animal Control
Report
August 2024
¢ On 8/6/2024 the ACO Responded to a call of a bat
“attacking” someone, possibly “biting and scratching”
them. Upon arrival, victim had already gone to hospital
for treatment, family member pointed out the “bat” on
the front porch. It was actually a large polymephus
moth. It is unknown if the homeowner mistook the
moth for a bat or if there was also a bat present.
¢ On 8/7/2024 The ACO taught a community outreach,
class at the Sweet Serenity Humane Education camp
for a group of campers, explaining what Animal Control |
Officers do and how we help animals.
¢ During August, two cats in Waterford had to be humanely euthanized due to severe in-
juries which appeared to have been the result of being struck by vehicles.
¢ As they did last year, the ACOs went to
the circus being held in the Crystal Mall East
parking lot to check on the animals that Masentoud LvEne
were part of the show, which included Calls for Service 119 59
ponies and dogs. All ofthe animals ap- |After Hour Call Outs 9 4
peared healthy and well cared for, and _|Tiekets Issued ) 1
possessed appropriate vaccination and |Warnings Issued D) il
vet paperwork to legally cross state lines. Dog Bites 3 1
Animals Redeemed 17 11
Animals Adopted a) 9
Animals DOA
Huthanized 2 0
Total Processed 25 20
Money Taken In $360 $778
(Donations $80 $463
"Speaking for those who have no voice"

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Community Engagement Report ‘
August 2024 POLIC
Assistance to Youth Officers: Participated in Parks & Rec Summer Playground’s, Touch a
Truck, Summer Academy’s Spirit Week and Camp Dash end of summer celebration.
Attended Waterford Schools Teacher Orientation, Clark Lane Middle School Orientation,
and Back to Schools Nights at Great Neck School and Quaker Hill School. Organized
Sundaes with SROs at the Waterford Library. Visited multiple schools during the first week
of school.
Interaction with Senior Services: Visited AHEPA Apartments. Attended a Senior Luncheon
and Senior Social.
Domestic Violence Follow-ups: Conducted 10 follow-ups with DV victims.
Special Olympics Efforts: Attended Torch Run Council Meeting and Over the Edge Event.
K-9 Officer Hodges: Visited Yale Outdoor Education Center and Garden Bros Nuclear
Circus. Attended Waterford Farmers Market’s “Kids Day”, the Arnold E. Holm JR.
Memorial Park Ceremony, and Law Enforcement Phlebotomy Training. Held “Read to
Hodges” at the Waterford Library. Participated in the Waterford Parade. Assisted Georgia
Tech Police with starting a comfort dog program. Assisted Puppies Behind Bars and Justice
Clearing House with a presentation about Facility K-9s that had over 400 attendees.
National Night Out: Participated in Groton Town Police’s event. Hodges interacted with
attendees and Waterford Police recruits served pizza to attendees.
Shop with a First Responder: Organized event where 10 Waterford children were each
given a $100 Walmart gift card to purchase back to school supplies. Various first
responders shopped with them at the Waterford Walmart. Walmart McDonald’s donated
lunch and Joshua’s Worldwide donated a bus to transport the kids.
Officer Wellness: Coordinated an officer wellness event at the Mystic Aquarium with
multiple law enforcement comfort K-9s. Organized a Wellness Day for Investigative
Services, Support Staff, and Administrative Staff.
Rotary Club: Attended monthly meeting.
Internships: Held multiple interviews for the Fall Semester Intern. Juliana Giortzakos, a
Connecticut Central State University student, was selected.
Mock Traffic Stop Event for Newly Licensed Drivers: Assisting the CT Chief’s Association
with creating a presentation for all CT agencies to use for Mock Traffic Stop Events.

Waterford Police Department
Waterford, Connecticut
Annual Report - Fiscal Year 2023/2024
“To protect and serve the public, prevent crime, and provide professional law enforcement
services to our community.”
-Waterford Police Department Mission Statement-
INTRODUCTION
The Waterford Police Department is a 52-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 2023/2024, under the guidance and direction of the Board of Police Commissioners and Chief
Mare Balestracci, the Waterford Police Department continued to fulfill its motto, “In the Community Interest.”
1 | “In The Community Interest”

Town of Waterford Board of Police Commissioners
The Board of Police Commissioners is comprised of members (L to R) First Selectperson Robert Brule, Christopher
Gamble, Mark Gelinas, Thomas “Tony” Sheridan and James Dimmock.
The Waterford Police Commission is a civilian oversight board, empowered under Connecticut state statutes and
Town of Waterford ordinances. Connecticut State Statute 7-276 details the authority of the Police Commission,
which has four members that are appointed by the town's Representative Town Meeting and the final member being
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, who was placed in charge of the department in October of 2021
by the Board of Police Commissioners, works daily with the Administrative Team to
review the department’s budget status, obtain updates from department division leaders,
assign tasks as appropriate and reviews the quality of work being delivered to the
community.
Chief of Police In FY 2023-2024, the Administrative Team consisted of Investigative Services
Mare Balestirace Lieutenant Nicole VanOverloop, Patrol Services Lieutenant Patrick Flanagan,
Administrative Services Lieutenant David Ferland, Administrative Sergeant Michael
Fedor, Training Officer Megan Sylvestre, Office Coordinator Diane Driscoll and Jeffrey Robillard from the town’s
IT Services department.
Formal Administrative Team meetings are held every Monday morning as well as larger staff meetings held quarterly
with all Lieutenants, Sergeants and assigned personnel to discuss department needs, personnel and equipment,
morale considerations, training efforts, budget parameters, scheduling, building and vehicle concerns and special
assignments. Effective communication remains a priority and these regularly scheduled meetings assist in that effort.
As Chief Balestracci’s focus continues to be in the areas of community engagement, officer development,
recruitment and employee wellness, these areas are discussed and considered routinely at all levels of our agency.
») | “In The Community Interest”

Waterford Police Department Personnel & Structure
Board of Police Commissioners
Chief Marc Balestracci
onmn ]
ee
Investigations Lieutenant Patrol Lieutenant Administrative Lieutenant
Nicole VanOverloop Patrick Flanagan David Ferland
\.la ‘ ( Patrol Sergeant Andrew Farrior )
2 Patrol Sergeant Matthew Fedor Administrative Sergeant
Detective Sergeant Patrol S t Michael Firmi
Richard Avdevich atrol Sergeant Michael Firmin Michael Fedor
Patrol Sergeant Patrick Epps
\ J Patrol Sergeant Jake Nickerson Training Officer
f \ q Patrol Sergeant Zachary Caler iy
Officer Megan Sylvestre
Detective Todd O'Connell fore. Edwards Ofc. Barrows Ofc. Winakor \ 7
Detective Leigh Bonkowski Ofc, Bunce Ofc. Robinson Ofc. Suplita Office Coordinator Diane Driscoll )
nae a a Ofc. Girardi Ofc. Donovan Ofc. Arpin Secretary Jennifer Anderson
Investigator Taylor Zaldivar Ofc. Krysztofiak Of. Charron Ofc. Boxley j se Raaudble Walecic Get
ccounts Receivable Valerie Clar
Ofc. Surdo (K9) Ofc. Colkos Ofc. Gorman
\ J Ofc. Genung(K9) Ofc. McComic Ofc. Jordan Data Technician Ashley Kuvent
( ) Ofc. Rodriguez Ofc. Reed Ofc. Abram Evening Secretary Joyce Brown
Court/Evidence Officer Ofc. Bushwack Ofc. Ewing Ofc. Masselli Custodian Allan Ostertag
Gil Maffeo Ofc, Rogers Ofe. Luce Seer
\. y, 
Nf Community Service Officers \
TT
f ‘) School Resource Officers C50 Ritchie SO Chreanowski
Task Force Officer Daniel Lane (WHS) ($0 Mongeau C50 Bertrand
Unassigned
q Norman Malbaurn (CLMS) CSO Ziolkovski CSO Brown, K
y,
r - \ Robert Winters (Elementary) J CSO Hunt CSO Bullock
Community Engagement Officer ( Traffic Unit | SO peas SopeweD
Eric Fredricks (K9 Hodges) ($0 Griswold ($0 Minogue
Officer Mark Devine 508 06
\ y, ilva dy
\ Officer David Diogo J NS J
3 | “In The Community Interest”

2023/2024 Fiscal Year Prominent Events
On July 14, 2023, Chief Balestracci completed the week-long FBI National Command Course in Virginia.
On July 19, 2023, Officer Andrew Reed graduated from the Southeast Regional Police Academy in Norwich, CT
On August 8, 2023, the department released another community outreach video focused on school bus safety, stolen
cars and phone scams
In August of 2023, police K9 Tico joined the WPD and was paired with K9 Handler Officer Nicolas Surdo
On August 15, 2023, officers responded to a serious roll-over motor vehicle accident on Rope Ferry Road in the
area of Granite Court
On August 21, 2023, a 4-way stop was created at the intersection of Vauxhall Street Ext. and Douglas Lane
On August 29, 2023, the Investigative Services Unit arrested a high ranking military member for sexual assault and
risk of injury to a minor after an extensive investigation and arrest warrant process
On September 12, 2023, Officer David Diogo was sworn in having transferred from the New London Police Dept.
On September 18, 2023, Officer Zachary Caler was recognized by MADD for his efforts to combat impaired driving
On September 26, 2023, members of the WPD alongside the family of former Officer Adam Lapkowski,
participated in the “Believe 208 Run for the Bravest and Finest” in our continued support of the Lapkowski family
On October 6, 2023, Sergeant Richard Avdevich was recognized by the US Attorneys’ Office for his work while
serving on a state/federal task force
On October 8, 2023, officers responded to a suspicious vehicle call on Rope Ferry Road. The interaction resulted in
numerous weapons and drug charges, including the seizure of an illegally owned handgun
The Board of Police Commissioners promoted Officer Jake Nickerson to the rank of Sergeant on October 10, 2023
On October 10, 2023, Detective Ray Carroll and Investigator Taylor Zaldivar were awarded the department’s
Distinguished Service Awards
On November 9, 2023, the department hosted Tip-A-Cop at Crown Pizza to benefit the CT Special Olympics
On November 14, 2023, newly hired Officers Dylan Luce and Tanner Suplita were sworn in
Partnering with the Board of Education, the department hosted a “School Safety Forum” on November 15, 2023
On November 28, 2023, Officer Brandon Winakor was sworn in, having transferred from the Plainfield Police Dept.
On November 28, 2023, a fatal car vs pedestrian crash was investigated at the Crystal Mall by our regional team
Oswegatchie Elementary School first graders visited the WPD in a holiday sing-a-long and tree decoration day on
December 5",
On December 7, 2023, WPD along with our regional Special Response Team served a search and seizure warrant on
Sunnicrest Drive. Several subjects were arrested as a result for weapons, drugs and domestic violence offenses
In December, WPD began effort to train community agencies in personal safety techniques, starting with the VNA
of Southeastern Connecticut
Shop with a Cop event, benefitting families in need during the holidays, was held at Target on December 11, 2023
On December 13, 2023, School Resource Officer Dan Lane was awarded the department’s Exceptional Service
Award
On January 8, 2024, Officer Zachary Caler was awarded the 2023 Officer of the Year award
4 | “In The Community Interest”

In January, 2024, WPD expanded its Autism and Alzheimer’s programs to include many other conditions, now
titled Advance Services Program
On January 25, 2024, Sergeant Ryan Spearrin retired after serving 15 years with the department
On February 20, 2024, Officer Jake Arpin, who transferred from the Mohegan Tribal Police Department, and
Officer John Gorman, who transferred from the Hartford Police Department, were sworn in
On February 26, 2024, WPD was involved in a pursuit of a stolen vehicle which had struck an officer on Fog Plain
Road. The multi-agency incident ended with an arrest in Westerly, R.I.
Great Neck Elementary School first graders visited the PD on February 27, 2024 for a Valentine’s Day event
On March 7, 2024, Officer Eric Fredricks spoke in Hartford on behalf of a Senate Bill protecting police K9s
On March 12, 2024, the regional Special Response Team added the towns of East Lyme, Montville and Groton City
On April 1, 2024, the department responded to an untimely death report in the parking lot of Wal-Mart
The Board of Police Commissioners promoted Officer Zachary Caler to the rank of Sergeant on April 8, 2024
On April 11, 2024, an arrest was made for Larceny First Degree resulting from a fraud investigation at a business on
Cross Road
A search warrant was served on Wild Rose Ave on April 12, 2024 resulting in numerous weapons and drug charges
On April 13, 2024, WPD hosted another PATH recruitment program for those interested in law enforcement
On April 15, 2024, newly hired Officer Elizabeth Boxley was sworn in to the department
A Social Media Safety Seminar was held on April 29, 2024 in partnership with the Board of Education
In April, 2024, Detective Ray Carrol became a State certified Fire Investigator in a partnership with Waterford Fire
On April 27, 2024, the PD hosted a multi-agency Autism traffic stop event at Waterford High School
On May 8, 2024, WPD Chaplain Joe Parise was awarded the Jody Nazarchek award by Youth and Family Services
On May 9, 2024, our agency reached Tier II State Accreditation as required by the Bill on Police Accountability
Sgt. Matthew Fedor and Sgt. Zachary Caler were awarded WPD Life Saving awards on May 14, 2024
The department transitioned to NexGen for CAD and RMS in May of 2024
“Breaking Barriers” training videos were released to the State in May of 2024, to which Chief Balestracci is a
member of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee
On May 29, members of the WPD participated in the annual CT Special Olympics Torch Run
On June 1, 2024, Officer Dylan Luce and Tanner Suplita graduated the police academy and began field training
On June 4, 2024, the department participated in the State Hostile Action Based Drill of the Millstone Power Station
5 | “In The Community Interest”

| a Mpa
Waterford Police call types, use of force®, and car stop data
ase
Category Number Change from previous fiscal
year
Arrests 820 -17%
Calls For Service 28,408 +2%
Case Numbers 1,959 -13%
Motor Vehicle Stops 5,627 +29%
EDP/Welfare Checks 536 +9%
Larceny/Shoplifting 407 +16%
Domestic Violence 114 +.8%
Assault 21 +90%
Drug Overdose 11 Level
Impaired Driving 52 -38%
Missing Person 118 39%
School Checks 1,179 +47%
Motor Vehicle Crashes 751 -5%
Walk-in Complaints 57 -5%
Alarms 1,016 +12%
Residence Checks 1,599 -18%
Suspicious Person/Vehicle 770 -2%
Stolen Cars 14 -41%
Motor Vehicle Stop Statistics
5,688 Motor Vehicle Stops Gender of operators |
81.40% 4,630 White
fio} a | 16.52% 940 Black
1,80% 102 Asian
| 0.28% 16 Other
] 62.48% 3,554 Male
| 37.52% 2,134 Female
| 81.38% 4,629 Non-Hispanic
| 174% 973 Hispanic
| 151% 86 Middle Eastern
Ethnicity Nature of Stop Result of Stop
ies o va
q
= bermees ;
oe ies
6 | “In The Community Interest”

Waterford Police Department Use of Force — (muttiple types of force can be used in one incident) Waterford Police Department
Use of Force by gender/race
Total UOF Verbal 54, Control Firearm Pointed 5°" Taser Pepper cige Restraint 0,
Incident commands Hands Display Firearm Only Usage Spray Chair Black Hispanic White Totals
Female 0 ° 3 3
21 17 7 6 8 3 2 Oki xe2 S80 0 0 0 Male a a aS 5
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 our mission “to
protect and serve the public, prevent crime, and provide professional law enforcement
Patrol Lieutenant
Patrick Flanagan
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 two (2)
Sergeants assigned with differing days off to ensu