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Commissioner briefs CRC on statutory basis for Fairfield police commission under Connecticut law
Summary
A CRC member read Connecticut General Statutes describing the requirement and powers of municipal police commissions following public comment; the commission recorded the legal briefing and heard that state law increases, rather than reduces, commission powers.
Commissioner Blanco read sections of the Connecticut General Statutes during the March 20 meeting to clarify that a police commission is authorized and required under state law and that recent state Police Accountability Act provisions increase the commission’s duties.
Key points: Blanco quoted statutory language (sections cited in the meeting) establishing municipal police commissions, describing their powers over police department management, appointment, promotion and disciplinary actions, and the requirement that municipal bodies follow the statutory structure. The commissioner told the CRC that, given state law, a town charter cannot use the charter to reduce the commission’s statutory powers.
Outcome: The CRC recorded the briefing to address taxpayer comments that had suggested removing or weakening the police commission; commissioners said the legal clarification put those public comments to rest.
