Police commission adopts seat-belt policy requiring restraints during transport

The Simsbury Police Commission voted March 10 to adopt General Order 41-7, a department policy requiring seat-belt use by drivers and occupants during transport.

The measure mirrors a recently issued state model policy while adding department-specific language addressing driver conduct during emergency response and the status of occupants such as ride-alongs and children. Commissioner Caulfield said the state guidance prompted the revision after a local incident prompted closer review.

Chief Davis told the commission that the state policy was largely incorporated verbatim and that the department “added some things that are specific to us” such as clarifications about drivers and occupants. The policy update is intended to increase safety for both officers and members of the public during transport.

A motion to adopt General Order 41-7 was moved and seconded; the commission approved the measure by voice vote. The meeting record shows the adoption occurred after discussion and review of the language; a specific roll-call tally was not recorded in the transcript.

The commission did not specify an effective date during the discussion. The policy was presented as part of a routine review of general orders and followed questions about whether the update responded to a particular incident.