Simsbury police report vacancies, field‑training progress and upcoming accreditation reviews
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Summary
At its Jan. 22 meeting the police chief reported two sworn vacancies, one dispatcher vacancy and a half‑time records opening; updates included field‑training completions, a remote accreditation review Jan. 31–Feb. 8 and an on‑site review Mar. 10–13. The finance report showed spending at 47% at midyear.
The Simsbury Police chief provided commissioners Jan. 22 with staffing and accreditation updates and a brief budget summary.
Staffing: The chief said the department is actively recruiting to fill two sworn officer vacancies, one dispatcher position and a 0.5 FTE records position. Interviews are ongoing, and several applicants have advanced to background checks. One officer recently returned to full duty after extended leave; other officers remain out on long‑term injury leave.
Field training: Officer Nick Guimond recently completed field training and is now working independently. Officers Nick Langanigro and Mario Mariano remain in the field‑training program with anticipated completion in April.
Accreditation: The department's four‑year accreditation review begins with a remote assessment scheduled Jan. 31–Feb. 8 to examine approximately 25 policies. A subsequent on‑site review by two assessors is scheduled for Mar. 10–13 and will include interviews, ride‑alongs and facility inspections. The chief said additional updates will be provided as dates approach.
Budget and operations: Commissioners reviewed consolidated monthly reports. The year‑to‑date budget report showed 47% of the budget spent about halfway through the fiscal year; the chief characterized the department as slightly under budget at that point. Commissioners asked about gasoline costs and hybrid vehicles; staff explained upfront vehicle purchase costs can make fuel savings appear as a timing issue in budget displays because reimbursement comes later from the town.
Dispatch and overtime: Commissioners linked higher dispatch overtime to the open dispatcher position. The chief confirmed overtime is largely driven by staffing gaps. A transcription note flagged a start‑date entry showing 2023 for a dispatch item; staff identified that as a clerical anomaly to be corrected.
The chief closed by saying the department will continue recruitment and provide updates on accreditation and staffing at future meetings.
