Shelton Police Chief Kosta told the City Council on Jan. 13 that the department recorded two homicides in 2025 compared with zero in 2024; one case has been adjudicated and the other remains with the prosecutor’s office. “We did have 2 homicides in 2025 versus 2024,” the chief said, adding that detectives invested months into the investigations.

Chief Kosta highlighted a sharp increase in Group A child-exploitation cases — 11 in 2025 versus 3 in 2024 — and attributed the rise to Shelton detectives joining the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force, which gave local detectives greater investigative resources and reach. “Due to our ability to be part of that team, that’s why we’re seeing those numbers go up because we’re getting more resources and ability to investigate those cases and make arrests,” he said.

Officers filed fewer calls-for-service last year (roughly 1,500 fewer) even as arrest reports rose; staff and council discussed whether app-based reporting or other workflow changes are affecting counts. The chief said some incidents require extensive off-scene work and that time-on-scene metrics do not capture total investigative effort.

On technology and enforcement, Kosta briefed the council on the Flock automated license-plate camera system: 53 case files since implementation and 10 arrests tied to Flock-related investigations. He also said staff are monitoring two state bills (one in the House, one in the Senate) that would restrict automated license-plate reader use, retention and search parameters.

Staff described two arrests recorded under the city’s camping ordinance and said most camping notices resulted in warnings. Kosta also reported the department is budgeted for 20 officers in 2026 but currently has 18 assigned, with recruitment underway and at least one lateral in background review.

No formal action was taken; council requested further analysis of calls-for-service trends and whether additional breakdowns (for example, by reporting channel) can be included in future reports.