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Police commission flags staffing shortfalls, outlines recruitment and community outreach plans
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Summary
Commissioners discussed current vacancies and a possible budget 'cliff,' reported ongoing recruitment (8 candidates in initial interviews), described leadership training completed by staff, and announced community outreach events including a shredding event, Citizen Police Academy (May 20), Junior Police Academy (August) and Special Olympics fundraising activities.
Commissioners raised concerns about staffing levels and the impact of the municipal budget process on authorized headcount, while the police chief outlined active recruitment steps and upcoming community outreach and training.
Chairperson (S1) warned that a reported vacancy rate in the municipal budget could create a future 'cliff' if vacancies are counted against authorized positions and not filled in time. The chief (S2) said the department currently has five vacancies and that the adopted budget includes a vacancy rate of three positions for the coming year; he said the department expects two to four retirements over the next fiscal period and that could leave the department with seven to nine open positions unless hires proceed quickly.
"We had eight candidates that occurred the first oral board interview today," the chief said, describing the pipeline: written exam, physical agility test, lieutenant interviews and subsequent interviews with deputy chiefs and majors for advancing candidates. The chief also described recruitment outreach at recent physical agility tests across Connecticut and updates to recruitment materials.
Commissioners reviewed training highlights: Lieutenant Matt Christian finished the final course of a three-part FBI leadership training series (MIDA), and other lieutenants and sergeants recently completed leadership-focused conferences designed to strengthen supervisory skills.
On community outreach, the department plans a shredding event in May or June to benefit the Simsbury food pantry (vendor quotes pending); the Citizen Police Academy is scheduled to begin the evening of May 20, and a Junior Police Academy for grades 5–8 is planned for August. The chief also noted personnel participation in a Jersey Mike’s fundraiser on March 25 that supported Special Olympics Connecticut and announced the Connecticut law enforcement torch run is scheduled for June 4.
Commissioners asked practical questions about the shred event’s ability to accept credit or debit cards; the chief said he would confirm whether cards can be shredded or otherwise disposed of at the event. The meeting included routine acceptance of activity and year-to-date budget reports and closed with adjournment at about 5:33 p.m.
Next steps identified by commissioners included accelerating hiring where possible, continuing the lieutenant-level interview process for candidates, and following up on event logistics and vendor quotes for the shredding event.
