Connecticut State Police

Connecticut State Police
Abbreviation	CSP
Agency overview
Formed	May 29, 1903 (1903-05-29)
Employees	1,031 (as of 2016)
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdiction	Connecticut, USA
Connecticut State Police Troop map
Size	5,544 square miles (14,360 km2)
Population	3,502,309 (2007 est.)
General nature	Civilian police
Operational structure
Headquarters	Middletown, Connecticut
Troopers	1,031 (as of 2016)
Civilians	500 (as of 2004)
Agency executive	Colonel George F. Battle, Commander of State Police
Parent agency	Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
Facilities
Troops	12
Patrol Cars	"Unmarked" Ford Taurus Police Interceptor, "Unmarked" Ford Explorer, "Unmarked" Ford Crown Victoria, "Unmarked" Dodge Charger, "Unmarked" Dodge Challenger, "Unmarked" Chevy Caprice, “Unmarked” Chevrolet Suburban, "Unmarked" Ford Expedition, "Unmarked" Toyota Camry Connecticut State Police Cruiser Sedan
Website
Connecticut State Police website

The Connecticut State Police (CSP) is a division of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection responsible for traffic regulation and law enforcement across the state of Connecticut, especially in areas not served by (or served by smaller) local police departments. The CSP currently has approximately 1,031 troopers, and is headquartered in Middletown, Connecticut. It is responsible for protecting the Governor of Connecticut, Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut, and their families.

History

The Connecticut State Police was created under House Bill #247 on May 29, 1903. Initially, five men, paid three dollars a day, were hired to enforce state liquor and vice laws, making it one of the oldest State Police forces in the nation. It was originally composed of five troopers primarily responsible for interdicting the production of moonshine. Early troopers traveled the state by railroad until automobile and motorcycle patrols were instituted, and troopers would often spend five to six days working, eating, and sleeping in the barracks constructed around the state. By 1924, seven such barracks had been built. The organization was heavily militaristic, and its internal culture was similar in this regard to other state police agencies in New England.

The 1940s was perhaps the greatest period of development of the State Police, which under Commissioner Edward J. Hickey saw the formalization of identified patrol cars, the founding of a forensics lab and a training academy, the introduction of state policewomen, the development of the nation's first radar system, the development and establishment of the first FM two-way radio communications system in the nation, and the creation of the CSP Auxiliary Trooper program, which is still in existence today. During this period, the state police expanded its patrol districts to eleven barracks.

In the 1960s, the barracks-focused structure of the department was reformed, leading to the modern shift schedule and allowing troopers to reside at home.

The Connecticut State Police is the primary law enforcement agency for approximately 1/2 of the state's 169 municipalities, and serves as the de facto highway patrol for the state's roadways and expressways. Connecticut does not have a county sheriff system that participates in routine law enforcement duties, as exists in most other states.

Approximately 40 of these communities are patrolled solely by State Troopers. The other communities have engaged in a cost-sharing contract agreement with the CSP known as a "Resident Trooper" which provides a trooper assigned to the community on a full-time basis. The title dates to a time when the Resident Trooper was an actual resident of the town, and had an office and official telephone located at his personal residence. Resident Troopers have for many decades not been required to be residents of the community they are assigned to, and offices have been moved to space provided by the host community. Costs, which include salary, equipment, and cruiser, are split between the town (70%) and state (30%). In towns that have a Resident Trooper program, the State Police will supervise and dispatch local constables with police powers (if any). Some towns with large Resident Trooper and constable programs will include State Police Sergeants in the Resident Trooper program to provide an appropriate level of supervision to full-time constable forces.

CSP Weapons

In the 1960s, troopers were issued Colt Official Police .38 revolvers and carried solid lead round nose ammunition. In around 1970, some troopers were issues Colt Trooper .357 Magnum revolvers. In 1974, under Commissioner Cleveland B. Fuessenich, the entire department transitioned to Smith & Wesson Model 66 .357 magnum revolvers with blued finish. Troopers qualifying with the full .357 magnum hollow point load were authorized to carry that; other troopers would carry a .38 +P hollow point load. In 1983, under the direction of Colonel Lester J. Forst, the CSP adopted the Beretta 92F 9mm semi-automatic pistol. This made the CSP one of the first major law enforcement agencies in the nation to make the switch from the revolver to the semiautomatic pistol. The sidearm of the CSP was again updated in 1996 with the adoption of the SIG Sauer P229 .40 caliber pistol. (Exception being troopers assigned to the Tactical Unit, who carry the Directed Operations Group (DOG) Pistol, a custom M1911 in .45 ACP manufactured by P3LLC. Tactical unit members carry this pistol regardless of duty assignment including in uniformed patrol). Currently, CSP has transitioned to the SIG Sauer P220R .45 ACP pistol. Long guns available to Troopers (Both departmental and approved personally owned) include the Colt AR-15 .223 rifle and the Mossberg 590A1 12-gauge shotgun. Less-lethal weapons issued to Troopers include OC Pepper Spray, Expandable Straight Baton and Tasers.

CSP Uniform

The current CSP uniform was implemented in 1985, and has been awarded the nation's "Best Dressed State Agency" at least three times since 1985.

The CSP badge is gold-colored for all ranks. It is worn over the left breast on the uniform shirt. A slightly different style of the Trooper's badge is worn by the ranks of Sergeant and above. All CSP badges are 10 karat gold filled, a long-standing tradition.

The CSP uniform shirt is slate gray with bright royal blue epaulets piped in gold. A 100% wool long sleeve variation is worn in the winter season (October 1 – April 30) with a royal blue knit tie. For the summer season (May 1 – September 30), a lighter polyester/wool blend short sleeve shirt is worn with an open collar. All buttons on the uniform shirt are gold brass. Other accessories worn on the uniform shirt (name tags, speciality pins, etc.) are also gold in color regardless of rank. Collar ornaments are enamel color filled and are in the shape of the agency shoulder patch. They are worn on both sides of the collar. The left collar ornament designates the troop or unit assigned, while the right collar ornament is a miniaturized version of the agency shoulder patch. Agency patches are displayed on both sleeves. Trooper First Class, Sergeant, and Master Sergeant ranks are displayed on uniform shirts and jackets as patches on both sleeves below the agency patch. Lieutenant and above ranks display rank on the collar of uniform shirts utilizing metal rank pins while the pins are displayed on the shoulder epaulets of jackets.

The CSP uniform pants are a dark-colored charcoal gray with a wide royal-blue stripe that is piped with a thinner gold stripe. A 100% wool material is used for the winter season uniform pant while the summer pant is a lighter polyester/wool blend.

A (Class A) Dress Blouse is worn for formal occasions. It is of the same dark-colored charcoal gray as the uniform pants and is 100% wool. It is worn with the Sam Browne shoulder strap. Similar to the uniform shirts, it features bright royal-blue epaulets piped in gold. It also features royal-blue and gold striping around the cuffs.

The uniform hat of the CSP is a gray Stetson-style hat as opposed to the campaign-style hat used by most state police/highway patrol agencies. The CSP has worn this style hat since 1940. The New York State Police and the Maryland State Police are the only other State Police/Highway Patrol agencies that have retained the Stetson-style hat. A royal blue band surrounds the base of the hat, and a gold pin is worn on the front of the Stetson that says "State Police" in large block letters. A cord with acorns completes the look of the Stetson. The cord color on the hat is an indicator of rank as follows:

• Troopers: Royal Blue
• Sergeants/Master Sergeants: Royal Blue and Gold
• Lieutenants and Above: Gold

The CSP utilizes black Clarino (Patent High Gloss) leather gear for duty belts and accessories. The Sam Browne duty belt features a gold brass buckle regardless of rank. ( Exception for Taser Holster). All accessories (Magazine Pouch, Handcuff Case, etc.) utilize hidden snap closures. A Clarino Sam Browne shoulder strap is added when wearing the Class A Dress Blouse.

Other garments are issued such as waist length Gore-Tex jackets, longer knee-length Gore-Tex parka jackets for severe weather and pull over wool knit sweaters.

Specialized units (K-9, Aviation, Bomb Squad, Tactical Unit, etc.) are authorized to wear BDU style utility uniforms with sewn on cloth badges, name tags, etc. and nylon web duty gear.

By policy, the uniform worn by Auxiliary Troopers must be "Clearly Distinguishable" from that of regular Troopers. Many of the items on the Auxiliary Trooper uniform were once part of the regular Trooper uniform. Auxiliary Troopers also wear a gray uniform shirt and dark navy blue uniform pants that feature a wide black stripe that is piped with a thinner gold stripe. The prominent colors on the auxiliary uniform are black and gold (the colors regular Troopers wore prior to 1950) as opposed to the blue and gold colors displayed on current Trooper uniforms. The badge is of a different style and has the prefix "Aux" before Trooper. The gray Stetson hat features a black band and is worn without the "State Police" hat pin. Collar ornaments are a shield shaped design that were once standard for regular Troopers and have the title "Aux" on them. The patch is of the old style "Pie Plate" design and is titled "Connecticut State Police Aux."

Present-day CSP

Currently, the CSP operates out of twelve barracks known as "Troops", including Bradley International Airport, which was Troop W, but is now a substation of the Hartford Barracks (Troop H). Depending on their location, some troops are more responsible for interstate traffic patrol, while others are primarily used for local law enforcement in rural districts.

Troopers typically work a "5 day on-3 day off" schedule with a 91⁄4 hour work day. Three shifts (Days, Evenings, and Midnights) make up the work day and Troopers "Bid" these shifts based on seniority. Once selected, Troopers work one of these three shifts on a permanent basis until the next bid period comes around, approximately every four months. Troopers assigned to administrative or investigative duties work an "Administrative Schedule" which consists of a Monday through Friday schedule.

Some Connecticut small towns have Resident Troopers who are regular members of the state police who are assigned specifically to that one town. Resident Troopers provide the bulk of the police administrative tasks, such as supervision of part-time town officers, if any.

Whichever duty assigned, a common motto found within the CSP is "A Trooper rides alone."

Organization

State Police Headquarters - Middletown

Troops

The CSP is divided into 11 troops, each of which has a Lieutenant Troop Commander, a master sergeant Executive officer, several patrol sergeants, a detective unit, and a full complement of personnel for patrol. The "resident troopers" in that troop area are also assigned to the troop. Additionally, each troop has its own dispatchers and clerical unit, and most have one or more mechanics to service the fleet.

Some troops, because of their location, are tasked primarily with highway patrol functions while other troops in more rural areas serve as rural police, i.e.: response to crimes, patrol of towns and neighborhoods, and providing police services to many Connecticut towns that do not have police departments of their own. (Connecticut has no County Sheriff Departments).

• A - Southbury
• B - Canaan
• C - Tolland
• D - Danielson
• E - Montville
• F - Westbrook
• G - Bridgeport
• H - Hartford
• I - Bethany
• K - Colchester
• L - Litchfield
• H - BDL - Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Troop H - Hartford at BIA supports Airport security functions as airport police, incident investigation, and backs up the airport management. Troop H also works with the Customs and Border Protection and the DEA.

Other Units:

• Statewide Organized Crime Investigative Task Force,
• Statewide Narcotics Task Force,
• Casino Unit, (primary law enforcement at casino)* (disbanded 3/06/2015)
• Welfare Fraud Unit,
• Criminal Intelligence Unit,
• Fire Marshal Division,
• Training Division,
• Licensing and Permits Section,
• Forensics Laboratory,
• Photography and Identification unit,
• Fleet management & Purchasing,
• The Emergency Services Unit, including the following subunits:
  • Aviation,
  • Bomb Squad,
  • SCUBA (Dive Team),
  • K-9,
  • Tactical Units (SWAT),
  • Mass Transit Security Explosive Detection Unit

The CSP also has contingent of volunteer Surgeons as well as a contingent of volunteer Chaplains.

CSP Vehicles and Aircraft

Connecticut State Police Cruiser Sedan

Connecticut State Police car. Unmarked Chevy Caprice

The Fleet of the CSP incorporates non decal Ford Crown Victorias, Ford Taurus, Ford Explorers, Chevy Caprice PPV, motorcycles, and a Helicopter with fleet color livery consisting of navy blue, black, maroon, and dark-brown. As CSP allows off duty use of the fleet, vehicles are equipped with a removable Whelen liberty lightbar with the center pod replaced with a blacklit "State Police" panel (known variants of this backlit panel exist for UConn police, and the CT DMV Enforcement Division, displaying "UConn Police" and "DMV" respectfully), rear high mount TIR Whelen flashers with cruise light capability, 800 MHz Digital radio systems, Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs), and Mobile Video Cameras (MVRs). The CSP has also had a long history of using non-traditional unmarked patrol cars for enforcement such as Chevrolet Camaros, Ford Mustangs, Ford Explorers, Grand Nationals, Toyota Camrys, Honda Accords, Ram 1500s, Mazda MX-6s, Ford F-Series pickup trucks, and Dodge Chargers. Marked fleet vehicles (one per troop, white, CSP shield badging with blue and yellow pin stripping running the length of the car) are typically used for ceremonial purposed such as parades and community patrols).

Connecticut State Police Cruiser Utility

The CSP utilizes Radar, Lidar (Laser), and VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer And Recorder) for speed enforcement.

Rank structure

Title	Insignia
Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel
Major
Captain
Lieutenant
Master Sergeant
Sergeant
Trooper First Class
Trooper

Special units

Emergency Services Unit Which consists of the K-9 Unit (Patrol and Cadaver trained German Shepherds, Narcotics Detection/Explosive Detection/Fire Accelerant Detection trained Labrador Retrievers and Man Trailing Bloodhounds, additionally some Patrol German Shepherds are cross-trained in narcotics detection), Dive Team (SCUBA), Bomb Squad, Marine Unit, Aviation Unit (which consists of three Cessna 182 fixed wing airplanes and one Bell 407 helicopter), and Tactical Unit (SWAT). The CSP Dive Team (SCUBA) is the only Law Enforcement dive team in the nation where all members are U.S. Navy trained/certified and have surface supplied air capability. Troopers attend the six-week school at the Naval Diving Training Center in Panama City, Florida. The school is considered one of the most physically and mentally demanding schools in the military. Members of the bomb squad attend the six-week joint FBI/U.S. Army Ordnance Disposal School at the Fort Redstone Arsenal military base in Huntsville, Alabama.

Bureau of Criminal Investigation Consists of specialized teams that investigate specific crimes. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation includes:

• Statewide Narcotics Task Force
• Statewide Auto Theft Task Force
• Casino Licensing and Investigations Unit
• Statewide Organized Crime Investigative Task Force
• Central Criminal Intelligence Unit
• Computer Crimes Unit
• Statewide Fugitive Apprehension Unit
• States Attorney Investigations Unit
• Cold Case Unit
• State Fire Marshal Investigators.

Major Crime Squads Each district has its own Major Crime Squad. Districts served are as followed:

• Western District: Troops B, L, A and G
• Central District: Troops H, I and F
• Eastern District: Troops C, D, E and K

The major crime units are responsible for investigating murders, rapes, kidnapping, bank robberies, and other Class A and B Felonies.

Other Units

• The Polygraph unit is utilized for applicant processing and criminal investigations. Members of the unit attend the nine-week Basic Polygraph Operators school hosted by the Texas Department of Public Safety in Austin Texas.
• The Executive Protection Unit provides security for the Governor as well as the Lieutenant Governor and their families. Members of the unit receive training from the US Secret Service in dignitary protection.
• Traffic/Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Unit. This unit also consists of the Motorcycle Squad. The squad utilizes Harley Davidson Road King police package motorcycles.
• The Special Licensing and Firearms Unit processes and reviews applications for handgun carry permits, and issues such permits to qualifying applicants.

Fallen officers

Since the establishment of the Connecticut State Police, 22 troopers have died in the line of duty.

Officer	Date of death	Details
Pearle E. Roberts	November 25, 1922	Motorcycle accident
Bartholomew M. Skelly	November 14, 1925	Motorcycle accident
Irving H. Nelson	April 6, 1928	Gunfire
Lloyd J. Eukers	July 21, 1928	Motorcycle accident
Stanley C. Hellberg	June 1, 1929	Motorcycle accident
Leonard H. Watson	October 22, 1932	Motorcycle accident
Charles F. Hill	November 6, 1941	Vehicular assault
Edward P. Jesmonth	July 20, 1943	Automobile accident
Kenneth W. Stevens	June 6, 1944	Heart attack
Frank A. Starkel	July 19, 1948	Accidental
Ernest J. Morse	February 13, 1953	Gunfire
James W. Lambert	October 29, 1960	Struck by vehicle
Joseph M. Stoba Jr.	August 6, 1962	Gunfire
Carl P. Moller	February 13, 1976	Vehicular assault
Thomas F. Carney	December 6, 1982	Struck by vehicle
James H. Savage	January 22, 1986	Struck by vehicle
Jorge A. Agosto	November 22, 1989	Struck by vehicle
Russell A. Bagshaw	June 5, 1991	Gunfire
Edward W. Truelove	November 13, 1992	Automobile accident
Phillip A. Mingione	May 25, 1994	Struck by vehicle
Kenneth Hall	September 2, 2010	Struck by vehicle
Kevin Miller	March 29, 2018	Automobile accident

See also

• List of law enforcement agencies in Connecticut
• State Police (United States)
• State Patrol
• Highway Patrol

External links

• Connecticut State Police Official Web Site
• Unofficial Connecticut State Police site