Chief State’s Attorney’s Meeting

Minutes of the Meeting of March 25, 2013
Office of the Chief State’s Attorney
Rocky Hill, Connecticut

The meeting was called to order at 12:40 p.m. by Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane.

In attendance were: State’s Attorneys Michael Dearington (New Haven); Matthew C. Gedansky (Tolland); Gail P. Hardy (Hartford); Kevin D. Lawlor (Ansonia-Milford); Peter A. McShane (Middlesex); Maureen Platt (Waterbury); Brian Preleski (New Britain); Michael L. Regan (New London); Stephen J. Sedensky III (Danbury); David Shepack (Litchfield); and John C. Smriga (Fairfield); Deputy Chief State’s Attorneys Leonard C. Boyle and John J. Russotto; and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney James Bernardi (Stamford-Norwalk).

Also present: Executive Assistant State’s Attorneys Brian Austin, Jr., and Michael A. Gailor; Division of Criminal Justice Communications and Legislative Specialist Mark A. Dupuis, and legislative liaison Wilfred Blanchette.

State’s Attorney Sedensky made a motion to accept the minutes of the February 25, 2013, meeting. The motion was seconded by State’s Attorney Gedansky and passed unanimously.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported that the Division is seeking relief from the state’s hiring freeze, which affects 19 positions.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported on restrictions on using the latest generation of DCJ computers to access certain digital evidence. DCJ is working with the Department of Administrative Services/Bureau of Enterprise Systems and Technology (DAS-BEST) to address network security and licensing issues. Training also will be offered to acquaint employees with software already available on existing computers to access certain digital evidence.

Chief State’s Attorney Kane introduced guest Guy M. Vallaro, Ph.D., the recently appointed Director of the Division of Scientific Services, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), who presented an overview of the DESPP Forensic Science Laboratory and efforts to address past issues and concerns at the lab.

Legislative liaison Wilfred Blanchette reported on the status of  the Division’s legislative proposals.

Chief State’s Attorney Kane led a general discussion on the possible development of a DCJ policy statement concerning the prosecution of cases involving firearms.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Boyle distributed draft copies of planned wallet cards to be distributed to employees listing emergency contact information for incidents of workplace violence. Each State’s Attorney is to designate a telephone number for cards to be issued in their Judicial Districts.

There was a brief update on cases involving the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME).

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto announced that the management training program scheduled for April 10, 2013, for the State’s Attorneys and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorneys will be rescheduled for May 7, 2013.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:16 p.m.