Chief State’s Attorney’s Meeting

Minutes of the Meeting of December 15, 2014
Office of the Chief State’s Attorney
Rocky Hill, Connecticut

The meeting was called to order at 12:45 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), Peter A. McShane (Middlesex), Maureen Platt (Waterbury), Brian Preleski (New Britain), Michael L. Regan (New London), Stephen J. Sedensky III (Danbury) and John Smriga (Fairfield); Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney James Bernardi (Stamford-Norwalk); and Deputy Chief State’s Attorneys Leonard C. Boyle and John J. Russotto.

Also present: Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Brian Austin, Jr., legislative liaison Wilfred Blanchette and Communications and Legislative Specialist Mark A. Dupuis.

State’s Attorney Dearington made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 17, 2014, meeting as corrected. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported the Division has received approval from the Office of Policy and Management to fill critical needs positions. The equal employment opportunity goals established by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities for 2014-15 reporting period have been distributed.

Chief State’s Attorney Kane reported that the Legislative Committee is continuing its work and he is meeting with legislative leaders in advance of the 2015 Regular Session. State’s Attorney Sedensky reported he is working on legislation to facilitate the service of PRAWN warrants.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Boyle reported that the Appellate Bureau is preparing a memorandum on legal issues and guidelines concerning issues that have arisen with the recovery of encrypted data from certain smartphones.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Boyle reported that the hiring procedure for Inspectors is being modified to assure that potential employees have the required proficiency in the use of firearms.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto distributed a list of subjects for monthly training in 2015 for newly hired prosecutors and those in need of refresher training. State’s Attorneys Hardy and McShane volunteered to each lead training on a topic.

Chief State’s Attorney Kane distributed copies of the 1999 Report of the Governor’s Law Enforcement Task Force. The Operations Committee will review issues related to the investigation of the use of deadly force by peace officers and report back.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported that the Judicial Branch has asked that prosecutors be allowed to serve as proctors for the bar exam on Division time and at no additional compensation. There was no opposition.

State’s Attorney Regan reported that questions have arisen on legislation that will take effect on January 1, 2015, concerning criminal violations of civil restraining orders.

State’s Attorney Regan raised questions concerning the implications and implementation of body cameras by police departments.

Chief State’s Attorney Kane reported that some police departments are concerned with the cost of producing transcripts of recorded interrogations. The Division may need to seek additional resources to cover these expenses. The State’s Attorneys were asked to submit specific requests for their equipment needs to record interrogations conducted in their offices.

There being no further business, State’s Attorney Platt made a motion to adjourn the meeting. State’s Attorney Sedensky seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 2:38 p.m.