Chief State’s Attorney’s Meeting

Minutes of the Meeting of April 17, 2017
Office of the Chief State’s Attorney
Rocky Hill, Connecticut

Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane called the meeting to order at 12:34 p.m.

In attendance were: Deputy Chief State’s Attorneys Leonard C. Boyle and John J. Russotto; State’s Attorneys Richard J. Colangelo, Jr. (Stamford/Norwalk), Patrick J. Griffin (New Haven), Gail P. Hardy (Hartford), Kevin D. Lawlor (Ansonia/Milford), Anne F. Mahoney (Windham), Peter A. McShane (Middlesex), Maureen Platt (Waterbury), Brian Preleski (New Britain), Michael L. Regan (New London), Stephen J. Sedensky III (Danbury) and John C. Smriga (Fairfield).

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

State’s Attorney Sedensky made a motion to accept the minutes of the March 20, 2017, meeting. State’s Attorney Colangelo seconded the motion and it passed with no opposition.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported on a pending meeting with the Office of Policy and Management on budget matters. The Management Committee is examining the Part A caseload and office staff composition in light of continuing staff reductions. There was discussion on how to accurately measure workload. The State’s Attorneys will submit additional information specific to the demands placed on their offices.

Wilfred Blanchette reported that all bills submitted to the General Assembly by the Division have been reported out of the Joint Committee on Judiciary with the exception of bills dealing with housing matters and driving while intoxicated. Chief State’s Attorney Kane commended the State’s Attorneys who worked on language for H.B. No. 7112, An Act Concerning Children’s Advocacy Centers.

The Chief State’s Attorney is compiling a list of pending investigations concerning the use of force by police officers. All State’s Attorneys are asked to report.

State’s Attorney Smriga reported the Training Committee continues to work on the agenda for the Annual Professional Development Conference for Prosecutors. In addition to a presentation by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Forensic Science Laboratory, State’s Attorney Mahoney recommended a presentation on issues related to the collection of evidence in sexual assault investigations. A report on developments in the law is also planned.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Boyle reported on an inquiry concerning sponsorship of applications for U-visas. It was agreed that the State’s Attorney should have a role in the process.

State’s Attorney Mahoney reported on a concern regarding access to recordings made by court monitors.

There being no further business, State’s Attorney Sedensky made a motion to adjourn. State’s Attorney Colangelo seconded the motion and it passed without opposition. The meeting was adjourned at 1:39 p.m.