Chief State’s Attorney’s Meeting

Minutes of the Meeting of March 20, 2017
Office of the Chief State’s Attorney
Rocky Hill, Connecticut

Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane called the meeting to order at 12:45 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), Gail P. Hardy (Hartford), Kevin D. Lawlor (Ansonia/Milford), Peter A. McShane (Middlesex), Maureen Platt (Waterbury), Brian Preleski (New Britain), Stephen J. Sedensky III (Danbury), David Shepack (Litchfield), John C. Smriga (Fairfield); and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorneys Michael Pepper (New Haven) and Mark A. Stabile (Windham).

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

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Boyle made a motion to accept the minutes of the February 27, 2017, meeting. State’s Attorney Sedensky seconded the motion and it passed with no opposition.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported on the Division’s recent work session with the Appropriations Committee Judicial and Corrections subcommittee. The concept of an Early Screening and Intervention program has been well received. The Governor’s Recommended Budget would mean a loss of 16 positions in addition to 31 current vacancies. The worst-case scenario, if anticipated savings in collective bargaining costs are not achieved, would be a total reduction of more than 70 positions from current levels. The State’s Attorneys are urged to keep close track of caseloads and workload so up-to-date data is available as budget-related decisions must be made.

State’s Attorney Colangelo offered to assist in the use of technology to provide greater ease in reviewing cell phone evidence in criminal cases. The Division will consider offering training in this area.

Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Austin reported that the agenda for the Annual Professional Development Conference for Prosecutors is nearly complete. The daylong program will focus on legal ethics and forensics training.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported that the Management Committee is scheduled to meet April 5.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported that volunteers are being sought for the Governance Working Committee for the case management system. The construction phase for the system is scheduled to begin in June 2017 and implementation in August 2018.

Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Austin reported that there are still openings for the training on Disordered Gambling and the Criminal Justice System. The training will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on March 23, 2017.

There being no further business, State’s Attorney Hardy made a motion to adjourn. State’s Attorney Shepack seconded the motion and it passed without opposition. The meeting was adjourned at 1:13 p.m.