Chief State’s Attorney’s Meeting

Minutes of the Meeting of November 19, 2018
Office of the Chief State’s Attorney
Rocky Hill, Connecticut

Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane called the meeting to order at 12:41 p.m.

In attendance were: Deputy Chief State’s Attorneys Kevin D. Lawlor and John J. Russotto; State’s Attorneys Richard J. Colangelo, Jr. (Stamford/Norwalk), Michael A. Gailor (Middlesex), Matthew C. Gedansky (Tolland); Patrick J. Griffin (New Haven), Gail P. Hardy (Hartford); Margaret E. Kelley (Ansonia/Milford), Anne F. Mahoney (Windham), Maureen T. Platt (Waterbury), Brian W. Preleski (New Britain), Michael L. Regan (New London); Stephen J. Sedensky II (Danbury); David Shepack (Litchfield), John C. Smriga (Fairfield).

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

State’s Attorney Colangelo made a motion to accept the minutes of the October 15, 2018, meeting. State’s Attorney Mahoney seconded the motion and it passed with no opposition.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto introduced guest Mohamad G. Alkadry, Professor and Head of the Department of Public Policy at the University of Connecticut, for a presentation on the development of strategic business plans. Chief State’s Attorney Kane reiterated the constitutional structure of the Division of Criminal Justice and the independent role of each State’s Attorney and the differences distinct to each Judicial District. Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported that the Management Committee is working to refine various criteria for the strategic business plans.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Lawlor reported on consideration of having regular discussions at the monthly meetings where State’s Attorneys could share experiences from their districts. Professor Alkadry stated that additional State’s Attorneys are invited to participate in the summer 2019 academic program for development of their strategic business plans.

State’s Attorney Gailor reported that work continues on the Ethics Guidelines for Prosecutors, including any required discussions with the Connecticut Association of Prosecutors bargaining unit. No concerns were expressed to the current draft version.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reviewed the priority needs for filling vacancies in each Judicial District and the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney. The Division hopes to secure resources for hiring on paralegal in each Judicial District for case management and case presentation activities. The Division has received no direction from the incoming state administration on budget matters at this point.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported that the Division is attempting to secure access for DCJ personnel to a new Judicial Branch system that maintains recordings of all courtroom proceedings.

The State’s Attorneys were asked to assess their need for copies of the Handbook of Connecticut Evidence. It was agreed the current distribution should be maintained.

The State’s Attorneys were asked to share their need for access to Adobe Acrobat software. Various options were suggested.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Lawlor reported on ongoing discussions with the General Assembly concerning proposed legislation governing discovery in criminal cases. The State’s Attorneys are asked to provide specific examples of the cost of the proposed legislation and its impact on victims. The State’s Attorneys Legislative Committee will meet following today’s meeting.

Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Austin reported that the State’s Attorneys will receive updated reports documenting the training received by all employees.

There being no further business, Chief State’s Attorney Kane adjourned the meeting 2:58 p.m.