SOUTHINGTON – The Division of Criminal Justice on June 11, 2026 held its Annual Prosecutor Training Conference at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington, bringing together prosecutors and criminal justice partners from across Connecticut for a full day of professional development, case updates, and ethics training.
Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin opened the conference with welcoming remarks, emphasizing the importance of training, collaboration, and integrity in prosecutorial work.
“Annual prosecutor training plays a vital role in strengthening the work of our offices across the state,” Chief State’s Attorney Griffin said. “It provides a rare opportunity for Connecticut’s prosecutors to come together in one place, share insights, discuss emerging issues, and learn from one another’s experiences. This gathering allows us to reflect on the challenges of the past year, prepare for those ahead, and ensure we remain up to date on changes in the law and best practices. Most importantly, it reinforces the sense of collaboration, professionalism, and shared mission that is essential to serving the people of Connecticut effectively.”
Presenters included Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins, Connecticut Department of Correction Directors Eulalia Garcia, Steven Lanphear and David Snyder and Detective Matthew Hogan of the Connecticut State Police.
Assistant State’s Attorney Alexander Kambanis of the Appellate Bureau in the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney provided prosecutors with the latest case law updates, and Hartford Judicial District State’s Attorney Sharmese L. Walcott and Hartford Police Sergeant Christopher Matroianni delivered a joint presentation on the use of facial recognition technology.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney John J. Russotto delivered the State of the Division address, highlighting ongoing projects and priorities. At that time, prosecutors received hardbound copies of the Second Edition of the Connecticut Prosecution Standards, a comprehensive set of principles and best practices that reflect the professionalism, fairness, and integrity that define prosecution in Connecticut and guide prosecutors in fulfilling their constitutional and ethical duties.
Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Kathryn W. Bare discussed ethics, focusing on policy and ethical responsibilities for prosecutors. Additional updates were presented by Lucinda Lopes-Phelan of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Scientific Services and Marc Pelka, Director of the Office of Victim Services.
The conference concluded with a session on wellbeing and support resources for the Connecticut legal community, led by Brian McManus and Michael Kennedy of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers. Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Lisa M. D’Angelo delivered closing remarks, thanking presenters and participants for their ongoing dedication to public service.
The annual training for prosecutors is part of a series of training initiatives offered by Chief State’s Attorney Griffin and the 13 State’s Attorneys through the Division’s Office of Ethics and Professional Standards, headed by Deputy Chief State’s Attorney D’Angelo. The Office directs the development, implementation and evaluation of updated ethical and professional standards for the Division and runs a comprehensive program of in-service staff development and training for prosecutors, inspectors and other Division staff, as well as training for law enforcement officers throughout Connecticut.
“The annual prosecutor training conference serves as an important forum for ensuring that prosecutors remain current in their professional development,” Deputy Chief State’s Attorney D’Angelo said. “We appreciate the distinguished presenters who shared their expertise and provided meaningful guidance that strengthens our work and advances the mission of the Division of Criminal Justice.”
On June 10, 2026, the Division hosted a training initiative at the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney in Rocky Hill that included presentations focused on essential prosecutorial topics. Paralegal specialists led a detailed session on discovery, and prosecutors from the Statewide Prosecution and Appellate bureaus provided training on identification procedures. Additional instruction included an overview of unanimity in jury charge requests and the implications the Supreme Court cases Brady v. Maryland and Giglio v. United States have on law enforcement. The training concluded with updates on digital evidence presented by the Appellate Bureau.
Training sessions also were held in Judicial Districts throughout the state.