Chief State’s Attorney’s Meeting

In attendance: Jonathan Benedict, David Cohen, John Connelly, Michael Dearington, Patricia Froehlich, Michael Gailor, Matthew Gedansky, Gail Hardy, Kevin Kane, Kevin Lawlor, Maureen Platt (for Timothy Liston), Scott Murphy, Paul Murray, Judith Rossi, John Russotto, Steve Sedensky and Dawn Gallo (for David Shepack).

The meeting commenced at 12:38 P.M. The minutes from the March 23, 2009, meeting were reviewed and unanimously approved.

1. Budget update from Deputy Chief State's Attorney Russotto. SEBAC (State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition) agreement currently being considered by the various state employee unions. General discussion of the terms and impact of that agreement. If agreement not approved layoffs are likely.
2. Legislative update – Judiciary committee reporting deadline has passed and Habeas Reform did not get reported out of committee. Efforts to pursue it in other ways are continuing.
3. Training for Inspectors is being revamped and suggestions are encouraged. Please send to Chief Inspector Edwards. Prosecutor training this June is scheduled in the training center at the Office of the Chief State's Attorney for budgetary reasons. Some suggestions of larger facilities were made and will be researched.
4. Eyewitness Identification issues post State v. Marquez were discussed by Executive Assistant State's Attorney Rossi highlighting police practices for future identifications.
5. University of New Haven study of dropping homicide clearance rates was described by Chief State's Attorney Kane. The Division of Criminal Justice has agreed to support the study if appropriate safeguards for data are in place.
6. Investigators and inspectors are currently being contacted for training on the Offender Based Tracking System. Prosecutors and some clericals will be trained after investigators and inspectors are completed.
7. Maureen Platt reported on the Judicial Branch’s efforts to educe the number of court appearances for which incarcerated defendants are transported to court. Serious concerns were expressed by many of those present and will be communicated to the Committee for Alternatives to Court Appearances.

The meeting adjourned at 1:45 P.M.