Chief State’s Attorney’s Meeting
Minutes of the Meeting of April 21, 2014
Office of the Chief State’s
Attorney
Rocky Hill, Connecticut
The meeting was called to order at 12:53 p.m. by Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane.
In attendance were: State’s Attorneys Patricia M. Froehlich (Windham), Matthew C. Gedansky (Tolland), Gail P. Hardy (Hartford), Kevin D. Lawlor (Ansonia-Milford), Peter A. McShane (Middlesex), Maureen Platt (Waterbury), Brian Preleski (New Britain); Michael L. Regan (New London), Stephen J. Sedensky III (Danbury) and David Shepack (Litchfield); Deputy Chief State’s Attorneys Leonard C. Boyle and John J. Russotto; and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorneys James Bernardi (Stamford-Norwalk) and Susann Gill (Fairfield).
Also present: Executive Assistant State’s Attorneys Brian Austin, Jr., and Michael A. Gailor, legislative liaison Wilfred Blanchette and Communications and Legislative Specialist Mark A. Dupuis.
State’s Attorney Platt made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 17, 2014, meeting. The motion was seconded by State’s Attorney Hardy and passed unanimously.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported on the status of the 2014-15 budget. The Appropriations Committee budget includes 11 positions more than recommended by the Governor.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported the Division is submitting a concept paper seeking approval to apply for a Smart Prosecution Grant to examine caseloads and is seeking additional grant funding for Solving Cold Cases with DNA.
Guy Vallaro, Director of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) Forensic Science Laboratory, and Lucinda Lopes-Phelan led a discussion of notification procedures prior to the testing of evidence that is likely to be consumed by the testing procedures. The lab will establish a system for notifying appropriate DCJ personnel before such testing is undertaken.
Lt. David Delvecchia of the Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad led a presentation by the state police on issues related to criminal investigations, including a demonstration of images produced by a recently obtained three-dimensional laser scene scanner.
Due to the absence of State’s Attorney John C. Smriga (Fairfield) a discussion of Project Longevity was tabled until the May meeting.
Wilfred Blanchette reported on the 2014 legislative session and the status of DCJ proposals.
State’s Attorney Sedensky reported that suspicious postcards had been received by a judge in the Danbury Judicial District. It was reported that others have received cards from the same individual and they are not considered a threat.
There was a brief discussion of issues related to the investigations into the use of deadly force by police officers which by statute are conducted by the State’s Attorneys.
Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Gailor reported that an intern will be assigned to check with police departments to determine whether testing of certain evidence held at the DESPP Forensic Science Laboratory for some time is necessary.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported that the Division is still exploring funding sources to provide for the recording of statements taken at the State’s Attorney’s office in accordance with Section 54-1o of the General Statutes.
State’s Attorney Froehlich made a motion to enter executive session to discuss personnel matters. The motion was seconded by State’s Attorney Lawlor and passed at 2:33 p.m. No motions were made and no votes were taken and the executive session ended at 2:43 p.m.
State’s Attorney Platt made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by State’s Attorney Froehlich and passed unanimously at 2:46 p.m.