Chief State’s Attorney’s Meeting
Minutes of the Meeting of May 15, 2017
Office of the Chief State’s Attorney
Rocky Hill, Connecticut
Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane called the meeting to order at 12:36 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), Matthew C. Gedansky (Tolland); Gail P. Hardy (Hartford), Kevin D. Lawlor (Ansonia/Milford), Anne F. Mahoney (Windham), Maureen Platt (Waterbury), Brian Preleski (New Britain), Michael L. Regan (New London), David Shepack (Litchfield), and John C. Smriga (Fairfield); and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Pepper (New Haven).
Also present: Executive Assistant State’s Attorneys Brian Austin, Jr., and Michael A. Gailor and Communications and Legislative Specialist Mark A. Dupuis.
State’s Attorney Colangelo made a motion to accept the minutes of the April 17, 2017, meeting. State’s Attorney Regan seconded the motion and it passed with no opposition.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported that the Division is continuing to analyze caseloads and other appropriate measures for determining staff deployment in response to budget reductions. The State’s Attorneys are asked to continue to review the latest data as it is distributed.
A list of bills pending before the General Assembly affecting the Division and law enforcement was distributed. The State’s Attorneys are asked to assist in the evaluation of amendments and other revisions that are proposed as the session progresses. Chief State’s Attorney Kane reported that two appointees to the Criminal Justice Commission are awaiting legislative confirmation after which the Commission meeting to consider reappointments will be scheduled.
State’s Attorney Smriga reported that the Annual Professional Development Conference for Prosecutors will be held June 12, 2017, at Central Connecticut State University. The morning program will fulfill the ethics requirement mandated for all attorneys. The afternoon program will be presented by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Forensic Science Laboratory. An additional four hours of training will be required in the various Judicial Districts on June 21, 2017, or June 22, 2017. The Connecticut Association of Prosecutors will hold its annual meeting on June 23, 2017.
Chief State’s Attorney Kane reported that the date of funeral Mass for retired Chief Inspector Stephen J. Grasso will be announced.
State’s Attorney Smriga raised questions concerning the response of the local State’s Attorney in the immediate aftermath of incidents of the use of deadly force by police officers. The State’s Attorneys are asked to review DCJ protocol for discussion at the next meeting.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported that the Inspectors’ union will hold its annual outing on May 26, 2017, in Berlin. The State’s Attorneys are invited.
There being no further business, State’s Attorney Colangelo made a motion to adjourn. State’s Attorney Smriga seconded the motion and it passed without opposition. The meeting was adjourned at 1:31 p.m.