Chief State’s Attorney’s Meeting
Minutes of the Meeting of November 23, 2020
The meeting was called to order at 12:34 p.m. by Chief State’s Attorney Richard J. Colangelo, Jr. The meeting was conducted remotely utilizing Zoom software in accordance with directives issued by the Governor because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also present: Deputy Chief State’s Attorney for Operations Kevin D. Lawlor; Deputy Chief State’s Attorney for Personnel, Finance and Administration John J. Russotto, State’s Attorneys Margaret E. Kelley (Ansonia/Milford), Maureen Platt (Waterbury), Stephen J. Sedensky III (Danbury), Joseph T. Corradino (Fairfield), Sharmese L. Walcott (Hartford), Dawn Gallo (Litchfield), Brian W. Preleski (New Britain), Michael A. Gailor (Middlesex), Patrick J. Griffin (New Haven), Michael L. Regan (New London), Paul J. Ferencek (Stamford/Norwalk), Matthew C. Gedansky (Tolland), and Anne F. Mahoney (Windham).
Also present: Executive Assistant State’s Attorneys John P. Doyle, Jr., Gail P. Hardy and Brett Salafia, Legislative Liaison Melanie Dykas and Director of Communications Alaine Griffin.
State’s Attorney Walcott moved to accept the minutes of the October 19, 2020, meeting. State’s Attorney Sedensky seconded the motion and it passed with no one in opposition.
Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo reported on the Division’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including reviewing pending cases, reducing the number of people inside the courtrooms and policies regarding remote work. State’s Attorneys reported on efforts in their Judicial Districts to resolve case backlogs and it was suggested that the Division inquire with the state Judicial Branch about receiving management reports. Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo said employees of the Division of Criminal Justice are on the essential employees list for coronavirus vaccines.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto said there was no new information to report about the budget. Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo said he is discussing staffing issues with the Office of Policy and Management.
Chief State's Attorney Colangelo reminded the State's Attorneys to forward their top legislative requests to Legislative Liaison Dykas. Legislative Liaison Dykas reported that the state Attorney General’s office would now be handling investigations of town treasurers and bond forfeitures. She also provided an update on the status of discussions regarding possible legislative proposals for 2021.
Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo asked the State’s Attorneys to review a recent memo titled “Potential Alternative for the Office of the Victim Advocate’s Rules Committee Proposal” from state Victim Advocate Natasha M. Pierre.
State’s Attorney Mahoney reported that the Training Committee is discussing current professional development policies and Connecticut State Police Officer Standards and Training Council certification for employees in each of the state’s judicial districts.
The State’s Attorneys agreed that while the pandemic continues, infractions that occurred after March should continue to be centralized out of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney in Rocky Hill until July.
Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo reported that State’s Attorney Regan would be retiring in January and that the Criminal Justice Commission would discuss the vacancy at its next meeting in January.
Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo also asked the State’s Attorneys to submit their committee preferences for 2021 and said training would continue on the new Case Management System (CMS). He said any issues with the system should be reported to Information Technology.
State’s Attorney Kelley requested discussion about probable cause and police searches of motor vehicles during traffic stops. The State’s Attorneys noted court decisions on the matter.
There being no further business, State's Attorney Sedensky moved to adjourn. State’s Attorney Ferencek seconded the motion and it passed with no one in opposition. The meeting adjourned at 1:57 p.m.