Police Commssion Looks to Hire New Chief

The Windsor Locks Police Commission met Wednesday evening determined to move past the controversial investigation of the fatal accident that has plagued the morale of the department for nearly a year. Commissioners discussed the procedures for selecting a new Chief of Police, and explored the possibility of becoming an accredited police department.

The commission was divided over whether to conduct a wide search for a new chief, or to promote from within. No decision was reached on the parameters of the search, but it was agreed that a special meeting of the commission to determine the guidelines of the search would be held on Tuesday, September 27.

Commsioner Ed Lanati felt that the department had enough talent within it to warrant an internal search.

 “If we have good candidates, within the department, who have gone through the ranks, they should have a first choice. Someone coming in on a white charger with shiny armor s going to look good. But give these guys a chance, too,” Lanati said.

Chairman Neal Cunningham expressed that in light of the climate, an open search was necessary. Current officers would not be excluded from the search and would be welcome to apply for the position.

“We've already been run over the coals on the front page of the Hartford Courant for nepotism. It doesn't mean that someone within the department can't apply for the job,” Cunningham said, “the perception within the town is that we are a closed group, and I think we have to make a good effort to see what's out there and make it an open process,” said Cunnigham

Interim Chief Chester DeGray reported that he was investigating the possibility of the police department becoming accredited under the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies.

“The main benefit under CALEA is that they provide a set of good operating procedures for the department. But as part of the developing those standards, there is a review process every three years to maintain accreditation,” DeGray said.

The trade off would be the increased costs associated with accreditation.

Commissioners felt the step would be appropriate in light of the Rudewicz report critical of the department and hoped the accreditation would help the department regain the trust of the community.

Several area departments including Avon and Granby are currently accredited.

Accreditation could provide a savings in the insurance policy covering the police force. DeGray was urged to continue investigating what it would take to become accredited, and Cunningham said he would contact the Board of Finance about budgeting issues. No vote was taken.

“These are tough times, we don't have all the support in the world out there. We have to build the credibility of the department,” said Cunningham.

The commission held an extensive executive session on the status of Sgt. Robert Koistinen, but did not take any action on his status with the department. They did vote on a negotiated insurance package for benefits Koistinen was entitled to for a hypertension condition.

Koistinen has been on administrative leave with pay since the fatal accident that killed fifteen year old Henry Deng. He pleaded not guilty in January to charges he interfered with the investigation of the Oct. 2010 accident in which his son, Michael, was involved.

Michael Koistinen, 25, of Suffield, was charged with first-degree manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter, negligent homicide with a motor vehicle, misconduct with a motor vehicle, and attempt to tamper with evidence. He pleaded not guilty to the charges on Nov. 23 in Hartford Superior Court.