Senate Passes Bill Supporting Regional Police Forces

Today, State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), Chair of the Public Safety Committee, led passage of a bill aimed at assisting municipalities in establishing regional police forces.

Senate Bill 1489, ‘An Act Concerning Regional Police Forces,’ will work to establish regional police forces streamlining the process for towns to collaborate on public safety services.

“Today’s passage is a critical step forward by enhancing public safety and fostering collaboration among our municipalities,” said Sen. Gaston. “By establishing regional police forces, we’re not only improving the efficiency of law enforcement, but also ensuring that smaller communities have the resources they need to keep their residents safe.”

“This bill represents a smart, forward-thinking approach to modern policing,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven). “Regional collaboration allows municipalities to pool resources, expand capabilities, and deliver more effective and equitable public safety services to residents across town lines. Connecticut is currently severely handicapped by the lack of regional initiatives.”

Under this bill, two or more municipalities that have a population of 50,000 people or less will be able to form a regional police force. Interested municipalities must submit an application to the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) commissioner for approval.

The bill now heads to the House for consideration.