Ad Hoc Committee Proposed For Independent Montville PD Question

Councilor Dana McFee has suggested the formation of an ad hoc committee to discuss the long-considered suggestion on whether to have an independent police department in Montville.

McFee said such a committee could include both opponents and proponents of the idea. He said having the separate group would review the recommendations of the Public Safety Committee to determine whether the Montville Police Department can operate as its own entity.

The department has 23 officers, including one who was sworn in on Monday, and runs under the resident state trooper program. Mayor Ron McDaniel serves as chief of the police department, while Lt. Leonard Bunnell oversees administrative matters and Sgt. Martin Martinez, Montville’s resident state trooper, oversees operations.

Last year, the Public Safety Committee recommended a municipal police department and fire department for Montville. Earlier this year, a new Public Safety Building opened on Route 32.

The transition would include hiring a professional police chief, achieving accreditation, and developing a five-year capital and staffing plan.

“I think maybe the town’s ready for it if the price is right, if it can be done,” said McFee.

Candy Buebendorf, chair of the Town Council, said she supported the idea of an ad hoc committee. However, she said the Council needs to determine factors such as the composition of the committee and how many people will be on it.

“We need to define very clearly what the charge is for the committee,” she said.

Councilor Rosetta Jones said she was optimistic about volunteers for the committee after several people offered to serve on Montville’s boards and commissions. She also said the cost of a study on the topic, completed last year at a cost of $48,600 according to The Bulletin, should serve as an impetus for making a determination.

“That’s a good incentive, because we really want it to work. We really want to use that,” said Jones.

The question was tabled until next month for further consideration. McFee suggested that each councilor return with some recommendations for who they want on the committee.

The question of whether to establish an independent police department dates back to 2000, when an ad hoc committee met to discuss the potential costs of such a setup.