Overview:
This article documents recent public discussions by Litchfield town officials regarding the cost, structure, and oversight of local law enforcement services provided by Connecticut State Police Troop L. Drawing on official Board of Selectmen records, on-the-record statements by town leadership, previously published reporting, and publicly expressed community concerns, the piece outlines how accountability requirements, staffing models, and investigative capacity have come under increased scrutiny. Presence News presents this information as part of an ongoing review of public safety governance and transparency in Litchfield County.
In recent months, local officials in Litchfield County have publicly examined the structure, cost, and oversight of law enforcement services provided by the Connecticut State Police’s Troop L. This examination comes as community concerns and formal complaints have increasingly entered the public record.
Presence News previously reported on a November 2024 head-on collision involving a Troop L state trooper. That article is linked here for background and documentation purposes only.
Selectmen Meeting Minutes
During a recent Board of Selectmen discussion, First Selectman Denise Raap addressed the financial and administrative realities facing the Town of Litchfield. Specifically, she evaluated law-enforcement models, including the resident state trooper program versus the potential reinstatement of local constables.
According to Raap, a state trooper from Troop L reviewed the comparative costs and operational requirements of both options. The trooper noted that most constables are retired state troopers and startup costs are estimated at approximately $200,000 per constable. Raap further stated that recent increases in expenses are partially attributable to Connecticut’s police accountability legislation. This mandates expanded oversight, technology, training, and compliance obligations for municipalities.
Publication Timing Note
Presence News delayed publication of this article until after the conclusion of the most recent local municipal election to avoid influencing or appearing to influence the electoral process. The timing decision was made solely as an editorial judgment and does not reflect any position on the election or its outcome.
“Some of the additional costs are due to the police accountability bill which requires significant oversight, equipment, technology and accountability investments by the town,” Raap said.
Raap explained that reinstating constables would require the town to absorb expenses related to vehicles, uniforms, weapons, training, computer equipment, and insurance. In addition, employee benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, holidays, and personal days would also be required.
Board of Selectmen Records Show Ongoing Oversight Discussions
Official minutes from a February 6, 2024, Litchfield Board of Selectmen meeting document a detailed public safety review. This involved representatives from the Connecticut State Police and Troop L. Topics discussed included staffing coverage, overtime costs, patrol schedules, investigative capacity, accreditation requirements, and compliance with accountability standards.
According to statements made during a public Board of Selectmen discussion, Troop L representatives indicated that only one active investigation was ongoing at that time.
The minutes reflect questions from selectmen regarding patrol coverage, accident response, criminal investigations, overtime billing, and costs. Troop L representatives outlined that certification of a new police officer can cost several thousand dollars. In addition, required equipment, vehicles, and data storage infrastructure add substantial additional expenses.
These records show that town officials were actively evaluating law-enforcement performance and cost structure well before recent community allegations surfaced.
Community Allegations and Public Complaints
In November 2024, Presence News reported on a head-on collision incident that prompted allegations of misconduct involving a Troop L state trooper. Following publication of that report, Presence News received additional accounts from residents. These accounts described negative interactions with Troop L personnel.
Separately, publicly posted reviews on Troop L’s Facebook review page include citizen complaints alleging dismissive conduct and lack of responsiveness following serious traffic incidents. These reviews represent individual opinions and allegations and have not been independently adjudicated.
Separately, Presence News is aware of a sexual misconduct allegation involving David Hawley that was reported directly by the complainant. At the time of publication, no court filings, adjudications, or publicly available findings exist related to the allegation. A photograph of Hawley used in this article was previously published by a local outlet. It is included for documentation purposes only.
Broader Accountability Context
Taken together, public statements by town leadership, official meeting records, resident complaints, and previously published reporting illustrate a broader moment of scrutiny. This scrutiny surrounds law-enforcement accountability, oversight costs, and community trust in Litchfield County.
Presence News is continuing to document these developments as part of an ongoing review of public safety governance. This includes institutional accountability at the municipal and regional level.
Source:
Meeting Minutes Source here PDF Litchfield Publication
Editor’s Note
Presence News does not determine guilt or innocence. This article documents publicly available statements, official records, and allegations as part of an ongoing review of law-enforcement structure and accountability in Litchfield County. Individuals named are presumed innocent unless and until adjudicated otherwise.
Disclaimer
This report relies on publicly available records, on-the-record statements by public officials, and clearly attributed third-party allegations or opinions. Presence News makes no factual determinations regarding the validity of any allegations described herein. All individuals referenced are afforded the presumption of innocence, and this article is published for informational and documentation purposes only.
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