COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC SAFETY

The commissioner commands the State Police Division and has all the powers and privileges of a police officer; appoints resident state troopers; serves as state fire marshal; licenses movie theaters, professional bondsmen, private detectives, and crane operators, among others; serves on the Statewide Emergency Management and Homeland Security Coordinating Council, which advises the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Coordinating Council on emergency management-related issues; and approves the adoption of the State Building Code and appoints members of the state Codes and Standards Committee, which works with the state building inspector to enforce the building codes (CGS § 29-1b).

QUESTIONS FOR NOMINEE

1. What major initiatives do you have planned for the department? What specifically do you want to accomplish as commissioner, and how can the legislature help you achieve your goals?

2. What do you see as the major challenges for the State Police? What do you see as your major challenge as commissioners? What are your biggest concerns?

3. What do you think of the recommendations for the agency outlined in the recent New York State Police report on the Department of Public Safety's Internal Affairs program? Are there any specific recommendations on which you would like to comment? Given the breadth of the recommendations, how much latitude do you believe you will have to be an innovator instead of an implementer of recommendations?

4. What have you learned from the report about the agency's strengths and weaknesses? What innovative strategies do you plan to pursue as commissioner to dispel any negative perception of the agency?

5. The agency has had six commissioners in 10 years. In what ways, if any, do you believe the frequent turnover has affected staff morale and the delivery of police services?

6. Some have long argued for a state police civilian review board to review civilian complaints against state police officers. Does the concept of such a board have any merit, in your opinion?

7. In the past, state police officers have collaborated with big cities to combat gun violence. What value does this collaborative approach have? Will you continue to support such initiatives? Under what circumstances?

8. Kenneth Krayeske's recent arrest caused great concern among people worried about the balance between public safety and personal liberty. What do you think about the issue? In your opinion, where should the line be drawn? What accommodations, if any, do you think people should be willing to tolerate to ensure their safety?

9. Some have questioned the appropriateness of having a person new to the agency serve as commissioner. Can you tell us the advantages or disadvantages of such an arrangement?

10. A bill before the legislature seeks to increase the authorized strength of state police officers from 1,248 to 1,500. In your view is the goal realistic in light of the fact that the division has never met the lower goal? What are the barriers you foresee getting in the way of this goal?

11. How will you work to forge constructive relationships with the unions, including the new bargaining unit for junior managers?

12. What would you like to be able to say you accomplished by the end of your first year as commissioner?

VR: ts