2007 was another outstanding year for the Wilton Police Department as it continued to provide excellent service to the community. Highlights include another decline in overall criminal activity, an increase in traffic stops and corresponding decrease in motor vehicle accidents, and numerous successful community service programs.

With respect to personnel, in September 2007, Sergeant George Farrell retired after 32 years of illustrious service. Officer Robert Smoldone was hired to replace him. He is expected to graduate in March 2008 after completing the 22 week POST Recruit training. Officer Robert Kluk was promoted to Sergeant in September 2007 and he is currently assigned as patrol supervisor.

In March 2007, Officer Arnault Baker received the coveted Officer of the Year award at the Department's annual awards ceremony. This award is presented to the Officer who demonstrates outstanding service to the community, above and beyond the call of duty. Officer Baker is an outstanding police officer, as well as a Paramedic and instructor for all medical related training.

Our Police Headquarters continued to receive attention as both air handling units in the HVAC system were replaced. In addition, our entire computer network was moved to a larger room, once occupied by photographic developing equipment. With digital photography now the standard, the space was made available.

The Department continued its efforts to reduce criminal activity through aggressive patrols and enforcement, including vigorously enforcing motor vehicle laws. In the table below you will find the seven categories of serious crime statistics reported by the FBI, along with other significant categories. The comparisons are as follows:

2007 saw a rise in robberies, which is consistent with the trend in the entire region. This is an area of special concern and increased emphasis for the department. Generally though, the overall crime percentages are down from 2006.

Traffic and traffic related incidents continue to be a significant issue for Wilton, particularly with the Route 7 widening project in full swing. Several Wilton officers are working daily on extra duty to provide proper traffic control and to ensure a safe work environment for the construction crews. Weekly briefings with Connecticut DOT and town officials have provided excellent communication throughout this major project, which is on schedule and is expected to be completed in 2010. A considerable amount of the Department's resources are consumed by traffic enforcement, traffic surveys and assessments, and accident investigation. The Department continues to monitor problem areas in town in an effort to control speed and reduce incidents of traffic violations. The Strategic Traffic Patrol (STP) and routine patrols led to an increase in MV stops and a corresponding decrease in MV accidents for the second straight year. In 2007 all patrol vehicles were outfitted with ICOP digital based video systems. This new technology has enhanced the record for all motor vehicle contacts and provides outstanding evidentiary value in court. The STP unit continued to target problem traffic areas, as well as addressing resident's individual traffic concerns. To that end, Wilton Officers made 6660 traffic stops during the year, a 9.5% increase over 2006, and made 110 DUI arrests. These efforts were assisted by grants from the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission (NHTSA), which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. As a result of these outstanding efforts, the Department was awarded 2nd place by the State Department of Transportation and NHTSA in the annual Law Enforcement Challenge. This competition is held annually and recognizes outstanding initiatives in the area of Traffic Enforcement and Education.

Community Programs offered to citizens of Wilton in 2007 were highlighted by the first ever Citizen Police Academy. This academy was held over a 12 week period and was offered to residents who had an interest in the inner workings of the department. The classes were taught by different members of the department who brought their expertise to the class. Other community programs include Crime Prevention and Neighborhood Watch, I-SAFE Internet Safety Training, Senior Safety and Education, The Yellow Dot Program, Police Explorer Post 58, Strategic Traffic Patrol (STP), and Child Safety Seat installations. The RUOK program, which has been in existence for many years, provides computerized daily checks on seniors within the community who sign up for the service.

The Police Department continues to provide Central Dispatching for all Emergency Services in the community with a combined Police/ Civilian Dispatch Model. Central Dispatch is the hub for all Police, Fire, and EMS calls within Wilton. Commonly known as the 911/ PSAP or Public Safety Answering Point, specially trained officers and civilian dispatchers provide professional guidance to residents and are available 24/7. It is also the initiation point for the Wilton Emergency Notification System. This system is free of charge and is a joint effort of the department and Wilton Kiwanis. An e-mail notification is sent to all participants of any significant incident that impacts traffic or disrupts a major component of the community. This service can be obtained through the Wilton Police Website.

The Wilton Police Department, in conjunction with the Wilton Fire Department, continues to train with the joint Dive-Rescue team on a monthly basis. This team is ready to respond to any water emergency. The Department continues to be a major player in the South West Emergency Response Team (SWERT), comprised of six Fairfield County towns. This regional concept allows Wilton to effectively deal with any critical incident that may take place within the Town. The SWERT team includes 5 officers from Wilton, and has a total compliment of 29 officers from area communities. They are highly specialized, drill monthly and are available for immediate call out as the need arises. The Department's Honor Guard attended several ceremonial events as representatives of the Police Department and the Town of Wilton.

Officer Richard Ross is the full time Student Resource Officer (SRO). His primary function is to work with Wilton school students of all ages to assist them with any matter that police service can offer. He promotes better understanding of the police role in the community and provides education on laws, drug awareness, and the dangers of alcohol abuse. He is also charged with the investigation of criminal complaints and enforcement of all laws at the schools and within 1500 ft. of school property. Officer Ross and Chief Kulhawik periodically meet with School Administration to assess School safety and security and to discuss Emergency Planning with representatives of the individual schools. Officer Ross also organizes the Emergency Lockdown drills for all the schools.
The Wilton Police website www.wiltonpolice.org is available for visitors to learn about recent news of interest, found items, special programs and events, as well as inquire about job opportunities with the Department. In addition, you will find e-mail links for every officer in the Department. This Website has also been utilized for notifying residents of emergencies and the continuing Rt. 7 Widening Project.

Several officers continued their formal education in 2007, working towards advanced degrees in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. Twenty Three of the Department's officers have Law Enforcement Degrees, five have post graduate degrees, and two are graduates of the FBI National Academy.

The motorized equipment assigned to the Department consists of nineteen patrol vehicles (marked and unmarked), including four SUVs. The Department also has six Police bicycles and six officers are trained in bike patrol functions.

In 2007, the three-member Wilton Police Commission, appointed by the Board of Selectmen, assisted Chief Kulhawik and his staff with a complete overhaul of Department rules and regulations and Standard Operating Procedures. This monumental task was completed in 2007 as part of an ongoing state accreditation process which will be attained in 2008.

The Police Commission has responsibility for the general management and supervision of the Department, its personnel, property and equipment. They have exclusive authority to appoint, promote, discipline, and remove members of the Department. The Police Commission renders an important leadership role in all police matters and also serves as the Traffic and Parking Authority for the Town of Wilton. Commission members for 2007 were Matthew C. Mason, Mark Ketley, and Christopher Weldon.

Edward V. Kulhawik, Chief of Police
Matthew C. Mason, Police Commission Chairman