About

Police Department

History:

In 1975 then First Selectman, William Salwocki, seeing a growing need in the area of police protection, hired the town's first full time Police Officer to supplement it's resident troopers and part time constables. This program of hiring full time officers was expanded under first selectman Peter Mahoney to the point that by 1977 the Cromwell Police Department had a total of four full time officers. At this point the part timers were phased out as more full time officers were hired.

The department saw it's most significant growth under First Selectman Paul Harrington. By 1982, there were fourteen full time Officers, one resident trooper, and we had our own communications system, dispatch and clerical personnel. At this time, it became apparent that the town needed it's own independent organized police department. 

Mr. Harrington and the Board of Selectman made the decision to terminate the resident trooper program in Cromwell and in turn hired Eugene B. Rame as Cromwell's first Police Chief. The Cromwell Police Department was officially recognized as an independent agency on January 1, 1983. In 1985 Chief Rame left the Cromwell Police Department and was replaced by Chief Michael L. Green who took command of the Department on July 1, 1985 until his death on Feb. 2, 1992. Since that time, the department was headed by Chief Anthony J. Salvatore until his retirement on August 16, 2015. The department is now led by Chief Denise Lamontagne. 

Under First Selectman Mary Amenta, the department continued to grow. Much needed supervisory positions were established, a second in command was recognized, and a youth officer/detective was designated. This brought the department's authorize strength to twenty one in Sept. of 1990. 

The 1990's have seen many changes and upgrades within the department, all of which serve to enhance the quality of service provided to Cromwell's residents and businesses. In 1996, a space needs assessment was commissioned, that upon completion recognized that office space, storage space and officer safety among other issues, needed to be addressed. 

In 1997, the taxpayers of Cromwell, at a Town meeting, approved 2.7 million dollars for a renovation and expansion project for the existing 5,200 sq. ft. Police Headquarters.   

The expansion Police stationincluded a 8,500 sq. ft. addition which allowed for the above to be addressed as well as an inviting/spacious Lobby and Community Room, which is also used as Cromwell's first fully equipped Emergency Management Operation Center and Training Room. Also, state of the art Communication Center which is able to handle any type of emergency, with the ability to communicate with State and Local Public Safety/Emergency Response Agencies, in addition to all Departments with the Town of Cromwell. Also, an expanded Booking and Cell Block area along with a new Sally Port (Garage Area).            

Jacunski Humes Architects, LLC, Newington, CT designed the new facility and by October 2000, the project was completed. We are extremely pleased with the results. As we move into the 21st Century, we are continually changing to meet the needs of the community. 

In 2001, with the help of a federal grant, we added a School Resource Officer to allow better interaction between our school system and the Police Department. In 2014 a second School Resource Officer was added. Presently, the Department has an authorized strength of twenty-seven officers, nine civilian employees, and a full-time and part-time Animal Control Officer. The Department handles over 10,000 calls for service per year, ranging form assisting motorists to conducting major criminal investigations. In addition, each year approximately 600 motor vehicle accidents are investigated by our officers.