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

The expansion included 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).

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. Presently, the Department has an authorized strength of twenty-four officers, eight civilian employees, part-time clerk/secretary 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.