Tag Archives: Civilian Review Panel

Civilian Review Panel Seeks Civilians

Posted on January 18, 2022 | 3 comments

Want to help diversify hiring, oversee investigations of civilian complaints, and work on other initiatives with Westport’s Police, Fire and EMS Departments?

The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Public Protection Committee seeks 2 candidates to fill spots on our Civilian Review Panel.

The CRP includes 5 civilian members:  the 2nd and 3rd selectwomen; one member of TEAM Westport, and 2 residents appointed by the RTM.

Specifically, the Civilian Review Panel handles:

  • Hiring Oversight: Participate in the interview process of new hires and lateral transfer applicants, offering feedback on the selection of candidates.
  • Complaint Review: Review and provide feedback on civilian complaints regarding Police, Fire and EMS.
  • Transparency & Accountability Improvements: Advise departments on policies and procedures to improve transparency and accountability.
  • Meetings:  Hold special meetings as needed.
  • Training:  Receive training from the Police, Fire and EMS Departments, to fully understand policies, procedures, general orders, internal affairs, and legal issues.
  • Reporting from Departments:  The Departments will provide an annual report of all disciplinary complaints received, their status and resolution.

Applicants must be registered voters in Westport. No member of the CRP can be an employee, or family member of an employee, of the Police, Fire and EMS Departments.

If interested, email a resume and letter of interest to jdunkerton@westportct.gov; by mail: Westport Town Clerk, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880. 203-341-1110. Indicate how your experience would qualify you for consideration as a panel member. The deadline is February 7.

Questions? Call 203-341-1110.

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Marpe Creates Civilian Review Panel For Police, Fire, EMS

Posted on June 30, 2020 | 11 comments

Westport’s police force, fire department and EMTs provide high service with “utmost professionalism, transparency and accountability,” town officials say.

However, today’s climate “demands a reassessment of goals, an even higher degree of commitment, and a clear way to incorporate and engage” the public.

So today, 1st Selectman Jim Marpe announced a new Civilian Review Panel. Members will work closely with the Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services Departments to “assist in the hiring process of new employees, and review and provide feedback in the civilian complaint process.”

Marpe appointed Selectwomen Jennifer Tooker and Melissa Kane, along with TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey, to the CRP.

Though the departments heads retain responsibility for hiring and disciplinary measures, the CRP will work collaboratively and offer feedback.

Foti Koskinas says that when he became Police Chief, his goal was

to continue to build on the foundation of public trust carefully fostered between this department and our residents. Now, at a time when police departments across the country are looking introspectively at ways to better serve our communities, I believe that this is an important step in continuing to maintain complete transparency, in preserving public trust and in reassuring our residents that effective policing is truly a collaborative effort.

Fire Chief Rob Yost adds:

The Westport Fire Department continues to strive to diversify in its hiring of recruit firefighters and, to that end, welcomes the assistance from the CRP. I would also welcome their assistance with any questions of conduct or complaints of fire personnel to insure the continued high level of public trust and support of the Fire Department

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