Town Services

Farmington Police Department Patrol Division

Patrol Commander:    Lieutenant Colin Ryan

The Patrol Division is the Uniform Division of the Farmington Police Department.  Lieutenant Colin F. Ryan commands the division. Thirty-four (34) of the department's forty-four (44) sworn police officers are assigned to the Patrol Division. The division has two sections, Officers assigned to the District Patrol Unit and Officers assigned to the Community Policing/Special Projects Unit.

Six shift commanders, supervise the district patrol officers. Twenty-two (22) patrol officers are assigned to district patrol and answer calls for service, patrol and prevent criminal activity, enforce traffic laws, investigate crime and motor vehicle accidents, address local quality of life issues, and maintain a peaceful and safe environment in the Farmington Community. Officers are certified and trained to POSTC Training Council standards.

The patrol officers are assigned in districts throughout the community and deploy several vehicles designed to provide police coverage to the entire community. Some of the vehicles used are marked police cruisers, unmarked police vehicles, bicycles, a 4-wheel drive Suburban, and an all-terrain vehicle. The all-terrain vehicle and bicycles provide a better means of delivering police services to restricted areas such as wooded areas or "Rails to Trails" public areas.

The Community Policing/Special Projects is managed and led by Sergeant Ken Miller and consists of four police officers.  Two officers are assigned to Special Projects, one of whom is the K-9 handler. The two other officers work within the schools and conduct youth related investigations as Youth Officer and SRO.

The Special Projects Officer addresses current issues and responds to special police needs. Most recently the special projects officer has been participating in traffic calming efforts including, surveys, enforcement, and education. The special projects officer coordinates the use of the SMART (radar) Trailer which is deployed around town to educate vehicle operators with regard to speed limits and driving habits.

All officers assigned to the CPO/SP Unit participate and contribute to town initiatives such as Children's Bicycle Rodeo, Women's Safety Program, Police Explorers, Crisis Support Team, Neighborhood Blockwatch, Child Safety Seat checks, Security Surveys and many informative and instructional children's programs in the Farmington School System. Other patrol officers also actively participate in these programs and all officers are encouraged to work and develop specialized programs to accommodate the needs of the community.

Farmington Police Department Training Unit

The Training Unit consists of one Sergeant who reports to the Support Services Commander, a Lieutenant. The Training Sergeant is responsible for maintaining all officers police certifications. This includes recording, scheduling, and researching current training issues. The Training Sergeant also coordinates career development and the internship program.

In-Service Training

All sworn officers participate in an annual in-service training program, which is held at the West Hartford PD. The training includes annual firearms qualification and all mandated and elective hours to exceed the Connecticut Police Officers Standards and Training Council (POSTC) requirements for police officer re-certification.

Specialized Training

Officers receive specialized training to develop particular skills, knowledge, and ability according to their specific assignment. Such training may be supervised on-the-job training, or training provided through an external program.

Firing Range

The department maintains an outdoor firing range. The range is paved and lighted and consists of 18 angled steel bullet traps as well as a training house with full facilities. The range can be used for formal firearms training, for practice shooting, other types of training, and misc. meetings. Authorization for range usage must be obtained from either the training supervisor or the on-duty supervisor. At all times there must be at least two people present, one of whom must be a Farmington Police Officer. Gunfire is only permitted between the hours of 7:00am and 10:00pm. The Police range is not open to the general public.

Internship Program

The program is designed to promote and enhance better education through occupational exposure for college students. Any person wishing to serve as an intern must consult with, and gain permission from their advisor, be covered by their school for general liability, be interviewed by the Sergeant in Charge of Training, work the required hours and keep a log of daily activities. Interns will gain exposure in the areas of Patrol, Detective Unit, Communications Unit, Records Unit, and Training Unit.

Supernumerary Program

Supernumerary officers are Connecticut certified police officers that have retired in good standing. Supernumeraries receive use of force and firearms training on the same basis as regular officers. They receive in-service training to maintain their certifications.

Training Instructors

All department instructors who teach mandated courses have received instructor status from the Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POSTC). The department currently has POSTC certified instructors in handcuffing, defensive tactics, oc spray, firearms, shooting decisions, impaired driving, principles & operation of radar, motor vehicle law enforcement, constitutional law, civil liability, laws of arrest, search and seizure, crimes motivated by bigotry and bias, principles of police management, crimes in progress, preparation & techniques. The department also has instructors in the ASP extended baton and physical fitness.

Police Recruitment

The Farmington Police Department participates in the Police Recruitment Consortium, a regional recruitment and testing process. Those that pass the written test and the physical ability assessment maybe invited to compete in additional phases such as an oral examination, polygraph, psychological examination, background investigation and a thorough medical examination. Applicants must complete the department’s multi-step selection process for sworn positions.

Police Training Academy

The Police Officers Standards and Training Council (POSTC) at the Connecticut Police Academy in Meriden, CT provides basic police training. The 730-hour training program integrates concerns for officer safety, ethical decision-making, constitutional issues, human relations, apprehension of criminal offenders, and community policing/problem solving concepts, and includes a physical wellness and fitness program.

Field Training Program (FTO)

The Field Training Program (FTO) provides structured training for newly sworn probationary police officers that graduate from the police academy. The 400-hour program is broken down into 4 phases, which expose officers to various situations with the departments POSTC certified field training officers. The FTO program may be extended if there is a need for additional training. It progresses from basic orientation to complex police activities. Probationary police officers are evaluated first by the Sergeant in Charge of Training as part of the field training process and then by the line supervisors.

Communications Training Program (CTO)

The Communications Training Program provides structured training for newly hired dispatchers. The 16-week program is divided into phases. As the trainee progress through the program he/she is required to handle the dispatch function with less assistance from the Communications Training Officer (CTO). The departments CTO’s have completed and received certification from the National Communications Institute.

Civilian Training

All newly hired civilian employees receive documented training in the department’s goals, purpose, policies, procedures, working conditions, regulations and the rights and responsibilities of employees, as well as orientation to the accreditation process.