Following a March 10 job interview, the Police Commission conditionally hired a Newtown woman as a probationary police patrol officer.

Following her interview in executive session, commission members unanimously approved hiring local resident Chelsea Harold, 26.

Voting in favor were Chairman Joel Faxon, Brian Budd, Daniel Rosenthal, and Robert Myer. Member Andrew Sachs did not attend.

The commission has agreed to hire Ms Harold provided that she successfully completes a physical examination and she passes the state Police Officer Standards and Training Council's physical agility test.

The effective date of the hiring would be March 29.

Of the commission's action, Mr Faxon said, " Newtown is fortunate to have the opportunity to hire a candidate with the background and credentials of Chelsea Harold."

"Chelsea was identified by [Police Chief James Viadero] as a quality prospect for the police department. She received a master's degree in criminal justice and is a very poised and professional law enforcement candidate," Mr Faxon said.

"Chelsea has training and experience in youth and young adult crisis de-escalation - a skill in high demand in the police industry," Mr Faxon added.

"After passing a thorough background investigation by our detective bureau and engaging in a lengthy interview with the Board of Police Commissioners, Ms Harold was offered the position of probationary police officer by a unanimous vote of the board," he added.

"We were very impressed with Chelsea's presentation and are pleased to welcome Chelsea to our agency, and look forward to her career in law enforcement at the Newtown Police Department," Mr Faxon said.

The vacancy that Ms Harold would fill was created by the resignation of police sergeant Steven Santucci. Mr Santucci resigned his position after being arrested on federal drug charges in April 2015. Mr Santucci pleaded guilty to two charges and is awaiting sentencing.

Immediately following Mr Santucci's resignation, Police Commission members had sought to hire a person to fill the vacancy created by his departure, but for various reasons that hiring was delayed until now.

Ms Harold would attend the state's Municipal Police Academy in Meriden starting April 1 and concluding on September 13. Police recruits receive local field training following the police academy.

Ms Harold's hiring would bring the police department roster up to its full staffing of 45 sworn members.