Conn. State Troopers Vote No Confidence In Leadership

By Dave Collins

Associated Press

HARTFORD — Connecticut state troopers overwhelmingly voted no confidence in the leadership of top state police leaders on allegations that management decisions are jeopardizing the safety of troopers and the public.

The symbolic action appeared to have little effect, and Governor Dannel P. Malloy remained steadfast in support of the public safety officials.

Ballots counted Tuesday showed that troopers, sergeants and master sergeants voted 752-42 in favor of no confidence against Reuben Bradford, the commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, and 760-34 in favor of no confidence against Colonel Danny Stebbins, the state police commander.

The leadership of the Connecticut State Police Union faulted Bradford and Stebbins for staffing level decisions and consolidations of dispatching centers. Ballots were sent to more than 1,000 union members and were due back Monday. The union brought in officials with the National Troopers Coalition to tally the votes Tuesday.

“Unfortunately, the commissioner and colonel have ignored the union membership, refused to communicate with the union leadership,” said union President Andrew Matthews. “Their lack of leadership and disrespectful attitude towards our membership has been demonstrated by the implementation of arbitrary policies which endanger public safety and trooper safety...”

Matthews said the dispatch consolidations have already resulted in some 911 calls going unanswered in northwestern Connecticut and will lead to some barracks being closed at times. He said troopers will have to drive to other barracks that are open to drop off prisoners, which reduces patrol and response times.

Bradford and Stebbins deny the union allegations, but said they respected the union leaders’ right to express their opinions. They said dispatch center consolidations statewide will save money, increase efficiency and eventually lead to 55 troopers being freed up to return to the roads.

“There’s been a lot of misinformation,” Stebbins said Tuesday about the consolidation. He blamed the controversy on people being opposed to change.

Asked how he would mend fences after a no confidence vote, Bradford said, “My job and Dan’s job is to run the agency from day to day. It’s not to mend fences. I didn’t tear down any fences. Again, we’ll continue to do our jobs.”

Malloy said Bradford and Stebbins are “doing an absolutely outstanding job and they have my confidence.”