Police Chief James Viadero has presented to the Police Commission a revised police mission statement, which redefines the role of the Newtown Police Department.

Chief Viadero presented the document to the commission at its February 7 meeting.

During several meetings held during the past year, the department's five-member command staff discussed formulating such a revised statement, which would redefine the role of the law enforcement agency, according to the chief. The various proposed statements were then submitted to the department's seven sergeants for review. The sergeants approved the statement that was proposed by Lieutenant David Kullgren.

The new mission statement reads "It is the mission of the Newtown Police Department to protect and serve our community, while honoring our badge, our integrity, and the public trust. Working together with the community we will seek justice for all, while holding ourselves and others accountable for their actions under the color of law."

That statement of purpose replaces the previous police mission statement which read: "The men and women of the Newtown Department of Police Services are thoroughly committed to the improvement of the quality of life for all the residents of Newtown, by working in partnership with them. The department will constantly work to maintain a safe and secure community while treating all people with dignity and respect. We will be objective and always search for new ways to improve ourselves so as to better serve the community."

Chief Viadero started work as Newtown's police chief in January 2016. Chief Viadero replaced Michael Kehoe as chief, who had headed the agency since 1999, having joined the organization in 1978.