Simsbury Police Department Receives Federal Funds for Technology Upgrades

Senator Blumenthal Visit 6-20-2022

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal visited the Simsbury Town Hall today to announce the awarding of $70,000 for technology improvements within the Simsbury Police Department.  The federal funds were made available through the Congressionally Directed Spending program, which allows federal lawmakers to advocate for federal funding for local projects. Senator Blumenthal, working in conjunction with Senator Chris Murphy, advocated for funding the application submitted by the Town of Simsbury.

The grant funds will allow the Police Department to make critical updates to its dispatch and records management systems, improve mobile connectivity, make on-site security improvements, and add cameras to its vehicles. These measures will improve access to state and federal criminal justice systems, and enhance opportunities for transparency, accountability, evidence collection, and investigations.

“Public safety is a top priority of our Board of Selectmen,” said First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis. “With these federal funds, the Simsbury Police Department can expand its technical capacity and do more to keep our community safe.”

The Town was made aware of this competitive funding opportunity in May 2021. Police Chief Nicholas Boulter and Information Technology Director Rick Bazzano created the plan for additional equipment and hardware and software upgrades, and following Board of Selectmen approval, the application was submitted to Senator Blumenthal’s office. The Senator reviewed the requests and advanced Simsbury’s application to the Senate Appropriations Committee for approval.

Pictured above, left to right: Tom Roy, Director of Public Works; Melissa Appleby, Deputy Town Manager; Maria Capriola, Town Manager; Deputy First Selectman Amber Abbuhl; Senator Richard Blumenthal; First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis; Jenna Caulfield, Police Commission Chair; Nick Boulter, Police Chief; Chris Davis, Deputy Police Chief; Mike Long, Police Commissioner; Tenesha Grant, Police Commissioner; Terry Fogarty, Police Commissioner