Date: Fri 08-Mar-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: KAAREN

Quick Words:

constables-selectmen-liability

Full Text:

Constable Appointments Raise Liability Questions

Concerned about the potential liability of reappointing untrained special

constables, the Board of Selectmen Monday night referred the question to the

Board of Police Commissioners.

For years the town has appointed special constables who patrol the lakes and

fish and game clubs, usually at the clubs' requests. Special constables don't

have the same duties and powers as regular constables, but they do have

limited powers of arrest.

Selectman Jim Mooney and Town Attorney David Grogins, who investigated the

question, said that according to state law, a special constable must have the

same training as regular constables. At least two of the six have this

training, he said.

State statutes require constables to either spend 16 weeks at the State Police

Academy or complete block training several nights a week and on weekends at

various locations.

"Both regular constables and special constables need police training," First

Selectman Bob Cascella said. "There's a question of liability if the town

appoints special constables who don't have the required training."

After Mr Cascella noted that the charter puts special constables under the

authority of the police department, Mr Mooney convinced his fellow board

members that they should appoint special constables only after a

recommendation by the police commission.