Police Commission

Establishment

On May 26, 1981 the Board of Police Commissioners were established by town ordinance to organize an independent police force to provide police protection for the Town of Plainfield 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  In 1982, the Commission appointed its first Police Chief.  Today, the Plainfield Police Department has 21 sworn police officers to include the Chief of Police and Deputy Chief and 9 civilian support staff. The Plainfield Police Department has primary law enforcement jurisdiction within the boundaries of the Town of Plainfield.

  Chief Mario A. Arriaga     2021 - Present
  Chief Michael G. Surprenant     2012 - 2021
  Chief Robert J. Hoffman     2007 - 2012
  Chief Gary L. Sousa     1982 - 2007

Authority

The authority for the Board of Police Commissioners is gained through Connecticut Statutes specifically within the provisions of Sections 7-274, 7-275, 7-276, 7a-278, and 7-279.  The Board of Police Commissioners shall consist of five members, who shall be elected in accordance of Section 9-201 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

The Board of Police Commissioners shall have general management and the supervision of the Plainfield Police Department, the property and equipment used in connection herewith, shall make all regulations for the governing thereof not contrary to law, and may prescribe suitable penalties for the violation of any such regulation, including suspension or removal from office any officer or member of  the department, with the exception of the Chief of Police, who comes under Section 7-278 of the Connecticut General Statutes.   

The Board of Police Commissioners shall have the sole power of appointment, promotion, and removal of the officers and members of the department, under such regulations as it adopts for the purpose and such appointees shall hold office during good behavior and until removed for causes upon written charges after hearing.

Traffic Authority

The Board of Police Commissioners shall be the Traffic Authority for the Town of Plainfield in accordance with the provisions of Section 14-297 of the Connecticut General Statutes.  The Board of Police Commissioners have authorized the Deputy Chief of Police to make traffic authority decisions with input from the Commissioners.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or if we can be of any assistance, please contact the Board of Police Commissioners by email (Click on Email).

33bab6b9abe1aeff0c23f6675087b287BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS

  • Commissioner Joseph Sangermano (R) (Chairman)
    Term Expires: 11/18/2025
  • Commissioner Daniel Hutchinson (R) (Vice Chairman)
    Term Expires: 11/18/2025
  • Commissioner Colleen Lugauskas (D) (Secretary)
    Term Expires: 11/18/2025
  • Commission Kenneth Sheldon Jr. (R)
    Term Expires: 11/16/2027
  • Commissioner Bruce Dawley (D)
    Term Expires: 11/16/2027
As of November 21, 2023