The Connecticut State Police (CSP) is a division of the Connecticut Department of Public Safety responsible for traffic regulation and law enforcement across the state of Connecticut, especially in areas underserved by local police departments. The CSP currently has approximately 1,035 troopers, and is headquartered in Middletown, Connecticut.

Contents

1 History 2 Present-day CSP 3 Special Units 4 External link

History

The Connecticut State Police was formed in 1903, making it one of the oldest state police agencies in the United States. It was originally comprised of five officers primarily responsible for interdicting the production of moonshine. Early officers travelled the state by railroad until automobile and motorcycle patrols were instituted, and troopers' would often spend five to six days working, eating, and sleeping in the barracks constructed around the state. By 1924, seven such barracks had been built. The organization was heavily militaristic, and its internal culture was similar in this regard to other state police agencies in New England.

The 1940s was perhaps the greatest period of development of the State Police, which under Commissioner Edward J. Hickey saw the formalization of identified patrol cars, the founding of a forensics lab and a training academy, the introduction of female troopers, the development of the nation's first radar system, the establishment of a state police FM communications system, and the creation of the CSP Auxillary Troopers program. During this period the state police expanded its patrol districts to eleven barracks.

In the 1960s, the barracks-focused structure of the department was reformed, leading to the modern shift schedule and allowing troopers to reside at home. Remnants of the early years' structure remain, however, with the CSP's unique Resident Trooper program which houses individual troopers in living quarters/mini-barracks in various small towns across the state that lack their own local departments or a permanent police presence. Resident troopers are responsible for most, if not all, police protection within those particular towns, and the costs of the program are shared by both the state and the town. Resident Troopers are the dominant form of law enforcement in the northwest portion of the state, known as the Quiet Corner.

Present-day CSP

Currently, the CSP operates out of twelve barracks known as "troops", including a troop at Bradley International Airport. Depending on their location, some troops are more responsible for interstate traffic patrol, while others are primarily used for law enforcement in rural districts.

Whichever duty assigned, a common motto found within the CSP is "A Trooper Rides Alone" -- signifying that due to the department's small size and wide geographic reach, each individual trooper must be reliant on his or her own individual skills in dealing with whatever situation arises. This motto infuses the department with a common culture of self-reliance and innovation.

Special Units

Like other state police agencies, the Connecticut State Police has several sub-divisions within the agency specializing in addressing particular crimes or security needs. These include the CSP Canine Unit, Casino Unit, Statewide Narcotics Task Force, Scuba Unit, and Special Tactics Unit.

External link

Connecticut State Police Official Web Site