Middlebury Legislators’ Public Safety Proposal Advances

Acting Middlebury Police Chief Richard Wildman (left) and Sen. Rob Kane (right) testified before the state legislature’s Public Safety Committee March 14 on behalf of a proposal which would require the State Police to notify all local police departments of any ongoing shooting incident at a school, shopping mall or another heavily populated location. The Connecticut State Senate passed the bill on May 30 and it now heads to the Connecticut House of Representatives.

The Connecticut State Senate on Thursday (May 30) voted unanimously in support of a proposal from Middlebury legislators which would require the Connecticut State Police to notify all local police departments of any ongoing shooting incident at a school, shopping mall or another heavily populated location.

The measure, backed by Rep. Anthony D’Amelio, Sen. Joan Hartley, and Sen. Rob Kane, would make sure that all local police agencies are notified when there is an active shooter anywhere in the state.

It originated at the request of Acting Middlebury Police Chief Richard Wildman, who noted that this proposal will enable local departments to send resources to the affected town and also increase security at heavily populated locations in their own communities.

The legislators said that the proposed legislation will better protect the public and should not come at an extra cost to taxpayers.

The bill, Senate Bill 299, now heads to the Connecticut House of Representatives.