East Haven Approves $1.2 Million For A Civilian Dispatch Center

Despite strong criticism from the East Haven Police Union and the fact $12,000 worth of equipment had already been purchased in advance of formal approval, the Town Council voted unanimously to borrow $1.2 million for a new civilian dispatch center, the New Haven Register reports.

Town Council members asked Mayor Joseph Maturo Jr.’s what would happen to the $12,000 worth of equipment that was purchased in an advance of the council’s approval if they voted no. Town officials said the equipment would be returned.

East Haven Police Union President Bob Nappe continued to rail against the proposal and doubted that it would reduce the police overtime account, Evan Lips reports.

Town officials also asserted that the civilian dispatch center was negotiated with the police union, which Nappe disputed, the Register reports.

Maturo told council members that the 911 computer system is 20 years-old and is in desperate need of updating. He said a vote against the new system would essentially putting every resident at risk, the Register reports.

Last month Nappe released a statement last week blasting the civilian dispatch center. He has said the administration needs to replace police officer positions once they leave the department. Last year the department spent $1.2 million on overtime costs, the Register reports.

East Haven is the only New Haven County community to deploy police officers to answer 911 calls. The town plans to hire six civilian dispatchers and Mayor Joseph Maturo Jr. defended the program in a press release last month.