Orange Police Commission Approves 2027-28 Budget, Capital Request As Department Reports October Crime Data

ORANGE, CT — The Orange Board of Police Commissioners unanimously approved the Police Department's proposed 2027-28 operating budget and short-term capital request Nov. 9, advancing both for further consideration by town finance officials.

Commissioners also reviewed October crime and traffic statistics, received updates on state and federal grants, and discussed the department's transition to a new records management system.

Police Budget And Capital Requests Approved

Police Chief Robert Gagne presented the department's proposed 2027-28 operating budget, explaining increases and decreases in individual accounts.

Commissioner Christopher Carveth moved to accept the budget as presented, with Commissioner Nyjahwahn Walker seconding.

The motion passed unanimously.

Gagne also reviewed the department's short-term capital request, which is scheduled for submission to the Finance Department on Nov. 13.

Carveth moved to accept the capital request, with Commissioner Christopher Hansen seconding.

That motion also passed unanimously.

Gagne reported that the department's current budget remains in good condition despite recent vendor price increases.

He also reviewed October expenditures, including Detective Peterson's attendance at the Korean American Law Enforcement Conference, the department's Flagship Network Backup service and routine uniform allowances for officers.

Police Report 24 Arrests, 63 Crashes In October

Assistant Police Chief Max Martins presented the department's October activity report.

Police recorded 24 criminal arrests and issued 45 motor vehicle citations during the month.

The department reported 63 motor vehicle accidents, including one stolen vehicle that was recovered.

Police also recorded 19 larcenies and no residential or commercial burglaries.

Officers responded to 2,646 calls for service, generating 414 written reports.

Gagne reported that the Records Division collected $613 in October revenue, including $248 from report sales, $325 from permits, $25 from parking tags and $15 from fingerprinting.

The commission did not vote on the activity report.

Department Receives Grants For Enforcement And Drone Purchase

Gagne told commissioners that the department had been approved for Driving Under the Influence enforcement and Click It or Ticket grants.

He also reported that Orange had been approved for a Justice Assistance Grant, with funding designated for the purchase of a new police drone.

New Police Records System Operational

Gagne reported that the department's Nexgen system is operational and that officers and dispatchers are adjusting to the change.

He said supervisors would receive additional training and administrative training would follow.

No major problems had been reported with the transition, according to Gagne.

Officer Recognized For Assisting Motorist

The commission received a commendation concerning Officer Hajrula.

Kevin Cornell contacted Sergeant Edwards to praise Hajrula's assistance during a recent motor vehicle breakdown.

Cornell described the officer's conduct as professional and helpful and wanted supervisors to be informed of the assistance he received.

Commission Approves Previous Minutes

Commissioners unanimously approved the minutes of their Oct. 13 regular meeting and Oct. 26 special meeting.

The Nov. 9 meeting began at 4:35 p.m., immediately following a Traffic Authority meeting.

Carveth presided in the absence of Chairman Roy Cuzzocreo.

Commissioners Carveth, Walker, Hansen and Marian Hurley attended. Hansen initially participated remotely before joining in person at 4:44 p.m.

Gagne, Martins and board secretary Rachel Reyes also attended.

The commission entered executive session at 5:05 p.m. and returned at 5:23 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 5:23 p.m. following a unanimous vote.