For state police, new commissioner promises to advance ‘blueprint of excellence’ after scandal
At his nomination hearing Thursday, the commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection presented plans to advance a “blueprint of excellence” for an agency marred by scandal.
Commissioner Ronnell Higgins sat before the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee Thursday, presenting himself as the right man chosen at the right time to lead the embattled agency, which fell under scrutiny when a June report found that Connecticut State Police troopers potentially falsified thousands of traffic stop records between 2014 to 2021.
DESPP oversees the Connecticut State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, the Police Officers Standards and Training Council, as well as forensic services and emergency telecommunications for the state.
Higgins, the former associate vice president for public safety and community engagement at Yale, assumed leadership of the agency in November, following the retirement of the former commissioner, James Rovella. After the emergence ticket scandal, Rovella received two “no confidence” votes from the Connecticut State Police Lieutenants and Captains Union and the Connecticut State Police Union.
On Thursday, Higgins said he hopes to bring a sense of consistency, accountability and leadership to a state police force that feels “unsupported right now” despite their “strong and honorable culture.”
In his opening remarks, Higgins did not shy away from the ticket scandal and reiterated his intent to hold offending officers accountable.
“There are many challenges facing our agency, some discreet, some institutional. The data reporting issue with the Connecticut State Police is at top of mind for our internal leadership, the executive branch, the legislature, and the general public,” Higgins said. “That even one trooper misreported traffic stop data is unacceptable. As the leader of DESPP, I have made it clear that anyone who has intentionally misreported data will be held accountable. I expect our troopers to act with integrity, period.”
Of the 84 troopers flagged in the original audit, 74 were cleared of intentional misconduct by an independent investigation. The results of that investigation, released earlier this month, concluded that the ticket scandal was mainly the result of mistakes, poor record-keeping, and training shortfalls.
Six troopers and one constable are currently under investigation by the state police internal affairs for potential falsification. Higgins said Thursday that “some others” are “being looked at for some performance-related matters.”
Higgins said the February report highlighted failures and “missed opportunities of leadership.” He said the agency is “beefing up audits and inspections” to ensure that all data is properly input. He said that all supervisors now have access to reporting systems and can conduct system checks. Higgins said all troopers and supervisory staff are also receiving education on the Alvin Penn Law and “all the necessary facets of reporting.”
“We’re going to make certain that our practices in the field align with our policies,” Higgins said.
Through “vigorous” internal affairs reviews, enhanced training and supervision, policy improvements, and stakeholder collaborations, Higgins said he believes he can guide the agency through its current obstacles.
“My eyes are wide open to the criticisms that we face, but I fully believe that with unflinching dedication to truth and transparency, we will demonstrate the honor with which we serve the people of the state of Connecticut,” Higgins said.
Throughout his opening remarks and subsequent answers, Higgins framed himself as the right man for the job. Committee members seemed to agree, conveying optimism and taking a congratulatory tone with Higgins throughout the hearing.
“I think the governor made a tremendous choice, I really do,” Rep. Dave Yaccarino, a ranking member of the committee, said. “You have the right approach, the experience, the fortitude and the understanding and the strength, but also you have to have some empathy. And I think it’s important when you’re dealing with public safety.”
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, who co-chairs the committee, noted the number of firefighters and police personnel who attended the hearing in support of Higgins, saying their presence sent a “strong message to the committee.” At the close of the hearing, Duff jokingly thanked Higgins “for making this the safest room in the entire state of Connecticut.”
“It looks like you are well suited with lots of support in the room from many different groups of people, which I think is excellent to see because that’s not always the case,” Duff said. “There’s not one person who has said anything that would remotely be construed as negative about you. And that’s not easy to do as somebody who’s been in leadership positions for such a long time but who’s also been very effective as well.”