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Bill

SB 405

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MINIMUM NUMBER OF SWORN STATE POLICE PERSONNEL.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Gordon

SB 405 establishes a mandatory minimum number of sworn Connecticut state police officers to preserve law enforcement capacity and public safety services.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Safety and Security
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Bill Summary · SB 405

Legislative bill overview

SB 405 establishes a mandatory minimum staffing level for Connecticut's sworn state police personnel. The bill sets a floor on how low the state police force can be reduced, preventing further workforce depletion. This applies specifically to uniformed officers with full law enforcement authority.

Why is this important

State police provide critical public safety services including highway patrol, criminal investigations, and emergency response across Connecticut. Minimum staffing requirements directly affect response times, investigation capacity, and officer workload—factors that impact both public safety outcomes and officer wellness. This addresses concerns about potential budget cuts that could compromise service delivery.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Establishing minimum staffing levels constrains budget flexibility and may require sustained funding commitments that compete with other state priorities during fiscal downturns
  • Specific number not disclosed: Without knowing the proposed minimum number, it's unclear whether this represents modest protection of current levels or significant increases requiring new funding
  • Operational flexibility: Rigid staffing minimums may prevent agencies from reorganizing personnel allocation based on evolving public safety needs or crime patterns
  • Recruitment and retention challenges: Mandates don't address underlying recruitment difficulties or compensation issues that may make meeting staffing goals difficult

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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