A special assignment opportunity for the Danbury Police Department has been approved by the City Council.  A grant application has been submitted to accept partial salary reimbursement for an officer now assigned to the Connecticut Intelligence Center's Regional Intelligence Liaison Officer Program.

The Connecticut Intelligence Center collects, analyzes and provides criminal and terrorism-related intelligence to law enforcement agencies in the state.  The Center was formed after 9/11.

12 officers applied and Chief Patrick Ridenhour says they narrowed the field to four.  State staff made the final selection.  That officer began training in September.  The state is offering $60,000 reimbursement via a federal grant.  That leaves about 30-percent of the officer's salary and benefits, which the city will continue to cover. 

The Danbury officer covers most of Fairfield County as there are only 5 liaisons in the state.  Ridenhour says this gives Danbury the opportunity to have someone there if the Department needs immediate information to analyze something.   He added that Danbury has a lot of businesses and critical infrastructure, so that officer can get information in real time over any concerns. 

The officer works mainly in Middletown, but has space at the Danbury station and is considered part of Danbury’s 139 active duty officers.  The officer is still eligible for overtime and other city-specific duties. Ridenhour sees the position as a force multiplier, as opposed to losing someone in terms of authorized strength.