#Westport CT–The Westport Police Department is proud to announce that we will be offering a Citizens’ Police Academy starting on September 29th. Participants will gain a better understanding of the role of the police department in the community. The academy can accommodate up to twenty-four community members who will participate in classes designed to take them through the various aspects of law enforcement. They will learn about the different divisions and specialized units of the department as well as how the department operates. Participants will observe demonstrations and get hands on experience with some of the equipment we use every day. Academy instructors consist of highly trained and experienced Westport Police Officers. In addition to the classes, participants will have the opportunity to experience a “ride-a- long” with an officer from the patrol division. They will also receive CPR/AED certification.
The program begins on September 29 th . Class participants will meet Friday evenings from 7:00pm- 9:30 pm for five weeks and on Tuesdays for the remaining four weeks of the program. This class provides participants and officers an opportunity to get to know each other and discuss issues that affect our community. The academy is open to Westport residents age 21 and older. To inquire about participating in the academy and/or to receive an application, please contact Westport Police Detective Commander Lieutenant Jillian Cabana at (203) 341-6009. Applications can also be picked up at police headquarters and are due by September 12th.
(Westport, CT) – With the Westport Public Schools beginning on August 31 st , 2017 the Westport Police Department will be out in force targeting traffic violators in school zones with a “Back to School” enforcement and education campaign. Westport Officers will be targeting drivers who are using cell phones and speeding in school zones, near bus stops and those that disregard school bus signals in town.
The Westport Police Department is committing to protecting children from motorists who disregard the law, especially around school zones and bus stops where students congregate. We urge commuters to
allow for extra time as they will be sharing the roads with school buses making frequent stops, as well as children who will be walking and/or biking to school. Please remain vigilant around school zones, bus
stops and school buses. We all have a responsibility to make sure children are able to travel to and from school safely.
A list of suggestions for drivers, students and parents are listed below. Parents are urged to discuss these safety tips with their children and with young or inexperienced drivers in their home.
Drivers
When backing into a roadway, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school.
When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking of getting there safely.
Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood.
Slow down. Watch for children playing and congregating near bus stops.
Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
Learn and obey the school bus laws in your state. Learn the “flashing signal light system” thatschool bus drivers use to alert motorists of pending actions:
Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped and that children are getting on or off. Motorists on both sides of the roadway must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.
Children
Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb and line up away from the street.
Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it's okay before stepping onto the bus.
If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of theroad to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that
the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
Use the handrails to avoid falls. When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps do not get caught in the handrails or doors.
Never walk behind the bus.
Walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus.
If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you
Follow instructions given by school crossing guards. Do not cross until they have stopped traffic completely and have advised it is safe to cross.
Parents
Teach children to follow these common sense practices to make school bus transportation safer.
On April 11, 2017, officers responded to a South Compo Road address on a report of a disturbance. The resident believed the person on their porch, O’Keefe, had come from across the street and appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance. Officers responded to the other address and located O’Keefe’s friend, Joshua Lindwall who also appeared under the influence of alcohol and narcotics based on his appearance.
Based on the condition of the two men, officers checked the residence to determine if anyone else was under the influence and needed medical attention. While checking the house, numerous bottles of alcohol were observed, as well as several pill bottles containing Hydrocodone and Oxycodone on the dining room table. A bag containing what appeared to be mushrooms was also located. Officers seized 2 grams of marijuana
that tested positive, 14 grams of psilocybin (mushrooms) which tested positive and 3 containers of prescription medications that belonged to the homeowner. An arrest warrant was submitted for O’Keefe.
On 08/18/2017, Ryan O’Keefe turned himself in on an active warrant stemming from this incident. He was charged with 21a-279(b) Possession of a Hallucinogenic drug. O’Keefe was released after posting $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Norwalk court on August 24 th . Lindwall was arrested for his involvement in this incident on August 8, 2017.
This Westport Police press release made possible by:
#WESTPORT CT- – Human Services Director Elaine Daignault has announced that applications for the fall 2017 session of the Community Service Corps are now available
The Community Service Corps is an after-school program available to Westport students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade. Student volunteers work one afternoon each week, Monday through Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. At the end of the 10-week program, there is a wrap-up event at Toquet Hall where student volunteers are able to reflect on and discuss their experiences.
Registration forms are available in the Town of Westport website at (http://www.westportct.gov/index.aspx?page=90) and Toquet Hall website as well be available at the Department of Human Services office in Town Hall Room 200.
A copy of the student’s medical form must be submitted with the application.
Agency placement is made based on the student’s interests and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Westport Youth Services is a division of the Department of Human Services dedicated to providing an enhanced quality of life for Westport youth and families through a variety of programs and services. Some of the opportunities available through Westport Youth Services include: Youth Advocacy, the Student Outreach Counselor, Positive Youth Development programs, Westport Mentor Program and after school/weekend programming at the Toquet Hall Teen Center.
Westport CT– On 07/30/2017 at approximately 5:00pm, Officer Lames Loomer observed a female sitting in the passenger side of a black Nissan Altima in Saugatuck train station Lot 1. There appeared to be
vomit on the pavement next to where the female was sitting, so the Officer approached the vehicle to check on her welfare. As Officer Loomer approached, the female got extremely nervous and was evasive answering simple questions. The female, now identified as Diana Balkun, ultimately admitted to having needles and heroin in the vehicle. Officer Loomer then deployed his Service Dog (PSD Koda) to conduct a search of the vehicle. PSD Koda indicated on the vehicle in the area of the trunk compartment for the odor of narcotics. Concluding the search at the scene, a small black backpack belonging to Balkun contained a clear makeup pouch and inside the pouch, there was a total of 12 small white wax baggies (8 opened, 4 unopened). Each baggie was imprinted with the label “TIGER” on it and contained a tan powder of
suspected heroin. Also inside the same makeup pouch was a used syringe and needle.
Balkun was taken into custody and transported to Westport Police Headquarters. The narcotics tested positive for the presence of heroin. She was processed and charged with Possession of Narcotics 2 nd Offense and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was given a court date of 08/07/2017 in Norwalk and was held on a $2500 bond.
#Westport CT–On 07/28/17 at approximately 6:00pm, a Westport Officer observed a red Subaru wagon fail to pull over for a fire truck on Easton Road. The fire truck had its emergency lights and siren activated. The Officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle continued onto Route 15 southbound. The Officer pursued the vehicle on Route 15 southbound, then off exit 41 where the vehicle stopped on Wilton Road. The operator, identified as Ann Otto, smelled of an unknown alcoholic beverage. Otto stated she drank two glasses of wine. Otto was then given the Standard Field Sobriety tests which she failed. She was taken into custody and transported to Westport Police Headquarters where she submitted to the breath test which showed her blood alcohol level was over the legal limit. She was processed for the above listed charges. Otto was released on a $500 non-surety bond with a court date of 08/07/2017 in Norwalk.
#Westport, CT –#Norwalk CT—- On 08/09/17, at approximately 3:30am, Westport Officers were dispatched to Chapel Hill Road on a report of a motor vehicle theft in progress. The responding Officer observed a gray GMC Acadia on West Parish Road traveling at a high rate of speed. The Officer attempted to stop the vehicle but it sped off onto the Post Road. The vehicle was traveling eastbound on the Post Road when it turned around suddenly and attempted to strike 2 police vehicles. Officers avoided the collision and the pursuit continued westbound on Post Road East. Westport Officers then terminated the pursuit because the speeds were high and the pursuit was dangerous. A short time later, Norwalk Officers engaged the same vehicle in pursuit which led to the capture of 7 juveniles. Westport Officers will be following up with the appropriate charges for the juveniles.
The Westport Police Department stresses the importance of locking your vehicle and taking your key / fob inside. We have advised multiple times in the past about locking your vehicles, but unfortunately, the message is not getting through. As you can see from the events of last night, it is not merely a property crime. Officers, civilians and the suspects themselves are all at risk of injury or death in events such as these. Please remember that the majority of vehicle break ins and thefts occur with unlocked vehicles. Please do your part and lock your vehicle.
The Westport Police Department is seeking qualified applicants for entry level and certified police officer positions. Applicants must possess a valid C.H.I.P. Physical Ability Assessment card and score at least a 70% on the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Written Test. The application is available through PoliceApp.com. The next upcoming CPCA test is August 19 th in Bloomfield; the registration deadline is August
16 th .
The starting salary for entry level officers is $59,348 with a 6-step pay scale. Top step is $83,081 and is generally reached within 5 years. The salary for certified applicants will be commensurate with experience.
Successful applicants must, at a minimum, be U.S. citizens, age 21 of age or older, and have a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED, though an associate’s degree or higher or military service is preferred. Certified officers must have a minimum 2years of experience. Officers must live within 35 miles of Westport by the time of police academy graduation. Certified officers applying for entry level position must successfully complete all phases of the selection process, with the exception of the written examination and agility test, to be considered for appointment to the department. Those scoring above the minimum on the exam will advance to an oral board panel and swim test. Candidates passing these phases of the selection process shall be ranked by score on a hiring list and are eligible to be called for an initial interview with the Chief of Police and/or command staff. Candidates that receive a conditional job offer by the Chief of Police will continue further in the selection process and will be subject to a background investigation, polygraph, medical and psychological examination. Please note: Since Westport is a coastal community; successful applicants will be required to pass a swim test consisting of a 100-yard swim, treading water, and object retrieval at an 8 to10 foot depth. The Westport Police Department does not permit facial piercings to be worn on duty and only female officers are permitted to wear one pair of small stud type earrings while on duty. For entry level officers, tattoos may not be visible while in uniform. For such visible tattoos, cover-ups, such as bandages and “tat jackets” are not allowed.
The deadline for applying at Policeapp.com is August 25th.
The Town of Westport is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Westport Police Department not to discriminate and to provide equal opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability.
#Westport CT–On 08/03/17 at approximately 8:30am, Officer Dave Perez observed a vehicle fail to stop for the red light on Post Road East at the Parker Harding intersection. The vehicle was followed then stopped on Riverside Avenue, and the operator was identified as Michael Gonzales. Gonzales did not have a valid Driver’s License, so he was issued an infraction for Failure to Obey Traffic light and Operating a motor vehicle without a Driver’s License. After informing Gonzales of his infraction, Officer Perez observed that Gonzales was extremely nervous and shaky. The Officer received permission from Gonzales to check the vehicle for anything illegal. Once Gonzales exited the vehicle, the Officer observed a small plastic baggie tied in a knot that contained a brown powder type substance on the front driver seat. When Gonzales was asked what the powder was inside the bag, he immediately stated that it was heroin. Gonzales was taken into custody and transported to Westport Police Headquarters. The brown substance tested positive for heroin. He was processed and charged with Possession of Narcotics, and has a court date in Norwalk on 08/10/17.
