5 Shocking Recent Updates And Key Facts About The North Haven Police Department (NHPD) Leadership And Operations

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The North Haven Police Department (NHPD), serving the town of North Haven, Connecticut, has undergone a significant transition in leadership and operational focus, with a strong emphasis on professional development and community engagement in late 2024 and 2025. The department is actively navigating complex modern policing challenges, from high-profile standoffs to sophisticated financial crimes, all while strengthening its presence in the New Haven County community.

As of today, December 21, 2025, the NHPD is led by a newly appointed command staff, signaling a fresh chapter for the force. This article dives into the most crucial and recent updates, including the complete biography of the new Chief, major justified use-of-force incidents, and the department’s growing commitment to community outreach programs.

Complete Biography: North Haven Police Department Command Staff

The transition in the NHPD's top ranks marks a pivotal moment, with two long-serving officers stepping into the roles of Chief and Deputy Chief. The new administration is committed to progressive policing and maintaining strong community partnerships.

Chief of Police: Andrew Stavrides

  • Appointment Date: Officially sworn in on September 8, 2025, succeeding outgoing Chief Kevin Glenn.
  • Experience: Brings 20 years of dedicated law enforcement experience to the role.
  • Previous Role: Prior to his appointment as Chief, he served as the Deputy Chief of Police.
  • Professional Development: A distinguished graduate of the FBI National Academy, a program for law enforcement leaders, and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).
  • Community Initiative: He is noted for bringing the "Pink Patches" program to the department, a breast cancer awareness initiative adopted from other agencies.

Deputy Chief of Police: Joseph Wosnyk

  • Appointment Date: Appointed to the Deputy Chief position alongside Chief Stavrides.
  • Service History: A veteran of the North Haven Police Department since 2004, accumulating a 21-year career with the force.
  • Career Path: Deputy Chief Wosnyk has a comprehensive background, having held every rank within the department before reaching the command staff.

The Rapid Growth and Modern Structure of the NHPD

The North Haven Police Department, located at 8 Linsley St, North Haven, CT, has not only changed its leadership but has also significantly expanded its operational capacity in recent years.

Since 2011, the department has seen a substantial increase in its size, growing by over 50% from 46 to approximately 70 officers. This expansion reflects the town’s commitment to providing professional and progressive police services to its residents. The department is structured into several key divisions, each responsible for specific aspects of law enforcement and community support.

Key Operational Divisions and Entities

The NHPD’s structure is designed for efficiency and specialized response, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the town:

  • Uniformed Services Division: This is the most visible component of the department, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It handles all initial patrol responses and emergency calls, forming the backbone of public safety.
  • Investigative Services Division: Responsible for all criminal investigations that require long-term effort or involve specialized areas, such as major crimes, special victims, and complex cases like the recent check fraud arrest in June 2024. This division focuses on identifying and apprehending offenders and processing crime scenes.
  • Information Services Division: Manages all departmental records, reports, and digital evidence, including videos, and handles the release of information to the public and other agencies.
  • Traffic Division (Support Services): This division handles accident investigations, speed enforcement and monitoring, and manages the purchasing and maintenance of all police department vehicles and equipment.

Major Incidents and Justified Force in 2024-2025

The NHPD has recently been involved in several high-stakes situations that underscore the nature of modern policing and the critical oversight involved. These events highlight the department's collaboration with regional law enforcement entities like the New Haven Police Department and the South Central Regional SWAT (SCRSWAT) team.

Deadly Force Standoff Review (2024/2025)

One of the most significant recent events was a standoff that occurred on August 19, 2024. The incident involved a situation where North Haven officers, working with SCRSWAT members, were required to use deadly force. Following a mandatory investigation, the State of Connecticut Office of Inspector General released an update in October 2025, finding that the police were justified in returning fire during the standoff. This finding confirms the department's adherence to protocols in an extremely volatile situation.

Recent Arrests and Public Safety Concerns

The department has also addressed several other significant public safety issues:

  • Check Fraud: In June 2024, North Haven police arrested a Pennsylvania man on charges related to check fraud, demonstrating an active focus on financial and property crimes.
  • Library Incident: An arrest was made following a report of "indecent behavior" at the North Haven Memorial Library, reinforcing the NHPD's commitment to safety in all public spaces.
  • Fleeing Suspect Fatality: The NHPD was involved in a pursuit where a North Haven man died after crashing his car while fleeing an attempted robbery, a tragic event that received significant local media coverage.

Community Engagement, Prevention, and Transparency

Under its new leadership, the North Haven Police Department continues to prioritize community partnerships, mutual respect, and trust. The department's mission emphasizes building relationships that go beyond enforcement, focusing heavily on prevention and outreach.

Key Community Initiatives and Partnerships

The NHPD engages with the community through several specific programs and entities:

  • Annual Toy Drive: A specific and recent example of community goodwill is the department's annual Toy Drive, which was actively held in December 2024 to collect new, unwrapped toys for local families during the holiday season.
  • North Haven Prevention Council: The NHPD works closely with this grassroots coalition, which is focused on preventing substance use and promoting mental health initiatives within the community.
  • Season of Giving Program: The department supports the town's broader municipal "Season of Giving Program," which provides assistance and support to residents in need.
  • Quinnipiac University Collaboration: Given the presence of the Quinnipiac University campus in North Haven, the NHPD maintains a close working relationship with the university's security and other regional police forces for campus safety and joint operations.

The North Haven Police Department is clearly in a period of dynamic change, marked by new leadership, a growing force, and a firm commitment to both rigorous law enforcement and deep community integration. The recent appointments and proactive community programs ensure the department remains a professional and progressive force dedicated to the safety and well-being of the Town of North Haven.

north haven police department
north haven police department

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