Home Digital Fame Alert 2

5 Major Changes And Controversies Rocking The East Lyme CT Police Department Under New Leadership

• minute read
Contents

The East Lyme Police Department (ELPD) is currently navigating one of its most significant periods of transition in recent memory, marked by a dramatic change in leadership and a renewed focus on community-facing initiatives. As of late December 2024, the department is under the command of a new Chief, who has stepped into a role vacated under controversial circumstances, signaling a fresh chapter for law enforcement in the Niantic area of Southeastern Connecticut.

This article dives deep into the recent shakeups, the new command structure, and the critical incidents that are shaping the public safety landscape of East Lyme, from high-profile arrests to the implementation of new surveillance technology.

The New Era: Chief Kevin Glenn’s Biography and Mandate

The transition at the top of the East Lyme Police Department has been the most significant news story for the agency this year. Following a period of uncertainty, the town welcomed a seasoned law enforcement professional to lead the department.

Biography of Chief Kevin Glenn

  • Current Role: Chief of Police, East Lyme Police Department (ELPD).
  • Previous Experience: Chief of Police for the North Haven Police Department.
  • Career Tenure: A distinguished 24-year veteran of the North Haven Police Department.
  • Career Progression: Held every single rank within the North Haven Police Department before ascending to Chief.
  • Hometown: Native of East Haven, Connecticut.
  • Appointment Context: Hired to replace former Chief Michael Finkelstein, who retired following his June 2024 arrest.

Chief Kevin Glenn was unanimously approved by the town board and has been tasked with restoring public confidence and steering the department forward. His appointment is a clear move by the Town of East Lyme to bring in outside experience to foster a period of stability and professional growth after a tumultuous chapter.

Controversy and Fallout: The Former Chief’s Arrest

The leadership change in East Lyme was necessitated by the high-profile legal troubles of the former police chief, Michael Finkelstein. This event dominated local headlines and led to a swift search for a replacement.

In June 2024, former Chief Michael Finkelstein was suspended and later charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree breach of peace. The charges stemmed from a domestic violence incident where he was accused of punching a woman during an argument.

The investigation into the incident involved state police and an external attorney hired by the town. Despite being on paid leave, Finkelstein was later cleared of separate allegations that he had inappropriately responded to a call while suspended. Ultimately, his retirement paved the way for the hiring of Chief Glenn, officially closing a difficult chapter for the department and the community of East Lyme, CT.

Key Recent Incidents and Public Safety Focus Areas

Beyond the internal changes, the East Lyme Police Department has been actively engaged in numerous high-profile public safety operations and addressing specific crime trends in the area. The department’s recent activity highlights its focus on serious offenses and community safety, particularly in the village of Niantic.

Major Incidents in the East Lyme/Niantic Area

  • Road Rage and Gun Charges: East Lyme police recently arrested a Waterford man on gun charges following a road rage incident where he allegedly pointed a firearm at another person. This incident underscores the severity of disputes occurring on local roadways.
  • String of Burglaries: A New London man was arrested on 17 warrants in connection with a string of home burglaries that occurred in the area, specifically in September. The successful arrest highlights the work of the Detective Division in complex investigations.
  • Serious Assault: Police investigated a serious assault case where an East Lyme man was thrown from a moving vehicle by two assailants. These violent crimes receive top-priority attention from the department.
  • Election Day Arrest: The department released body camera footage related to the arrest of a local man at the polls on Election Day in November 2024, a highly scrutinized incident involving public interaction.

Technology and Transparency: The ALPR Discussion

A major topic of community discussion and police action in East Lyme has been the use of new surveillance technology. The ELPD has actively addressed the public regarding its implementation of Flock Safety Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs).

The department issued a public response to what it termed "inaccurate information" being spread in the community regarding the use and scope of the license plate readers. This proactive communication effort is part of a broader push for transparency while utilizing modern tools to combat crime, particularly in a town that sees a significant influx of traffic and visitors due to its coastal location on Long Island Sound.

The ELPD emphasizes that these systems are a vital tool for the Detective Division in solving serious crimes, tracking stolen vehicles, and enhancing overall public safety, but they must also balance this need with resident privacy concerns.

Specialized Divisions and Community Services

The East Lyme Police Department offers a comprehensive range of services beyond standard patrol, reflecting the unique geographical and community needs of the town, which includes the seaside village of Niantic.

Key ELPD Divisions and Services

  • Detective Division: Comprised of dedicated detectives, including Detectives William Turcotte and William Bergantino, who focus on investigating crimes of a serious nature and collecting evidence.
  • Marine Patrol: Given East Lyme’s location on Long Island Sound and the presence of Rocky Neck State Park, the Marine Patrol is crucial for water safety and enforcement.
  • K-9 Units: The department maintains K-9 units, which are indispensable for tracking, search and rescue, and narcotics detection.
  • Specialized Patrols: In addition to standard vehicle patrols, the ELPD conducts beach, foot, bicycle, and boardwalk patrols, especially during the busy summer months in Niantic.
  • Support Services: The department also provides essential services like police dispatching, animal control, and a Records Office for accident reports, records requests, and fingerprinting for East Lyme residents.

The current focus under Chief Glenn is expected to be on leveraging these specialized units to maintain the high quality of life East Lyme residents expect, while also fostering greater community engagement and transparency. The department is actively recruiting new talent through the Law Enforcement Council of Eastern Connecticut, ensuring a pipeline of dedicated officers for the future.

5 Major Changes and Controversies Rocking the East Lyme CT Police Department Under New Leadership
east lyme ct police
east lyme ct police

Detail Author:

  • Name : Yolanda Schinner
  • Username : malika.durgan
  • Email : victoria.prosacco@grady.com
  • Birthdate : 1975-02-04
  • Address : 108 Bernard Extensions Apt. 309 Ericastad, HI 96696-7609
  • Phone : +1 (859) 420-9973
  • Company : Lowe-Mayert
  • Job : Extraction Worker
  • Bio : Illo ea suscipit est impedit ut illum. Eius minima possimus suscipit harum quis.

Socials

facebook:

instagram:

tiktok:

Random Posts