Plans For $1.2 Million Civilian Dispatch Center Proceed Despite Vote

Despite the fact the Town Council has yet to approve $1.2 million for a new civilian dispatch center, already training has begun and $12,000 worth of equipment has been purchased, the New Haven Register reports. 

Some Town Councilors and Police Union President Bob Nappe are questioning the fact that training and some equipment has been purchased in advance of the bond being approved by the council. The council is set to vote on the proposal at its August 5 meeting. 

Nappe released a statement last week blasting the civilian dispatch center. He has said the administration needs to replace police officer positions once they leave the department. Last year the department spent $1.2 million on overtime costs, the Register reports. 

East Haven is the only New Haven County community to deploy police officers to answer 911 calls. The town plans to hire six civilian dispatchers and Mayor Joseph Maturo Jr. defended the program in a press release last week.