‘Proper Training’ the Goal as Chief Daly Joins POST Council

There’s a lot that goes into preparing training and determining what skills officers need to provide an infinite number of possible responses on a daily basis, but the town of Southington will now play an integral role in making sure the right standards are in place.

Southington Police Chief Jack Daly will take on a new role this week as he joins the table as the newest member of the Police Officers Standards and Training Council.

“This is a big opportunity for me, to help me be a better chief, and for the town as it gives us a voice at the table that directly influences training, the required curriculum and certification of our officers,” Daly said. “This is a prestigious appointment and I am honored to be selected.”

“In police work, everyday is a learning day,” he said. “To serve the community, you constantly need to grow and learn about your trade. I am honored to have been selected for this role and look forward to actively serving and providing input in the best interest of the town and our officers.”

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy selected Daly for appointed to the position last week, making him the latest member to join the 20-member panel. He will join a group that includes the Special Agent in charge of the FBI for the State of Connecticut, the Chief States Attorney, the Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, a faculty member from the University of Connecticut, five select members of the public and officers and chiefs from across the state.

Malloy cited Daly’s experience as a Connecticut officer and police administrator as a primary reason for selection. Daly currently serves as the president of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association and has been a member of the Southington Police Department for more than 20 years.

As a member of the Police Officers Training and Standards Council, Chief Daly will be directly involved in setting the training standards and for new officers at the recruit level, the training and certification of veteran officers throughout the State of Connecticut and with the granting of State Accreditation for Departments that comply with the council’s state accreditation standards, according to a press release on the Southington Police Department Facebook page.

Daly said Monday that the new role will require strong time management, but will not take away from his work in town or the responsibilities he has to Southington residents and business owners.

More importantly, he said, he will be focused on making sure town officers are getting the training they need but that requirements are set and standards met in a fiscally responsible manner.

“It’s a balancing act, but we as a council will be taking a hard look at what requirements are needed and how to do so in a manner that truly benefits and can be maintained within local budgets,” Daly said. “They are all intertwined.”

Daly will get right to work as the council meets on Thursday.

What are your thoughts on the appointment? Is there any training you’d like to see implemented? Share your congratulations and thoughts in the comments section below.

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