Stamford Public Safety and Health Committee Meeting: SPD Overview (April 29, 2026)

The Public Safety and Health Committee met on April 29, 2026, at 6:30 PM to receive an overview of the Stamford Police Department (SPD) from Chief Tim Shaw. The meeting included a presentation on personnel, resources, crime statistics, and a discussion of traffic safety and enforcement challenges. Committee members and the public safety director participated in Q&A.

Discussion Items

• SPD Overview Presentation – Chief Shaw presented a detailed overview of the department. Personnel: The budgeted officer count is 292 (up from 287 after approval of 5 additional officers, originally requested 13). There are 16 recruits in academies, including 8 in SPD's regional academy. A $7,500 grant per officer for the first three years supports the new hires. Resources: Special Response Team (20-officer SWAT), bomb squad (regional asset), hostage negotiation team, K9 squad (8 dogs), behavioral health unit (first in CT with private social workers, reducing police response to mental health calls by ~30%), opiate response team, fusion center for real-time intelligence, drone first responder program, Project Hope (mental health alternative), and Police Activities League (PAL) at Chester Addison Center. Crime statistics: From 2021 to 2025, major crimes decreased except for assaults (7% increase). Burglaries dropped from 137 (2021) to 74 (2025). Comparisons with other large CT cities showed Stamford outperforming in reductions. Budget: 1.5% increase for FY2026, the lowest request in five years.
• Traffic Safety and Enforcement – Representative David raised concerns about speeding and pedestrian safety on Strawberry Hill Avenue and Newfield Avenue, following a fatal accident on Colonial Road. Chief Shaw noted that a new traffic enforcement unit (doubled coverage from 40 to 80 hours per week) started in April. He also mentioned e-bike initiatives and collaboration with engineering for raised crosswalks. Representative David proposed an e-bike safety ordinance requiring vests/lights; Chief Shaw expressed support for safety measures. Representative Terry asked about school zone speed bumps and elevated crosswalks; Director DeRubeis confirmed that Washington Boulevard intersections are being considered for raised platforms. Discussion also included the need for education and coordination with the Board of Education on student lunchtime traffic.
• Resource Allocation and Foot Patrol – Representative Matt questioned the balance between specialized units and patrol presence. Chief Shaw explained that many initiatives (fusion center, behavioral health, accreditation) reduced patrol strength, but the department seeks to add foot patrol and e-bikes when staffing permits. He offered to include committee members in future tours for the Board of Finance.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational.
• Chief Shaw committed to sharing data on school zone speed cameras and traffic enforcement effectiveness with Representative Terry.
• The committee discussed potential future ordinance regarding e-bike safety with Representative David.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 PM.