Milford Police Vacancies Continue To Climb

MILFORD, CT — During the September Board of Police Commissioners meeting, Police Chief Keith Mello issued an update on staffing levels.

According to meeting minutes, Mello said additional openings brought about by Worker’s Comp, Longterm Worker’s Comp and the expectation that two of those officers out on worker's compensation will be retiring.

He also said two officers resigned during the summer. Mello noted that two more officers will be retiring shortly. Mello stated there are currently 17 openings. In June, Mello said the department had 13 openings, according to meeting minutes.

"Mello explained he is not opposed to lateral appointments but he added this Department’s pay is not competitive enough and now 25 years is required for vesting so an officer would not be coming to Milford for that long-term vesting," according to meeting minutes.

Mello said the department is constantly conducting testing for potential officers as well as physical fitness tests and background checks, but the pool of officers is very small; those being tested are having difficulty passing physical agility as well as a higher rate of failure on PolyGram.