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2) The Hamden Police Commission is a resident controlled accountability tool charged with providing oversight over the Hamden Police. The body consists of 5 Town residents (3 Dems, 2 GOP) nominated by the Hamden Mayor and approved by the Hamden Legislative Counsel

3) They serve 2 year terms beginning each municipal election cycle. They are charged by the City charter with the power to approve and set policies and procedures for the Hamden Police Department. https://isn.page.link/mkgz  - page 41

4) They have the power to receive and investigate complaints from town residents against the Hamden Police Department and/or individual Hamden police officers. https://isn.page.link/mkgz  - page 42

5) They also have the sole power to appoint, promote and remove all personnel, including officers and members of the Police Department. https://isn.page.link/mkgz  - page 42

6) The Hamden Police Commission does not need to wait for a State's Attorney investigation to launch their own investigation as to whether Hamden Police failed to comply with department protocols and policies.

7) For those unfamiliar with this process - the State's Attorney is charged with determining whether or not criminal charges should be brought against the Hamden police officer.

8) The Hamden Police Commission can determine independently whether the officer failed to meet department expectations or protocols and what the consequences should be.

9) A Hamden resident needs to file a compliant to kick start the process. You do not need to be the party harmed by Police to file a complaint. Any resident in Hamden can file a complaint and seek #JusticeForStephanie and Paul Witherspoon.

10) Hamden is a unique example of a city that have democratic structures in place to hold police accountable. It is time for a stress test of its democratic structures, it is time for Hamden residents to take action and seek justice.