Communications Division

The department is the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for the town. The Communications Division is staffed by 8 full time dispatchers. In 2024, the division handled five thousand six hundred ninety-three (5693)  911 calls.

Detective Division

The Detective Division is responsible for investigating serious crimes and supporting the patrol division. Detectives are specialists who investigate crimes against people and property. Also, RPD detectives investigate and process pistol permit applications. In 2024, these detectives processed 120 pistol permit applications.

Among the crimes the RPD detectives investigate are assault, robbery, burglary, identity theft, fraud, and computer crimes.

The Detective Division consists of three detectives and a youth officer. One detective oversees all property and evidence seized. 

Detective/Youth Officer Thomas Dardis - [email protected]
Detective - David Dubord - [email protected]
Detective - Victoria Ryan - [email protected]
Detective - Garrett Vasquez - [email protected]
Detective Bureau may be contacted at 203-431-2794, Monday through Friday. 

Drug Tip Hotline / Crime Watch (a confidential line) is: 203-431-2345

Division of Professional Standards

The Division of Professional Standards is led by Captain Brian Durling. This division encompasses department accreditation, training, public information, social media, and D.A.R.E. Officer Programs.

The Ridgefield Police Department achieved Tier 3 accreditation form the Police Officer and Standards Training Council (POSTC) in 2016.

The mission statement of Connecticut Police Accreditation is to “Enhance the professionalism of Connecticut Law Enforcement agencies through voluntary compliance with contemporary, internationally recognized standards of excellence.”

The state accreditation process is part of the Police Officers Standards and Training Council. The Connecticut Accreditation program contains three tiers.  Tier I, Liability Standards, are designed to assist police agencies better protect themselves, their employees, and their governing entities from liability exposure as well as enhanced delivery of service and improved public confidence in the agency.  Tier II, Professional Standards, address legal requirements, management and operations.  Tier III, General Management, further expands upon the Tier II Standards, addressing legal requirements, management and operations.  Having completed all three tiers an agency can go on to CALEA accreditation with little additional work. The Accreditation Manager for the department is Sergeant Anthony McMahon.

Patrol Division

Led by Captain Jeff Raines, the Patrol Division is the largest division of the department and supplies 24/7 patrol to the town. Made up of three squads, the patrol division is responsible for protecting life, liberty, and property. In addition, patrol officers enforce laws and ordinances, preserve the peace and public order, prevent crime, and apprehend offenders.

Beyond these traditional patrol responsibilities, officers engage in community and problem-oriented policing on a daily basis. Our philosophy of partnering with the community is exemplified by the men and women of the patrol division. Officers meet with neighbors and community groups to problem solve to improve quality of life.

RPD patrol officers responded to over 21,745 calls for service in 2024. 288 of those calls involved medical assistance. RPD patrol officers are supplemental first responders who carry medical equipment such as defibrillators, oxygen, tourniquets, and naxolone.

Officers are ready for all contingencies. Call types vary day-to-day, but include responding to assaults and disturbances, burglaries, DUI's, noise complaints, traffic offenses, family violence, larcenies, and burglar alarms.

Squads
Day shift - LT John Knoche - Shift Commander
Evening shift - LT Lawrence Clarke - Shift Commander
Midnight shift - LT James Van Wattum - Shift Commander

Special Units

Bike Patrol Unit
The Ridgefield Police Department's Bike Patrol Unit strives to enrich community relations and provide tangible public service. We hope to achieve this by creating an atmosphere of safety through interaction with residents, contact with the public while on patrol, and visibility within the community. The members of the Bike Patrol Unit are Lt. James VanWattum, Officer Garrett Vasquez, Officer Hillard Bloom, and Officer Duane Biros.

 


K-9 Unit
On August 10, 2023 the Department acquired their new K-9 - Odin. After a (3) month training program with his handler Officer McKnight, K-9 Odin graduated December 5, 2023. Now on patrol, K-9 Odin has already assisted with several incidents and will do great things to protect and serve the community. K-9 Odin is a friendly/socialized dog and loves going to work.

   

Accident Investigation Team
The Ridgefield Police Department's Accident Investigation Team is currently staffed by three police officers trained to various levels in motor vehicle accident investigation and reconstruction. Team members are Capt. Brian Durling, Sergeant Mark Caswell, and Lieutenant James VanWattum. Team members receive extensive training in motor vehicle accident investigation, evidence collection and reconstruction. Team members utilize various articles of equipment including Total Station laser mapping equipment, drag sleds and cameras. The team is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is called out for accidents involving serious injury or fatality.

   

Child Passenger Safety Team
RPD's Child Passenger Safety Team will inspect and install child restraint systems for residents.  The members of the team are Capt. Jeffrey Smith, Sergeant Christopher DiFalco, and Officer Louis Geller. If you are in need of a seat installation or check, please call the communications desk directly at 203-438-6531.