CT Police Unveil High-Tech, Multimillion-Dollar Upgrades

New Technology Enhances Safety and Efficiency for State Police

State police troopers recently showcased the first components of a new equipment package, part of a $120 million initiative approved by the state legislature to modernize law enforcement technology over the next decade. This investment aims to improve safety for both officers and the public while enhancing operational efficiency.

The initial phase of the program includes $10 million in purchases, covering a range of advanced tools such as tasers, virtual reality training systems, body cameras with translation capabilities, drones, and software platforms for managing video and data. These upgrades are expected to replace outdated technology and provide state police with more effective tools for their duties.

At the State Police Academy, Trooper Dale DeGaetano demonstrated the department’s new TASER 10 or T-10 model, purchased from Axon. This device represents a significant advancement over previous models. The T-10 can hold 10 individual probes, giving officers five times the opportunity to subdue a person using non-lethal force. Unlike older tasers that fired two probes simultaneously, the T-10 uses intelligent technology to calculate the best connectivity between probes, determining which is positive or negative in split seconds.

The T-10 can operate at a distance of up to 45 feet, nearly double the range of older models. It also uses less power—1,000 volts instead of 40,000 or 50,000 volts—which makes it safer for the person being tased. When turned on, the taser emits a loud noise and uses a green laser to help officers aim the probe accurately.

Another key feature of the T-10 is its built-in hard drive, which collects data such as timestamps of when the taser was drawn, turned on, and fired. This information is automatically sent to the state police’s centralized evidence system, eliminating the need for manual downloads. Combined with footage from body cameras, this data helps create a clear and accurate record of events, reducing ambiguity about what happened during an incident.

DeGaetano noted that the new tasers have been in use for about three months, and all instances of deployment have resulted in safe outcomes. The package also includes virtual reality headsets and software that allow troopers to practice using the tasers. With this system, troopers can fire 100 to 200 virtual cartridges per day, which is more cost-effective than using real ammunition.

The virtual reality software enables troopers to train on both standing and moving targets. It also simulates real-life scenarios, such as traffic stops where individuals might pull out knives. DeGaetano hopes to bring these headsets to community events to help residents better understand the work of police officers. The technology could also serve as an introduction to law enforcement careers for young people.

Officers also demonstrated body cameras equipped with AI-powered translation features. These cameras can automatically detect and translate 50 languages, making communication easier during interactions with non-English speakers. Trooper Ryan Maynard explained that officers previously relied on phones or language lines, which were not always practical or safe. The new cameras streamline this process, improving the ability to serve diverse communities.

“This is absolutely enhancing our ability to serve the people of Connecticut,” said Maynard. “The whole point here is to make these interactions safer.”

In addition to tasers and body cameras, the package includes drones that can be deployed in response to 911 calls. These drones will support emergency responses and provide additional situational awareness for officers. Other technologies focus on speeding up body camera video processing and improving records management, further streamlining operations.

Overall, the new technology package marks a significant step forward in modernizing law enforcement tools and practices. By investing in advanced equipment, the state is not only improving officer safety but also enhancing public trust through greater transparency and efficiency.