[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6160769,"mediaKeyId","5448655-75c7ca397a6c9cbf906a67808312f16e","parentId",5448655,"title","Commission approves tuition reimbursement for Officer Mark Vazela","audioSeconds",49,"startMs",2749000,"endMs",2798000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448655-75c7ca397a6c9cbf906a67808312f16e&start=2749&end=2798","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448655-75c7ca397a6c9cbf906a67808312f16e/thumbnail_2749000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6160769/Norwalk-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Commission-approves-tuition-reimbursement-for-Officer-Mark-Vazela","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160769-9d0237e8ca237352ae3561da1ad68ce1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177105&Signature=jhYtr7KFOwjLUhto-gou7Cu9OqtbKj2QO7aK42hfOhXcMqsU20d~trZ4B5EUeJkmLvwQOwyDeOkXuRLJA0v~3ALu8CfLXvXnDzyXEZcQApBPWfgKppN9PwDJLSfJF69ePaQSwtGCfzmZ3negAjr16FRWtrchH2CqPGn~gZg1U8ID0U8HkIm740rFcKKY6U034ixFE6jGjo-uFA9JQwbEpOTUq2c2-WCxJKwlUwK2u9VVw2MLSglFf6ml0VIiOpp3HGqKQ529fZ4Xa5r1bfls9QazB-t90v1vskLLqvV1wUEYTpYADfQ~Z0f9tpFxcjFRDwLBbgORI9HI74Tm46DVpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Norwalk City, CT","date","2025-07-21T22:06:32Z","article","The Norwalk Board of Police Commissioners unanimously approved tuition reimbursement on July 21 for Officer Mark Vazela, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in public safety administration at Charter Oak State College.

According to the personnel packet, Vazela completed two courses (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Homeland Security), received all A grades and submitted payment documentation. The department reported total course costs plus fees of $4,478, with the commission-authorized 50% reimbursement totaling $2,239.

Commissioners confirmed course approvals were completed in an earlier meeting and that the file now included grades and payment receipts. The motion to approve reimbursement carried by voice vote; commissioners recorded their affirmative votes and the motion passed unanimously.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Police Commission 07-21-2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board unanimously approved 50% tuition reimbursement for Officer Mark Vazela’s courses toward a bachelor’s in public safety administration at Charter Oak State College; the department provided receipts and grades supporting the request.","taxTitle","Norwalk City, Fairfield, Connecticut","taxId",4245,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6160773,"Norwalk police expand hands-on 'box training' and use-of-force instruction ahead of summer staffing changes",105,2217000,2322000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448655-75c7ca397a6c9cbf906a67808312f16e&start=2217&end=2322","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448655-75c7ca397a6c9cbf906a67808312f16e/thumbnail_2217000.jpg","/articles/6160773/Norwalk-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Norwalk-police-expand-hands-on-box-training-and-use-of-force-instruction-ahead-of-summer-staffing-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160773-f44077ee291f802de7f31c7ea74ec21b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177105&Signature=NLvETG5wRiY1-DmlR9azhJdi2TTWpeFeMAuXL1SpbaX9R5F44iKnl62Pn01HfMArsdtNLcWGudwtloddUqJYqpCZfQYISkBcsfIPKxJVDoeeetFMf1bR76lQ6NH6YRcQMZuBrAuuUy0DPnAQJAYMXg4EheGPQGyGc5E81XDAAd3LdVlSwSpqK7YG1GZAOv~BuHQyp2c8GTIRyrdlEjuYKdASfTgTvkmT8~LZ4P-S8FW8UQP9W~mIF5TBlhHKjKqVomkYUG5-8gTZcetx7PI3W4fSL8pRWnvqxKgq-7~V7denF8wwUNX~4BjsDsNHq5l~4BFFYGdhSdMEmGEnfmeouA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Norwalk police told the Board of Police Commissioners on July 21 that the department ran a major set of training programs in June, including expanded use-of-force instruction and a new interactive \"box training\" exercise designed to expose officers to fast-moving, realistic scenarios.

Deputy Chief Denholm described the training as focused on decision-making under stress and de-escalation. The commission noted a notably high participation figure in the use-of-force elective — 44 participants compared with lower attendance numbers in other classes — and Denholm said part of the reason was scheduling: \"a lot of officers go on vacation. July 1 populates new vacation days. So we try in June to wrap up a lot of training before officers start to go on vacation and aren't available.\"

Chief Walsh explained the box-training approach and its purpose to commissioners: \"We started a new training initiative in June. It was called box training. It's quite effective, training where the officers actually get exposed to several different situations, and they have to quickly evaluate the situation and respond accordingly.\" He added the training uses role players and limited information to mirror real encounters and that a second phase will be offered in the fall for officers who did not attend this session.

Commissioners praised the training and asked for clarification on course titles and instructor listings in the report. Administrative reporting elsewhere in the meeting showed an 85.5% activation rate for body and dash cameras, and the department said it is preparing accreditation materials ahead of an October on-site review.","Commissioners heard that the department ran large-scale use-of-force and a new \"box training\" program in June to improve decision-making under stress; administrators said June scheduling concentrated training before summer vacations reduced officer availability.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6160778,"Norwalk launches summer slowdown enforcement; police to use speed-and-aggressive-driving grant",1738,764000,2502000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448655-75c7ca397a6c9cbf906a67808312f16e&start=764&end=2502","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448655-75c7ca397a6c9cbf906a67808312f16e/thumbnail_764000.jpg","/articles/6160778/Norwalk-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Norwalk-launches-summer-slowdown-enforcement-police-to-use-speed-and-aggressive-driving-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160778-1a3997171cffac9eb84e976200bd49e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177105&Signature=fT0J2Wseeotrq7xSyyod33tiDj9vDtIQaSDLLTj4k497O3-plNuZ-~z7XJA-SjJLedDqQHOxAyjUn91nJHzNyMySqXs3Pz63a1U32ar4eXJY75qEhArXckHuiJt8mCKhhFX6tYNUDHM-6TWttwBVZU2Uu6KIep58rUxlfObgpMAXf68~8SZ3ijXK9f8Z9tniGvw7hw9SNMOI9Nuv6B2M14cQ575gi5H5XUkhc3BR2wQstDXuIZBq5aXosG1xpb02zDzMm24w3ykdjqYHwkN~K3vtQ4n6gvv~sdTGmr98tQ9GyToSa10-mKx5cjeX8TvsqHH-6SRCE6g79fU8NrB-Gg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Norwalk police described a citywide \"summer slowdown\" traffic enforcement initiative at the July 21 Board of Police Commissioners meeting and told commissioners a state speed-and-aggressive-driving grant will fund additional patrol shifts over the summer. Deputy Chief Lepore said the grant runs July 1 through Sept. 5 and \"allows us to give 106 eight-hour shift hires for officers to focus in on speed and aggressive driving.\"

Chief Walsh and operations leaders presented June traffic figures in successive reports. In his executive report, the chief said the department recorded 1,268 total traffic stops in June with 1,187 citations issued and 13 criminal arrests stemming from those interactions. The community affairs report separately listed 1,360 motor vehicle stops for June and described 62 parking violations, seven child-safety-seat installations, four DUI arrests and 121 cell-phone violations related to distracted driving enforcement.

Deputy Chief Blake told commissioners the traffic enforcement focus includes intersection enforcement such as East Avenue and I-95 and that some stop-sign and intersection enforcement increases came from both targeted enforcement and grant-supported activities. He said second platoon remains the busiest patrol shift and that the department recorded 6,912 calls for service in June.

Commissioners asked whether the enforcement increases were grant-driven or department-initiated. Deputy Chief Blake said the activity was a combination: some enforcement was a direct response to traffic patterns identified in the department’s traffic database, and some was supported by grants. Deputy Chief Lepore said preliminary awards were also received for other grants, including a preliminary Project Safe Neighborhoods award awaiting formal confirmation.

The commission was advised that the enforcement push accompanies other summer public-safety efforts — including school security assignments, special event support for July 4 celebrations and mutual aid to neighboring communities — and that enforcement numbers can fluctuate with staffing, vacations and unplanned absences.","Police reported a summer slowdown initiative targeting speed and aggressive driving around Norwalk, citing June traffic enforcement numbers and a state grant that will fund additional shift hires from July 1 through Sept. 5.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6160782,"Detective Barron, Officer Mitchell honored after arresting five juveniles in string of car burglaries",344,275000,619000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448655-75c7ca397a6c9cbf906a67808312f16e&start=275&end=619","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448655-75c7ca397a6c9cbf906a67808312f16e/thumbnail_275000.jpg","/articles/6160782/Norwalk-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Detective-Barron-Officer-Mitchell-honored-after-arresting-five-juveniles-in-string-of-car-burglaries","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160782-698b958d90de492fa86401d6616736c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177105&Signature=RU218s1QVnQs1tuui-FfsIOKAiUq-RBCMUadmU1Rdhviz5QaUpeYcBwwVFAZof5TuiJzy4abOmjzFqNKDvHezu~5xDQzsv7QgTBvQiHzc1nB-K5zGhjgYSFWFtp~nWOWpHMtftTzloW7fhMOlBSGMxkKQDv8EHImleUlThEgFhSgVDkn19I3q3TIpI-N7wAsQcsW8hX0AKvLr7qGmcFhEGrbt6iA~1uOqAy3KP4I3FrDJQMW3L0SPY4iAV~9jmRNne0bcjqJzvPa7LwEDe9veAi~2OxkU5FCtcSSLyV2yjI5228HcipqJAJYWKNAa6xch-np~tTEjCKq~mIvOtAwIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Detective James Barron and Officer Matt Mitchell were recognized July 21 as the Norwalk Police Department’s June officers of the month after their investigation led to five felony arrests in a series of vehicle burglaries. Chief Walsh described the case as an \"excellent piece of investigative work.\"

According to the chief’s account to the Board of Police Commissioners, detectives reviewed video surveillance from the Brim and Crown Apartments after multiple overnight vehicle burglaries were reported. Detective Barron located footage showing suspects and prepared an information flyer with still photos. Officer Mitchell later contacted Detective Barron after encountering five juveniles matching the description; Mitchell photographed the group and provided the photo to Barron. Barron compared the photograph and body-worn-camera footage with the surveillance and quickly obtained additional video evidence, which led to the arrest of the five juveniles and charges including third-degree burglary and criminal mischief.

Detective Barron addressed commissioners and attributed the case’s quick resolution to his colleague: \"This really was solved by Officer Mitchell's foresight. He sent me that photo of the juveniles first thing in the morning before the complaint even came in,\" Barron said. He added that Mitchell’s early photo and the surveillance footage together allowed investigators to identify and arrest the suspects within hours.

Commissioners and the mayor commended the pair for teamwork and timely use of technology. Mayor Rilling said the coordination and rapid retrieval of video evidence demonstrated \"excellent police work,\" and several commissioners praised the communication between units and the use of surveillance and body-worn camera footage.

The recognition was presented during the public portion of the commission meeting; no disciplinary or policy actions were associated with the recognition.","The Norwalk Board of Police Commissioners recognized Detective James Barron and Officer Matt Mitchell as June officers of the month for their work linking surveillance footage and on-scene photos that led to five juvenile arrests in multiple overnight vehicle burglaries.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6160787,"Norwalk police report steep quarterly drops in major crimes; department returned surplus to general fund",314,742000,1056000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448655-75c7ca397a6c9cbf906a67808312f16e&start=742&end=1056","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448655-75c7ca397a6c9cbf906a67808312f16e/thumbnail_742000.jpg","/articles/6160787/Norwalk-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Norwalk-police-report-steep-quarterly-drops-in-major-crimes-department-returned-surplus-to-general-fund","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160787-17b0671c52089b48bc379e0e2193a0b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177105&Signature=CTIdSTqL9qCywnRfmbYFLuA-qtEf-Vnr5eHmLRVDqc-HjekMGDdibB3Rk9liimSJC8v-dzN2NqPZ4Ixqkk-xuEAUNilc0ZPBPU~huDLwo0bdbWNKZvgbB8QtgqL3u-aFESALouTtTsbIXJ1nZ~W86YucAdrJbm-yLffI8T1jc0bfnnp5iG1e1g17b4u9IrhsqTdQ32WT6OnInpn3rDKV80aSM2kQbNVazwt2tga--nvMlXQmv24E5pYCPMi~8M3Ltk0wQKBQQMKJwgMkwgIYrHU66Xi0~RKECtdYX1wu~~9H36TUPpxF-qvUNoAwi9sXQF9CjP7xjyQbaf3iYQYMoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Norwalk police reported sharp declines in major crime indexes and a year-end budget surplus during the Board of Police Commissioners meeting on July 21, 2025. Chief Walsh told the panel that state NIBRS (National Incident-Based Reporting System) data showed crimes against society were down 11.4%, crimes against property down 18.4% and crimes against persons down 20% for the last quarter of 2024.

The figures matter for both public safety and city finances: Chief Walsh said the department used 95% of its salary budget and 74% of its overtime budget for the fiscal year, and \"we almost $1,800,000 was returned\" to the city. The chief said the returned money went back to the municipal general fund.

The chief framed the overtime variance as driven by unpredictable, human factors. \"Our overtime is driven by crime indexes, special events, personnel coverages,\" he said, listing examples such as injuries, sick time and major incidents that require concentrated staffing. He told commissioners the department had 182 sworn personnel in June, one officer on administrative leave pending an internal affairs investigation and one on extended workers' compensation.

Commissioners and the mayor praised the department's performance. Mayor Rilling said the department's budgeting and operational work were \"data driven\" and that he was \"quite impressed with what they have.\" Commissioners noted the correlation between active traffic enforcement and crime reductions.

The chief and deputy chiefs described steps taken to maintain patrol coverage despite recent short-term losses in patrol staffing: they temporarily reassigned personnel from specialized units to patrol after six patrol officers were out within a 10-day span because of injuries and leave. The chief cautioned that such staffing fluctuations make overtime difficult to predict.

The department also reported personnel activity: two candidates, Blair Kim and Clayton Corgan, completed background investigations, were sworn on July 3 and entered the police academy on July 11. Chief Walsh pointed commissioners to appended spreadsheets for a full fiscal-year breakdown of salaries, overtime, sick time and comp time.

Commissioners asked whether the surplus would affect next year’s budget; Chief Walsh said the new fiscal year budget had already been approved and that the department’s line-item budgeting is reviewed by the Board of Estimate and Taxation. He described the budgeting process as historical and data-driven, not an exact science.

Meeting minutes and standard administrative business continued after the report; no formal budgetary action was taken at the commission meeting itself.","At the July 21 meeting of the Norwalk Board of Police Commissioners, Chief Walsh told commissioners that NIBRS data showed declines in major crime categories for the last quarter of 2024 and that the department returned nearly $1.8 million in unused salary and overtime funds to the city general fund.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves tuition reimbursement for Officer Mark Vazela

Norwalk police expand hands-on 'box training' and use-of-force instruction ahead of summer staffing changes

Norwalk launches summer slowdown enforcement; police to use speed-and-aggressive-driving grant

Detective Barron, Officer Mitchell honored after arresting five juveniles in string of car burglaries

Norwalk police report steep quarterly drops in major crimes; department returned surplus to general fund