On May 26, 1981 the Board of Police Commissioners were established by town ordinance to organize an independent police force to provide police protection for the Town of Plainfield 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In 1982, the Commission appointed its first Police Chief. Today, the Plainfield Police Department has 20 sworn police officers to include the Chief of Police and Deputy Chief and 9 civilian support staff. The Plainfield Police Department has primary law enforcement jurisdiction within the boundaries of the Town of Plainfield.
Chief Mario A. Arriaga | 2021 - Present |
Chief Michael G. Surprenant | 2012 - 2021 |
Chief Robert J. Hoffman | 2007 - 2012 |
Chief Gary L. Sousa | 1982 - 2007 |
Authority
The authority for the Board of Police Commissioners is gained through Connecticut Statutes specifically within the provisions of Sections 7-274, 7-275, 7-276, 7a-278, and 7-279. The Board of Police Commissioners shall consist of five members, who shall be elected in accordance of Section 9-201 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
The Board of Police Commissioners shall have general management and the supervision of the Plainfield Police Department, the property and equipment used in connection herewith, shall make all regulations for the governing thereof not contrary to law, and may prescribe suitable penalties for the violation of any such regulation, including suspension or removal from office any officer or member of the department, with the exception of the Chief of Police, who comes under Section 7-278 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
The Board of Police Commissioners shall have the sole power of appointment, promotion, and removal of the officers and members of the department, under such regulations as it adopts for the purpose and such appointees shall hold office during good behavior and until removed for causes upon written charges after hearing.
Traffic Authority
The Board of Police Commissioners shall be the Traffic Authority for the Town of Plainfield in accordance with the provisions of Section 14-297 of the Connecticut General Statutes. The Board of Police Commissioners have authorized the Deputy Chief of Police to make traffic authority decisions with input from the Commissioners.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or if we can be of any assistance, please contact the Board of Police Commissioners by email (Click on Email).

- Commissioner Daniel Hutchinson (R) (Chairman)
Term Expires: 11/18/2025 - Commissioner Joseph Sangermano (R) (Vice Chairman)
Term Expires: 11/18/2025 - Commissioner Colleen Lugauskas (D) (Secretary)
Term Expires: 11/18/2025 - Commission Kenneth Sheldon Jr. (R)
Term Expires: 11/21/2023 - Commissioner Bruce Dawley (D)
Term Expires: 11/21/2023
As of November 21, 2021