Watertown CT Police Department

10/23/2026

Prescription Drug Take Back Day - Saturday October 24th 2026
The Watertown Police Department will be participating in the DEA-sponsored Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday October 24th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
This is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications-helping to prevent misuse and protect our community and environment.
Drop-off Location: Watertown Police Department
For more information about what can and cannot be accepted, please visit
https://www.dea.gov/takebackday
As always, there is a secure locker in the lobby available 24/7.

10/21/2026

4:!5 PM Update - The website seems to be functioning normally, we were able to gain access internally to add the link to the calendar.

1:20 PM Update - The website seems to be functioning normally externally, but we are still unable to log in to add the WSA Zoom link to the calendar, please use the provided link below.

Website Service Interruption Notice 💻

The Town of Watertown's website is currently experiencing temporary service interruptions due to necessary security updates being performed by our website provider, Revize.

The website may remain unavailable until approximately 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Additional brief interruptions may occur as updates are completed.

𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 (𝐖𝐒𝐀) 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 – 𝐙𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬

As a precaution, in the event the Town's website is not restored in time for the WSA meeting this evening, the Zoom meeting link is provided below for public access:

𝐖𝐒𝐀 𝐙𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤: https://zoom.us/j/98420249389?pwd=SDy2sr6HJgCA9jaDSdsPHsYFqhNosa.1

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 – 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔:

❌School Capital Project Committee

❌Shared Services Committee

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as these updates are completed. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.

Thank you for your understanding. Please contact the Town Manager's Office with any questions 860-945-5255.

10/16/2026

The Watertown Police Department is proud to receive the Serve Well, Be Well Award, presented annually by the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Officer Wellness Committee.

This award recognizes police departments that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to supporting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their officers. The program promotes a culture of wellness that extends “from hire to retire and beyond,” emphasizing the importance of training, supportive policies, and meaningful wellness initiatives throughout an officer’s career. We are proud to have an amazing peer support team set up within our department, led by Detective Avelina Rivera.

We recognize that taking care of our officers is essential to maintaining a healthy, resilient, and effective department. We are honored to receive this recognition and remain committed to supporting the well-being of the men and women who serve our community every day.

10/14/2026

On October 13, 2026, at approximately 1753 hours, officers responded to the area of 578 Thomaston Road for a report of a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian. Upon arrival, officers located a male pedestrian who had sustained significant injuries to his left leg and left shoulder. The pedestrian received medical attention at the scene and was transported to Waterbury Hospital for further evaluation.
The operator of the motor vehicle remained at the scene and is fully cooperating with the investigation. The area was temporarily secured to preserve the integrity of the scene and allow for a thorough investigation. The Naugatuck Valley Regional Accident Reconstruction Team responded to assist with the investigation. The investigation remains ongoing.

10/09/2026

Silver Alert Update:

The Watertown Police Department is happy to announce we have safely located the female from the earlier posted Silver Alert. Thank you for your assistance.

10/07/2026

Please refer to this Press Release regarding a road rage incident which occurred in our community earlier this week.

10/07/2026

On 9/15/26, investigators arrested Robert Fontaine, DOB 9/12/61 of 130 Kaynor Drive, Waterbury for charges of criminal attempt at robbery in the first degree, criminal attempt at larceny in the second degree and threatening in the second degree.
On 8/18/26 at about 3:00am, officers responded to 711, 188 Davis Street, Oakville for the report of an attempted
robbery. Investigation showed that a white male with a ski mask entered the store with a tire iron, threatened several people in the store and demanded money. The male then fled prior to obtaining any money. Officers and a canine unit from the State Police tracked the area but were unable to locate the suspect.
Investigators followed up on information, recovered evidence and identified the suspect as Fontaine.
An arrest warrant was obtained and Fontaine was taken into custody on 9/15/26. Fontaine was held on a $50,000.00 bond and was arraigned at Waterbury Superior Court on 9/16/26.

10/02/2026

09/28/2026

The Watertown Police Department is proud to announce that we are on track to become the first law enforcement agency in the nation to have 100% of our sworn officers trained and certified in PAARI Deflection Essentials!

In partnership with the Police Assisted Addiction & Recovery Initiative (PAARI), department-wide training began in August, with all sworn officers expected to complete certification in October 2026.

📚 The Deflection Essentials curriculum includes:

• Addiction 101 for First Responders
• The Trauma-Addiction Connection for First Responders
• Deflection and Diversion Foundations for First Responders

This training provides our officers with trauma-informed communication skills, strategies to reduce stigma, and tools to utilize non-arrest pathways that can connect individuals struggling with substance use disorders to treatment, recovery, and other community resources.

💬 Chief Joshua Bernegger said:

“Law enforcement has historically been the default option for every societal crisis, but a public health crisis requires a public health approach. By ensuring every single officer on our force is trained in Deflection Essentials, we’re giving our team the tools to address the root causes of crime while making our community safer and stronger for everyone.”

We are grateful to PAARI Executive Director Zoe Grover and the entire PAARI training team for their partnership and commitment to helping law enforcement agencies develop new and effective approaches to substance use, treatment, and recovery.

As a police department, our responsibility extends beyond responding to calls. It means continually learning, adapting, and finding better ways to serve our community.
Every officer. Every shift. Every interaction. Equipped to make a difference.

👉 Read the full announcement from PAARI:

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SUBJECT: Watertown Police Department to Become First in the Nation to Have 100% of Sworn Officers Certified in PAARI Deflection Essentials Watertown, CT — September 28, 2026 — The Watertown Police Department, in partnership with the Police Assisted Addiction ...

09/28/2026

NOW HIRING: FULL-TIME PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER

The Watertown Police Department is seeking a motivated, dependable, and team-oriented individual to join our Communications Department as a Full-Time Public Safety Dispatcher.

📍 Watertown, Connecticut
💰 Starting Rate: $25.33/hour during probation
💰 $27.99/hour after 12 months
📅 Application Deadline: October 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM
🕐 Schedule: 5/2, 5/2, 5/2, 5/3 rotation
⏰ Shifts: 6 AM–2 PM | 2 PM–10 PM | 10 PM–6 AM

Our Communications Department provides 24/7/365 dispatch services for the Watertown Police and Fire Departments, playing a critical role in the safety and well-being of our community.

Responsibilities include:
• Answering 911 and routine calls for service
• Monitoring Police, Fire, Highway, State Police, and mutual aid radio traffic
• Following Emergency Medical Dispatch protocols
• Operating CAD and other public safety computer systems
• Assisting the public and town departments with information
• Obtaining critical information through COLLECT/NCIC systems

We are looking for someone who can remain calm under pressure, communicate exceptionally well, multitask, make sound decisions, maintain confidentiality, and work effectively as part of a team. Knowledge of the Watertown area and computer experience are preferred. Connecticut telecommunicator certification is also preferred.

Full-Time Benefits Include:
✅ CT Partnership Plan 2.0 health benefits
✅ Life insurance
✅ 457(b) retirement plan with Town contributions and matching opportunities
✅ Paid sick, vacation, and personal leave
✅ Shift differentials and overtime opportunities
✅ Holiday pay and double-time holiday overtime
✅ Seniority-based overtime and shift selection
✅ Opportunities to participate in department and community events

This is more than a job — it is an opportunity to become an essential member of the Watertown Police Department team and make a difference in our community every day.

👉 Apply online through PoliceApp:
Apply Here – https://www.policeapp.com/Entry-Level-Watertown-CT-Police-Officer-Jobs/4706/

📧 Questions regarding the position: [email protected]

The Watertown Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.