Old Lyme — The Board of Selectmen is reviewing a proposal from the Troop F state police barracks in Westbrook for the town to consider moving from a policing model with one resident state trooper to a system with two resident state troopers.

The town's police department currently operates under the structure of six full-time police officers and one resident state trooper.

Under the proposal, the town's police department would consist of four full-time officers and an additional resident state trooper, who would work evenings.

The discussions come at a time when two of the town's six full-time police officer positions are vacant. A second resident state trooper had worked on a temporary basis last summer, following the resignation of the two town police officers.

State police from Westbrook provided information to the selectmen last month, and the selectmen have been discussing the recommendation since then.

The selectmen have expressed interest in reviewing options for the town's police force and requested data as they consider the decision.

First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder has said in a previous phone interview that while she thinks the six officers and one resident trooper has worked well for the town, she wants to review the recommendation out of fairness to the town.

Reemsnyder previously listed the proposal's pros and cons. Benefits include that a resident trooper at night could provide an advantage for supervision in the evenings, and that if one resident state trooper left the town, the second trooper likely would step into the supervisory position.   

But the six-officer model provides additional personnel, as well as coverage, as officers can fill in for each other when they go on vacation or are sick.

On Tuesday, the selectmen reviewed preliminary data they requested from past years on police schedules, hours, revenue and calls, as well as costs under the two scenarios.

Reemsnyder outlined on Tuesday a range of costs, depending on the experience level of the trooper or officer hired.

A resident state trooper would cost the town between $108,295 and $171,491, depending on the trooper's level of experience. Those figures include items, such as fringe benefits, meals, mileage, supplies and uniforms.

The town also would not be responsible for costs, such as the trooper's car, cameras and radios, Reemsnyder said.

A town police officer would cost between $87,453 and $107,314, depending on the officer's level of experience. Those figures include benefits, such as health and dental insurance, but do not include the cost of a car, uniforms and equipment.

The insurance costs used in the figures are from this year, not next year, so the insurance costs may end up higher, Reemsnyder noted.

Sgt. Eric J. Haglund, a state police spokesman, said in an email to The Day that Troop F had expressed that a two Resident State Trooper model, one scheduled for the day shift and one scheduled for the evening shift, in addition to town officers, had worked well for the town in the past. He said the information was provided to the town as one possible option, after the town asked Troop F for information on staffing options going forward, following the resignation of the two officers.

The selectmen took no action on Tuesday and are expected to review the data in greater detail. Reesmnyder said she will collect additional data.

Reemsndyer said the selectmen should continue the conversation and try to make a decision soon.

The town has advertised for the two vacant police officer positions and received applications from candidates. Reemsnyder said the town may start some interviews, so as to not lose any applicants.

k.drelich@theday.com