3 Questions for Chief Matthew Canelli: June 2013

North Branford Patch: What’s new at the North Branford Police Department?
Chief Matthew Canelli: The police department is currently in the process of hiring a lateral entry police officer to replace recently retired Detective Ron Onofrio. A lateral entry officer comes into the department certified and with previous law enforcement experience. They only require a short orientation upon their hiring and they are ready to respond to calls. A traditional hire of an untrained recruit takes approximately one calendar year to bring the recruit to that same point.

North Branford Patch: What’s something residents should know?
Chief Matthew Canelli: Proper Use of 911. In North Branford, call 9-1-1 for any emergency when you need help from Fire, Police or Emergency Medical Services. The North Branford Police Department answers all 911 calls from Northford and North Branford. Stay calm and speak clearly and slowly to make sure you get the help you need. Answer all questions that may be asked by the emergency dispatcher. If you have a cellular phone, be certain to give your location and call-back number. Listen for instructions. Do exactly as the dispatcher says. Stay on the line.Don’t hang up until you are told to do so.

You should teach your children how to make 9-1-1 calls. Make sure they never make prank calls. Tell children that making fake 9-1-1calls puts peoples’ lives at risk. It is also against the law. Understanding when to call should be explained for all kinds of situations that the child may confront. Also teach your children to know their full name, address and phone number. Teach them to follow all instructions.

North Branford Patch: What’s your favorite thing about summer?
Chief Matthew Canelli: Spending time with my grandsons.

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