Former Interim New Haven Police Chief tabbed as Stratford's top cop
After a lengthy nationwide search, the city of Stratford has named its next chief of police.
Renee Dominguez, who is currently the deputy chief of police for the town of Watertown, will take over for Interim Chief of Police Paul DosSantos, a veteran of the Stratford Police Department for more than thirty years, and will be sworn in at a later date.
“She is fully prepared to lead the dedicated men and women who serve and protect Stratford at this critical moment. Her professionalism and strong commitment to community policing and relationship-building will serve Stratford well,” Mayor David Chess said.
This would not be Dominguez’s first time at the helm as a city’s top cop. She was previously named the Interim Chief of Police for the city of New Haven before announcing her retirement in 2022, previously stating that it was because of her fellow officers and the city of New Haven’s need for a consistent leader of the police department.
During a news conference in 2022, the city said that, under Dominguez’s tenure, the city of New Haven saw lower crime and homicide rates, more specifically a seventy-three percent lower homicide rate.
Dominguez has accumulated a wealth of experience over her more than a two dozen years in law enforcement, also holding the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, and assistant chief of police.
“I look forward to working alongside our dedicated officers and partnering with the community to foster a culture grounded in trust, integrity, and collaboration. Together, we will continue to move the department and the Town of Stratford forward with transparency, professionalism, and a shared commitment to public safety,” Dominguez said.
“Following Dominguez’s interview [with the Police Chief Search Committee], there was a unanimous consensus that she had the experience, leadership qualities, and integrity to lead our police department,” Mayor Chess noted.
The Police Chief Search Committee was comprised of several key town figures, including Town Councilor Paul Aurelia and Stratford Police Union President Anthony Zona. Current Danbury Chief of Police and head of the Connecticut Police Association Patrick Ridenhour was the only committee member who did not directly serve the town of Stratford.
The town is currently preparing for a smooth administrative transition from DosSantos to Dominguez. The town did not state what role DosSantos will have with the department once Dominguez is sworn in.
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