DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES ANDPUBLIC PROTECTION

DIVISION OF STATE POLICETroop G - Tolland

November 10,2015

Mr. Edward F. Taupier6 Douglas DriveCromwell, CT 06416

Dear Mr. Taupier:

Your correspondence to Colonel Brian Meraviglia, the Commanding Officer for the Connecticut State

Police, dated for September 08, 2075, in regards to your interaction with Trooper First Class Jacob

Bissaillon, has been forwarded to me for review and response.

After careful review and analysis of all the evidence gathered during this investigation, I determinedthat Trooper First Class Jacob Bissaillon acted appropriately given the circumstances. TFC Bissaillonconducted a lawful motor vehicle stop and issued you a ticket for Operating a Motor Vehicle without aLicense. As you may disagree with the laws of this state and the right of TFC Bissaillon to stop you, Ifound nothing about this stop that was unlawful.

In your complaint, you state that you were illegally stopped. It was determined that Trooper FirstClass Jacob Bissaillon had probable cause to pull your vehicle over as your Connecticut Driver'sLicense was expired according to the Department of Motor Vehicle records. You may not be aware,but prior to you being pulled over, TFC Bissaillon had been called to Ms. Taupier's residence for acomplaint of a court order not being followed. It was atthat time, TFC Bissaillon learned that yourlicense was expired. Therefore, you were pulled over and issued a ticket for Operating a MotorVehicle without a License, a violation of Connecticut General Statute A-36(a). It was during thismotor vehicle stop when TFC Bissaillon also advised you to stay away from Ms. Taupier's residence.The order may have come from a civil court, but TFC Bissaillon does have the responsibility ofenforcing and advising you of the conditions of that court order. I can assure you that there was nowillful or intentional civil rights violation.

You are correct in stating that this motor vehicle stop was captured on video. Upon review, it wasdetermined that as TFC Bissaillon returned to your vehicle, he in fact explained to you the reason forthe stop as he issued you your infraction. He also explained that you couldn't operate a motor vehiclewhile your driver's license was expired, and that your front seat passenger would need to drive yourvehicle. TFC Bissaillon further explained, that he was uncomfortable making an in custody arrest andwas giving you the benefit of the doubt. He explained where to park when either you and/or your thirdparty drop off your children, as to avoid any conflicts in the future. TFC Bissaillon asked you if thisseemed reasonable and you stated, "perfect." You then exited your vehicle, exchanged seats with the

front seat passenger and subsequently drove away ending the motor vehicle stop. During TFCBissaillon's interaction with you, he acted professionally and at no time threatened you with arrest.

1320 Tolland Stage RoadTolland, Connecticut 06084

TELEPHONE: (860) 896-3200FAX: (860) 896-3274

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Since 1988

TFC Bissaillon did forward an arrest warrant to the Rockville Superior Court, for violations of your

Conditions of Release. However, this arrest warrant was not signed, but forwarded to the Family

Court for their review and consideration.

In regards to your concern over a vehicle following you out of the complex and putting yourself and

children at risk, I am unaware of a town employee from Ellington that has or drives a Tan Chevy/GMC

extended cab type vehicle. If you have a license plate number or are able to obtain one in the future, Iwould certainly look into the reckless driving you had witnessed back on September 03,2015.

With regard to your request to renew your driver's license at the DMV in Wethersfield, it is your

discretion on how and where you decide to take care of the renewal. There are many options available

to you in regards to the renewal of your driver's license. If in fact the reason you failed to renew your

driver's license was due to your "house anest," you could have petitioned the court to do so, and I am

sure they would have made the necessary accommodations for you.

The Connecticut State Police is committed to providing excellent public service and take all

complaints against personnel seriously. As an agency, we endeavor to ensure all interactions with the

public are professional and steps are always taken to ensure this policing fundamental. This agency

weighs all feedback, both positive and negative, as a tool to utilize and to better serve the public. Ithank you for bringing this matter to my attention and affording me the opportunity to respond.

It is regretful that your interaction with our department was not to your satisfaction. However, the

review of your motor vehicle stop, taking everything into consideration, was found to be proper and

within accepted guidelines. It is my hope that any further experiences that you may have with the

Connecticut State Police are more positive. If I can be of further assistance please feel free to contact

me at Troop C.

Sincerely,

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Lieutenant Scott A. SmithCommanding OfficerTroop C - Tolland