Joseph Romano
West Haven,CT
Summary
Accomplished and results-driven Police Captain with over 24 years of progressive law enforcement experience and a proven record of organizational leadership, policy development, and community-focused policing. Spearheaded the creation of this agency's Body-Worn Camera Program, enhancing transparency, accountability, and public trust. Founded and managed the Professional Standards Division, establishing clear protocols for internal investigations, policy compliance, and officer development. Committed to integrity, innovation, and excellence in public service while ensuring the safety and well-being of both citizens and personnel. A proud Army Veteran who served Active Duty as a Sergeant with a year's deployment overseas.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Police Captain
City of West Haven
11.2021 - Current
- Supervise daily operations of the Patrol Division to ensure adherence to policies and procedures. Currently supervise all 5 Lieutenants, 11 Sergeants, 45 officers and 5 animal control officers. The Traffic Division and Animal Shelter also under fall under my span of control.
- Supervise Internal Affairs Investigations.
- Written and developed numerous policy and procedures including published general orders.
- Resolve civilian complaints and recommend discipline if necessary.
- Developed and implemented community engagement initiatives to enhance public trust and cooperation. Coffee with a Cop events held with the West Haven Housing Authority and the Senior Center..
- Collaborated with local agencies to coordinate crime prevention strategies and emergency response efforts.
- Coordinate activities with other City Departments, other agencies, and organizations.
- Review reports regarding department operations
- Review all Police involved Motor Vehicle pursuits to ensure proper procedures followed
Police Lieutenant
City of West Haven
03.2018 - 11.2021
- Supervised daily operations of patrol units to ensure compliance with departmental protocols.
- Review and approve arrest warrants
- Staffing and hiring officers for overtime patrol duties and construction work
- Supervise investigations of active burglaries, shootings, homicide, and suicide.
- Approve employee performance evaluations
- Counsel and discipline problem employees
- Retrain officers if deficiencies are observed
- Report critical incidents to the Captain of Patrol by utilizing chain of command
Patrol Sergeant
City of West Haven
02.2013 - 03.2018
- Supervised patrol operations to ensure public safety and community engagement.
- Selected to serve as an Investigator in the Detective Bureau
- Completed case management and paperwork review
- was responsible for all shift related issues, including equipment and training
- Conducted quarterly inspections of officers
- Provided Roll Call and information sharing
Sergeant
United States Army
09.1998 - 02.2002
- M1 Abrams Tank Gunner
- Deployed to the DMZ of Korea for 1 year
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Education
Associate of Arts -
Charter Oak State College
New Britain, CTSkills
- Strategic Leader
- Decision Maker
- Internal affairs specialist
- Certified Accreditation Manager
- Power DMS trained
- Policy Development
- Crisis Management
- Grant writing
- Technology Proficiency (BWC/ Speed Cameras)
- Public Communication
- Public Relations
- Transparency and Accountability with the public
Accomplishments
- Led and directed the implementation of the Body-Worn Camera Program
- Successfully achieved all 3 Tiers of State Accreditation through the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council.
- Selected #1 Overall in Army Promotional Exam and chosen to meet the President of the United States
- Police Department Event Commander for the 2025 Firework Celebration
- Police Department Event Commander for the West Haven Savin Rock Fest (2024 & 2025)
- Wrote, developed, and implemented City Ordinance policy and procedures in conjunction with Corporation Counsel and presented to City Council
- VFW Lifesaving Award (Received after helping a family out of the flooded roadway located at Washington and Wood Street)
- Wrote, applied for, and secured a State Grant for approximately $250,000 to further promote our technological advancement of BWC equipment
- Selected as the Police Department Liaison to the ERS Commission Board.
- Active member of the Citywide School Safety and Security Taskforce.
- Active member of the Community Risk Reduction Taskforce
Certification
- FBI Command College
- Internal Affairs Certified
- FBI Leeda Courses
- PLDC Military Leadership Course
- CIT Crisis Intervention training
- FTO Field training officer training
- Accreditation Manager Certified
- Power DMS trained
Timeline
Police Captain
City of West Haven
11.2021 - Current
Police Lieutenant
City of West Haven
03.2018 - 11.2021
Patrol Sergeant
City of West Haven
02.2013 - 03.2018
Sergeant
United States Army
09.1998 - 02.2002
Associate of Arts -
Charter Oak State College