The Internal Affairs Unit of the Meriden Police Department is a special investigative arm of the department. whose primary responsibility is to investigate allegations of misconduct by our employees.  Internal Affairs investigators also conduct background checks on all candidates for employment, and any other duties as assigned by the Chief of Police.  The Internal Affairs Unit reports directly to the Chief of Police.  


There are currently two investigators assigned to the Internal Affairs Unit.

Sergeant Leonard Caponigro, a thirty-nine year veteran of the department, began his career working in the Patrol Division.  He was promoted to Detective where he specialized in arson investigations.  He was later promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was assigned to a Patrol squad.  In 1992, he was assigned to the Internal Affairs Unit. by Chief Robert E. Kosienski (Retired).

Sergeant Glenn Milslagle, a sixteen year veteran of the department, began his career in the Patrol Division.  He was assigned to the Community Police Division and the Accident Investigation Unit.  He was then promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assigned to a Patrol squad.  He was assigned to the Internal Affairs Unit by Chief Jeffry Cossette.

It is the policy of the Meriden Police Department to accept and investigate all complaints of employee misconduct.  The allegation may encompass rude behavior, conduct, brutality, false arrest, violations of state statutes, civil rights violations, or any wrongdoing on the part of the employee.

Anyone who feels aggrieved by the actions, or inactions, of our employees, may file a complaint with this department.  Complaints will be taken 24-hours-a-day, by any supervising officer (Sergeant or above).  The complaint will be documented on a complaint form and forwarded to the Internal Affairs Unit.  After receiving the complaint, the Internal Affairs Unit will contact the complainant for interview purposes. 

The Internal Affairs Unit may be contacted directly at (203) 630-6339, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

A fair, objective and impartial investigation will be completed and the findings will be sent to the Chief of Police, or his designee for review.  The complainant will be notified of these findings.  If warranted, a disciplinary hearing concerning the allegation will be convened.

In many instances we find that these investigations uncover defective procedures that can be changed, greatly assisting us in our efforts to better serve the public.