Derby Police
Commissioners
![](DerbyPoliceCommissioners.jpg)
Derby police
commissioners being sworn in by former State Representative Vincent
Tonucci. Left to right: Thomas E. DeGennaro, Denise A. Bottone, John
Mastrianni, Sr.
It’s been nearly two months since Derby residents, Thomas E. DeGennaro,
John Mastrianni, Sr., and Denise A. Bottone, were sworn in to office as
Derby’s new police
commissioners. Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto appointed the commissioners
in accordance with Derby’s city charter.
Dugatto stated: “The focus of our Board of Police Commissioners, in
partnership with Derby’s outstanding police force, is to protect our
neighborhoods and those that live, work, and play in them. We should
strive to create a climate of mutual trust and respect for our laws, and
for our officers, who are dedicated to enforcing them.”
During the swearing-in ceremony on January 6, 2014, Dugatto indicated
that each commissioner is uniquely qualified for the job. “Our new
commissioners are committed to partnering with Derby’s police force to
protect our neighborhoods. Their combined experience will allow them to
represent the interests of our city, its citizens, and our police force
from many points of view. I am confident they will make decisions with
fairness, openness, and a consideration for those they serve.”
Commissioner Thomas E. DeGennaro, who currently serves as Chairman of
the Board of Police Commissioners, was born and raised in Derby,
dedicating his career to law enforcement. DeGennaro joined the Derby
Police Department in 1976 and held numerous supervisory positions. After
12 years of police service, he was appointed to the Division of Criminal
Justice for the State of Connecticut, Office of the Chief State’s
Attorney. During his 16 years at the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, he
held the rank of Supervisory Inspector and supervised five specialized
investigative units. DeGennaro participated in and directed numerous
high profile investigations on organized crime, political corruption,
public integrity, white-collar crime, and grand juries. Upon his
retirement, DeGennaro was honored by the State of Connecticut for his
dedication and efforts to raise the standards of excellence in the
Division of Criminal Justice and for his service to the citizens of the
State of Connecticut.
Commissioner John Mastrianni, Sr. is also a lifelong resident of Derby
and is currently an adjunct instructor of computer science, project and
operations management, and engineering economics at the University of
New Haven (UNH). He earned a master’s degree in business administration
(MBA) from UNH and has worked as a science teacher, production planner,
systems analyst, and IT manager in several Connecticut corporations over
a 45-year career. Mastrianni said, “I emphasize software applications in
criminal justice in the computer science course I teach. I also have
experience in cost-benefit analysis, project management, and conflict
resolution. “
When asked what he would like to accomplish as a police commissioner,
Mastrianni responded, “I am interested in improving communications
between the community and the Derby Police Department, as well as
coordinating new community programs to facilitate cooperation, crime
reduction, and community pride in Derby. I am also looking forward to
assisting the Chief of Police in evaluating the effectiveness of our
efforts to reduce crime and victimization.”
Commissioner Denise Bottone has experience in local government, having
previously been elected to serve on Derby’s Board of Education. Bottone
grew up in Agawam, Massachusetts; she moved to Derby in 1995. A working
mother, Bottone understands the needs and concerns of today’s modern
family. “I am a fair person with an open mind and will do my best to
make decisions in the best interest of the city,” says Bottone.
The Derby Police Commission is a civilian oversight board for the Derby
Police Department. The Commission meets on the second Monday of each
month at 6:00pm, unless otherwise noted. Meetings are held at Derby City
Hall, Joan Williamson Aldermanic Chambers, 1 Elizabeth Street, Derby.
Story posted on February26, 2014
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