About Us New Canaan Police Department

The New Canaan Police Department became a Nationally Accredited Law Enforcement Agency in 1992 and is one of fourteen Connecticut departments recognized by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement agencies.  Located at 174 South Avenue; the New Canaan Police Department has expanded and adapted to meet the ever-growing challenges of modern law enforcement.

The Town of New Canaan was incorporated in 1801.  Since its inception over a hundred years ago, the New Canaan Police Department diligently serves the community of New Canaan through the enforcement of the law enacted by the Local, State, and Federal legislative bodies.  In May of 1889, the State Legislature granted the borough of New Canaan the power to provide police protection to its residents. Prior to this decree, police protection consisted of a night watchman and one or two elected constables.  The present day police force was established in November of 1889 with the first Chief of Police of the modern-day police department being named in 1892.  From the basement of Town Hall to its current location, from a night watchman to a 45-member police force, the New Canaan Police Department has evolved to become a nationally recognized organization.

The primary mission of the New Canaan Police Department and its Officers is the protection of all persons and properties within its jurisdiction. This mission must be accomplished through the upholding of laws constitutionally enacted by local, state, and Federal legislative bodies.  Our agency serves the community of New Canaan by performing the law enforcement function in a professional manner.