DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND

PUBLIC PROTECTION

DIVISION OF STATE POLICE

Troop G - Tolland
Since 1988

November 10,2015

Mr. Edward F. Taupier

6 Douglas Drive
Cromwell, 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 determined
that Trooper First Class Jacob Bissaillon acted appropriately given the circumstances. TFC Bissaillon
conducted a lawful motor vehicle stop and issued you a ticket for Operating a Motor Vehicle without a
License. As you may disagree with the laws of this state and the right of TFC Bissaillon to stop you, I
found nothing about this stop that was unlawful.
In your complaint, you state that you were illegally stopped. It was determined that Trooper First
Class Jacob Bissaillon had probable cause to pull your vehicle over as your Connecticut Driver's
License 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 a
complaint of a court order not being followed. It was atthat time, TFC Bissaillon learned that your
license was expired. Therefore, you were pulled over and issued a ticket for Operating a Motor
Vehicle without a License, a violation of Connecticut General Statute A-36(a). It was during this
motor 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 of
enforcing and advising you of the conditions of that court order. I can assure you that there was no
willful or intentional civil rights violation.
You are correct in stating that this motor vehicle stop was captured on video. Upon review, it was
determined that as TFC Bissaillon returned to your vehicle, he in fact explained to you the reason for
the stop as he issued you your infraction. He also explained that you couldn't operate a motor vehicle
while your driver's license was expired, and that your front seat passenger would need to drive your
vehicle. TFC Bissaillon further explained, that he was uncomfortable making an in custody arrest and
was giving you the benefit of the doubt. He explained where to park when either you and/or your third
party drop off your children, as to avoid any conflicts in the future. TFC Bissaillon asked you if this
seemed 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 TFC
Bissaillon's interaction with you, he acted professionally and at no time threatened you with arrest.
1320 Tolland Stage Road
Tolland, Connecticut 06084
TELEPHONE: (860) 896-3200

FAX: (860) 896-3274

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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, I
would 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. I
thank 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,

{/"-*.-^*rt}x\
Lieutenant Scott A. Smith
Commanding Officer
Troop C - Tolland

_"