I read the Register's account of the legislature's plans for a special session in January to vote on proposed reforms in the state's criminal justice system. As a counselor supervisor in the Department of Correction's Cheshire institution, I was pleased that the need for improved communications among the state’s public safety agencies would be addressed.

My union co-workers believe what corrections professionals need are the resources to connect the dots. Our lawmakers must make reliable 21st century communications a priority for those working in the criminal justice system to deliver effective public safety services.

There is plenty of evidence for making improved communications a priority. Lawmakers need look no further than the recent scandal involving MAXIMUS, the information technology services consultant that has wasted $6 million and failed to upgrade the database used daily by Connecticut law enforcement professionals.

Members in our union exposed the scandal last spring, and testified at legislative hearings in August. We raised an important question then that has still not been answered: Why would public officials entrust critical services that affect first responders to unaccountable, profit-motivated consultants?

Whatever the answer, we believe one of the solutions to safer communities is to enable our criminal justice and public safety professionals to effectively communicate with each other. We are often forced to rely on an antiquated system of faxing, mailing and even hand-delivering vital information about suspects and criminals, jeopardizing the safety of the communities we serve.

Elizabeth Senecal
Cheshire