Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP)
Source: https://portal.ct.gov/despp
Archived: 2026-04-23 15:03
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP)
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Welcome to the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
DESPP plays an essential role to keep Connecticut safe. We’re on the front lines every day. We prepare for the next emergency, analyze crime-scene DNA, and patrol our highways. We improve the quality of life in Connecticut through law enforcement, public education, the latest science and technology, and state-of-the-art training.
We can help you:
Become a Connecticut State Trooper, police officer or firefighter
Get a firearm license
Schedule fingerprinting
Prepare for an emergency
Find job or internship opportunities
Learn more about DESPP
Find what you need at DESPP
Special licensing and firearms
Find the information you need to get licensed as a bail enforcer, private investigator, security guard, pawn shop broker, and more. You can also find info on pistol permits, boxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA) regulations.
Apply for special licensing and permits
News and events
Stay up to date on what’s happening at DESPP. Find events in your area, learn about department outreach, read press releases, and sign up for news alerts.
Discover DESPP news and events
Forms and resources
Find the forms you need quickly and easily. You can gain access to records, register for police and fireman training, request a speaker at an event, access law enforcement forms, and so much more.
Browse important forms and resources
Helpful tools
Get a fresh start with a clean slate
Your past mistakes shouldn’t define your future. Learn how you can have your criminal record cleared through our Clean Slate bill.
Access public records and reports
Put in a request for accident reports, criminal investigations, and other public records from the Connecticut State Police (CSP).
Schedule a fingerprinting appointment
Fingerprinting in CT is by appointment only. Schedule your fingerprinting appointment ahead of time. Find important info and book now.
Register for a pistol permit
Find application instructions and eligibility requirements for a CT pistol permit. You can also change your address, renew your permit, and more.
Learn about internship opportunities
Discover how to apply for an internship working with a division of DESPP.
Explore DESPP data
Browse important data and information from DESPP. This includes traffic enforcement statistics, crime rates, and more.
We’re here to serve and protect CT
Explore our departments and divisions
DESPP is here to help you feel secure, safe, prepared, and informed for public safety and emergencies.
Connecticut State Police
Report an incident, book fingerprint appointments, look up crime reports, locate state police troops, find recruitment information, and more.
Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Find resources, emergency preparation plans, and assistance before, during, and after a disaster. Get access to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Fire Prevention and Control
Gain access to firefighter training resources and register for the Connecticut Fire Academy. Learn about fire services and find the latest CT fire service news.
Police Officers Standards and Training Council
Learn how you can become a Connecticut State Police Officer and find job opportunities. Police departments can find training resources, accreditation information, recruitment events, and more.
Scientific Services
Submit evidence, check guidelines for cold cases, and communicate with case management. Find job and internship opportunities, learn about outreach, and check out our upcoming events.
Statewide Emergency Telecommunications
Access important information for first responders, policies and regulations for telecommunications, and public education information. Learn how you can register for telecommunicator certification training.
Explore our departments and divisions
Latest news
Apply to the DESPP Summer Internship Program
This immersive program gives college juniors, seniors, and graduate students the chance to build real-world skills and gain firsthand exposure to careers in law enforcement, emergency management, emergency telecommunications, fire investigation, and forensic science.
Read the flyer
New Leadership at State Police Office of Strategic Services
DESPP Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins has announced that Major Alessandro Giannone will be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and assume command of the Office of Strategic Services.
New Leadership at State Police Office of Strategic Services
DESPP Leadership Mourns Passing of Dr. Henry Lee
DESPP Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins, Connecticut State Police Col. Daniel Loughman, and Dr. Guy Vallaro, who oversees the Connecticut State Forensic Lab, are remembering Dr. Henry Lee as a pioneering leader in forensic science.
See attached press release
Press releases
Want to know what’s going on at the DESPP? Browse our latest press releases. For inquiries,
contact the DESPP Communications Office
.
03/27/2026 - DESPP Leadership Mourns Passing of Dr. Henry Lee
03/20/2026 - New Mobile Forensic Lab Brings Advanced Technology To Local Police Departments
03/16/2026 - DESPP Urges Connecticut Residents to Report Suspicious Activity Amid Heightened Global Tensions
02/20/2026 - Public Meeting in Avon to Discuss Violent Online Extremism and Threats to Children
01/05/2026 - Serious and Violent Crime Continues to Drop Across Connecticut, But Fraud Offenses are a Concern
12/16/2025 - State Troopers to Provide Additional Security at Hanukkah Celebrations
12/11/2025 - FEMA Grant Supports Purchase of Essential Equipment at Connecticut Fire Academy
12/4/2025 - Fire Academy Graduation Includes Military Veterans Who Found New Careers in CT as First Responders
12/2/2025 - Deputy DESPP Commissioner Brenda Bergeron Retiring from the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security After 37 Years of State Service
10/28/2025 - New Study Provides Roadmap for Future of Fire and Ems in Connecticut
10/09/2025 - CT Emergency Management Program Earns Accreditation
10/07/2025 - New Connecticut Crime Data Reports Show Positive Trends
9/18/2025 - Notice of Special Meeting regarding Clean Slate
9/17/2025 - Public Meetings to Discuss Hate Crimes in Connecticut Resume This Week in New London and Stamford
9/17/2025 - Future Officers to Graduate from Connecticut Police Academy on Wednesday
9/11/2025 - Memorial Service at Connecticut Fire Academy
8/29/2025 - DESPP Prioritizes Work with Districts to Improve Security
8/18/2025 - Fatal Collisions Decrease on Connecticut Highways
8/8/2025 - As hurricane season picks up, now is the time to sign up for CT Alert
07/28/2025 - DESPP Mourns Passing of Public Safety Leader James M. 'Skip' Thomas
07/22/2025 - Public Meetings About Hate Crimes Continue in Norwich This Wednesday
07/18/2025 - New Online Dashboard Provides Detailed Public Information About Traffic Stops
07/17/2025 - Governor Lamont Urges Connecticut Residents to Take Steps to Prepare for Weather Emergencies
07/16/2025 - Public Meetings About Hate Crimes Continue in Danbury This Thursday
06/23/2025 - Hundreds of Volunteers Join State Agencies to Assist With NASCAR at Lime Rock
06/12/2025 - Connecticut Crime Lab Earns Perfect Score
05/14/2025 - Crime In Connecticut Continues to Decline
01/01/2025 - DESPP Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins reminds residents to use CT Safe App to report suspicious activity
View all press releases
View all press releases
Meet Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins
Dedicated to the people of CT
DESPP Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins is dedicated to serving and protecting the people of Connecticut. By leading an agency of public servants, they work together to provide public safety services, training, education, and advanced technology for the safety of Connecticut citizens. In his role, Commissioner Higgins ensures every voice is heard both in his agency and in the community.
Learn more about DESPP Commissioner Higgins
Additional resources
Resources
Contact us
Sign up for news alerts
State of Connecticut internship programs
State jobs and employment
DESPP Divisions
Connecticut State Police
Emergency Managements and Homeland Security
Fire Prevention and Control
Police Officers Standards and Training Council
Scientific Services
Statewide Emergency Telecommunications
Commissioner’s corner
College students complete first DESPP internship program
Fire Academy grads talk about firefighting
Law enforcement recruitment fair
West Haven High School criminal justice cohort
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457
Skip to Content
Skip to Chat
You are about to Logout
Are you sure you want to log out of your account? If you do want to logout, please click Logout.
Logout
Welcome to the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
DESPP plays an essential role to keep Connecticut safe. We’re on the front lines every day. We prepare for the next emergency, analyze crime-scene DNA, and patrol our highways. We improve the quality of life in Connecticut through law enforcement, public education, the latest science and technology, and state-of-the-art training.
We can help you:
Become a Connecticut State Trooper, police officer or firefighter
Get a firearm license
Schedule fingerprinting
Prepare for an emergency
Find job or internship opportunities
Learn more about DESPP
Find what you need at DESPP
Special licensing and firearms
Find the information you need to get licensed as a bail enforcer, private investigator, security guard, pawn shop broker, and more. You can also find info on pistol permits, boxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA) regulations.
Apply for special licensing and permits
News and events
Stay up to date on what’s happening at DESPP. Find events in your area, learn about department outreach, read press releases, and sign up for news alerts.
Discover DESPP news and events
Forms and resources
Find the forms you need quickly and easily. You can gain access to records, register for police and fireman training, request a speaker at an event, access law enforcement forms, and so much more.
Browse important forms and resources
Helpful tools
Get a fresh start with a clean slate
Your past mistakes shouldn’t define your future. Learn how you can have your criminal record cleared through our Clean Slate bill.
Access public records and reports
Put in a request for accident reports, criminal investigations, and other public records from the Connecticut State Police (CSP).
Schedule a fingerprinting appointment
Fingerprinting in CT is by appointment only. Schedule your fingerprinting appointment ahead of time. Find important info and book now.
Register for a pistol permit
Find application instructions and eligibility requirements for a CT pistol permit. You can also change your address, renew your permit, and more.
Learn about internship opportunities
Discover how to apply for an internship working with a division of DESPP.
Explore DESPP data
Browse important data and information from DESPP. This includes traffic enforcement statistics, crime rates, and more.
We’re here to serve and protect CT
Explore our departments and divisions
DESPP is here to help you feel secure, safe, prepared, and informed for public safety and emergencies.
Connecticut State Police
Report an incident, book fingerprint appointments, look up crime reports, locate state police troops, find recruitment information, and more.
Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Find resources, emergency preparation plans, and assistance before, during, and after a disaster. Get access to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Fire Prevention and Control
Gain access to firefighter training resources and register for the Connecticut Fire Academy. Learn about fire services and find the latest CT fire service news.
Police Officers Standards and Training Council
Learn how you can become a Connecticut State Police Officer and find job opportunities. Police departments can find training resources, accreditation information, recruitment events, and more.
Scientific Services
Submit evidence, check guidelines for cold cases, and communicate with case management. Find job and internship opportunities, learn about outreach, and check out our upcoming events.
Statewide Emergency Telecommunications
Access important information for first responders, policies and regulations for telecommunications, and public education information. Learn how you can register for telecommunicator certification training.
Explore our departments and divisions
Latest news
Apply to the DESPP Summer Internship Program
This immersive program gives college juniors, seniors, and graduate students the chance to build real-world skills and gain firsthand exposure to careers in law enforcement, emergency management, emergency telecommunications, fire investigation, and forensic science.
Read the flyer
New Leadership at State Police Office of Strategic Services
DESPP Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins has announced that Major Alessandro Giannone will be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and assume command of the Office of Strategic Services.
New Leadership at State Police Office of Strategic Services
DESPP Leadership Mourns Passing of Dr. Henry Lee
DESPP Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins, Connecticut State Police Col. Daniel Loughman, and Dr. Guy Vallaro, who oversees the Connecticut State Forensic Lab, are remembering Dr. Henry Lee as a pioneering leader in forensic science.
See attached press release
Press releases
Want to know what’s going on at the DESPP? Browse our latest press releases. For inquiries,
contact the DESPP Communications Office
.
03/27/2026 - DESPP Leadership Mourns Passing of Dr. Henry Lee
03/20/2026 - New Mobile Forensic Lab Brings Advanced Technology To Local Police Departments
03/16/2026 - DESPP Urges Connecticut Residents to Report Suspicious Activity Amid Heightened Global Tensions
02/20/2026 - Public Meeting in Avon to Discuss Violent Online Extremism and Threats to Children
01/05/2026 - Serious and Violent Crime Continues to Drop Across Connecticut, But Fraud Offenses are a Concern
12/16/2025 - State Troopers to Provide Additional Security at Hanukkah Celebrations
12/11/2025 - FEMA Grant Supports Purchase of Essential Equipment at Connecticut Fire Academy
12/4/2025 - Fire Academy Graduation Includes Military Veterans Who Found New Careers in CT as First Responders
12/2/2025 - Deputy DESPP Commissioner Brenda Bergeron Retiring from the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security After 37 Years of State Service
10/28/2025 - New Study Provides Roadmap for Future of Fire and Ems in Connecticut
10/09/2025 - CT Emergency Management Program Earns Accreditation
10/07/2025 - New Connecticut Crime Data Reports Show Positive Trends
9/18/2025 - Notice of Special Meeting regarding Clean Slate
9/17/2025 - Public Meetings to Discuss Hate Crimes in Connecticut Resume This Week in New London and Stamford
9/17/2025 - Future Officers to Graduate from Connecticut Police Academy on Wednesday
9/11/2025 - Memorial Service at Connecticut Fire Academy
8/29/2025 - DESPP Prioritizes Work with Districts to Improve Security
8/18/2025 - Fatal Collisions Decrease on Connecticut Highways
8/8/2025 - As hurricane season picks up, now is the time to sign up for CT Alert
07/28/2025 - DESPP Mourns Passing of Public Safety Leader James M. 'Skip' Thomas
07/22/2025 - Public Meetings About Hate Crimes Continue in Norwich This Wednesday
07/18/2025 - New Online Dashboard Provides Detailed Public Information About Traffic Stops
07/17/2025 - Governor Lamont Urges Connecticut Residents to Take Steps to Prepare for Weather Emergencies
07/16/2025 - Public Meetings About Hate Crimes Continue in Danbury This Thursday
06/23/2025 - Hundreds of Volunteers Join State Agencies to Assist With NASCAR at Lime Rock
06/12/2025 - Connecticut Crime Lab Earns Perfect Score
05/14/2025 - Crime In Connecticut Continues to Decline
01/01/2025 - DESPP Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins reminds residents to use CT Safe App to report suspicious activity
View all press releases
View all press releases
Meet Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins
Dedicated to the people of CT
DESPP Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins is dedicated to serving and protecting the people of Connecticut. By leading an agency of public servants, they work together to provide public safety services, training, education, and advanced technology for the safety of Connecticut citizens. In his role, Commissioner Higgins ensures every voice is heard both in his agency and in the community.
Learn more about DESPP Commissioner Higgins
Additional resources
Resources
Contact us
Sign up for news alerts
State of Connecticut internship programs
State jobs and employment
DESPP Divisions
Connecticut State Police
Emergency Managements and Homeland Security
Fire Prevention and Control
Police Officers Standards and Training Council
Scientific Services
Statewide Emergency Telecommunications
Commissioner’s corner
College students complete first DESPP internship program
Fire Academy grads talk about firefighting
Law enforcement recruitment fair
West Haven High School criminal justice cohort
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457