MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - There are some changes within Connecticut State Police patrols.
As of March 1, 2025, Auxiliary Troopers have been taken off of their patrol functions. However, State Police say those interested have been reassigned to an administrative function within the Agency.
The Auxiliary Trooper program in Connecticut dates back to World War II. In 1941, then-Commissioner Edward Hickey called for a volunteer force to protect the state’s shoreline and military establishment. After the war, they were assigned to the state police barracks to assist the troopers.
They were tasked with most of the functions of being a regular Trooper, including carrying a gun and wearing a badge. But, they weren't tasked with handling major investigations or writing speed tickets. They operated as support to regular troopers. Another major different: they earned benefits but not paychecks.
At one time, over 1,200 Auxiliary Troopers were part of the program but that number dwindled down to a few dozen in recent years.
Changes in training standards for State Police resulted in the program ending in 1988. Auxiliaries working at that time were grandfathered to continue in the program until the change at the beginning of this month.