In 1929, the Town of Branford established the Board of Police Commissioners, consisting of six community members appointed by the Board of Selectman, in order to organize the town's police department.

By Town Charter, the commission continues to operate on behalf of the community as the police department's oversight board. This dedicated volunteer group meets regularly to undertake its duties described by the charter as well as working with police administrative leadership including current Branford Police Chief Jon Mulhern and Deputy Chief John Alves.

Current appointed members of Branford's Board of Police Commissioners are Patty Austin (traffic committee chair), Richard Goodwin (commission vice-chair and budget committee chair), Jill Marcus (commission chair), Janice Heggie Margolis, John Sousoulas and Valerie Wiel-Wilkins.

Regular monthly meetings are held at Branford police headquarters, 33 Laurel Street. The next meeting is set for Monday, May 9 at 5:30 p.m. Citizens may attend; visit www.branford-ct.gov and search Board of Police Commissioners to find meeting dates, meeting minutes and available agendas.