Christopher Bartolotta was employed by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of State Police, for thirty-two years of service, retiring in April of 2022 with the rank of Captain. He continues his public service as the Deputy Chief of the Avon (MA) Police Department.
Mr. Bartolotta is a Nationally Certified Law Enforcement Instructor by IADLEST, as well as, a certified Law Enforcement Instructor by several state POST organizations, on a wide variety of subjects to include policy and procedure development and implementation, interpersonal communications, unique enforcement techniques, patrol function challenges, interview and interrogation, drug and alcohol issues, stress and crisis management, de-escalation techniques, suicide intervention, fraudulent documents, fire investigations, motor vehicle theft and fraud, report writing and documentation, criminal investigations, courtroom testimony and procedures, leadership, and instructor development, as well as, numerous other topics.
Mr. Bartolotta was the first officer in the State of Connecticut to be certified as a Drug Recognition Expert and a DRE instructor. Several state courts have recognized him as an expert in matters involving Impaired Driving Enforcement, the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus and Drug Recognition. Mr. Bartolotta has been a featured speaker and panelist at numerous national conferences on underage drinking issues, impaired driving enforcement, fraudulent document recognition, crisis/hostage negotiations and major crime investigations. He has assisted in the publication of two manuals used for law enforcement training. Mr. Bartolotta has regularly lectured at the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation’s National Leadership Conference during its tenure. He continues to consult and teach for several different local, state, and federal contractors and is the Principal Consultant for Orion Public Safety Solutions. Mr. Bartolotta instructs extensively within the civilian, corporate, and law enforcement worlds.
In addition to his vast experience in the field of law enforcement and numerous civic contributions, Mr. Bartolotta has been recognized and has received numerous awards for his accomplishments, which include a DARE Outstanding Student Leadership Award, several MADD high activity/appreciation/ education awards, a Texas Alcohol Beverage Commissioners Appreciation award, a CSP Troop “L” High DWI activity award, three Commissioner Top 20 marksmanship awards, an Outstanding Leadership award for efforts regarding Underage Drinking and CSP Department awards for Bravery, Meritorious Service, Life Saving, Outstanding Service and several Unit Citations, as well as the Sandy Hook Service Ribbon. He has been recognized by the CT Exchange Club as its “Police Officer of the Year” recipient. Mr. Bartolotta was a finalist for the MADD National President’s Award, the highest form of praise from this national organization. Lastly, he served as the head chair of the Connecticut Coalition to Stop Underage Drinking.
Mr. Bartolotta earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management from Dowling College. He is a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy, Session #281, and received a master’s certificate in Organizational Leadership and Management. He is currently in the process of completing his Master of Public Safety at the University of Virginia.