The Connecticut State Police Union (CSPU) has filed a complaint with the Connecticut State Board of Labor Relations over the implementation of several new pieces of technology, which they argue creates a change of working conditions.
As part of a $120 million contract with Axon Enterprise that upgrades CSP equipment over the next 10 years, troopers are receiving new body-worn cameras that use artificial intelligence to automatically detect and translate the language a person is speaking, as well as upgraded tasers that can target specific parts of a persons body, mobile video recorder cameras that utilize license plate reader technology, drones. It also includes access to Axon’s Fusus, a real-time crime center interface that integrates data from different sources, like automated license plate readers, drones, gunshot detectors, and security cameras.
CSPU believes implementation of the new technology, as well as an updated global positioning system (GPS) in state police cruisers that are part of the contract with Axon, creates a change in working conditions and requires bargaining under the terms of the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in place for state troopers.
In January 2024, CSPU executive director Andrew Mathews sent a letter to Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) Commissioner Ronnell Higgins and CSP Colonel Daniel Loughman notifying them that CSPU believed changes to DESPP’s Administration and Operations Manual (A&O) policy on GPS that had been discussed were “mandatory subjects of bargaining” that constituted a change in working conditions.
“As a result, we are requesting to bargain over the impact these policy changes would have on membership. As you know, to augment the uniformed patrol staffing in the field, our Troopers are authorized to take their assigned cruisers home and we are significantly concerned about the safety of our Troopers and their families.” the letter stated.
According to a separate letter sent by Matthews to Higgins and Loughlin on February 24, 2026, DESPP leadership and the union met about the matter in February 2024, but DESPP did not offer any proposed policy changes or bargain with CSPU.
“Furthermore, last week we were informed that the agency has currently equipped approximately ten (10) patrol vehicles with the new Axon system but has not formally assigned these vehicles in the field. As a result, the Union is seeking to bargain prior to implementation of the new equipment and responsibilities.” the February 2026 letter states.
In the same letter, CSPU raised concerns with a YouTube video titled “Axon Introduction,” which they said stated, “In order to do the job, you should expect to have the tools that work just as hard as you do each and every day” and mentioned deploying various Axon technologies included in the contract.
The union stated they were concerned “some of these new responsibilities constitute a change in working conditions” and asked to bargain over the changes.
“In closing, the State Police Union leadership believes some of the new equipment constitutes a change in the bargaining unit’s working conditions, which requires impact negotiations with the Union. We are specifically concerned about the effect on a member’s safety, privacy and concerted activity protected by the State Employees Relations Act.” the letter concluded. It also asked that the CSP return to using previous equipment until bargaining was complete.
But according to the complaint CSPU filed with the state labor relations board on April 1, while DESPP again acknowledged the bargain demand letter, it has continued to deploy new equipment and not met with the union.
Loughman wrote back to CSPU on March 9 and stated that DESPP believed the issues CSPU’s letter addressed were “critical and appropriately addressed as part of those ongoing negotiations.” Loughman accepted the demand to bargain and discuss the issue with the union.
But according to the complaint, DESPP never met with the union. “As of the filing of this complaint, the Employer continues to issue the new equipment and has not met with the Union to discuss our safety concerns.” the complaint states.
CSPU is asking that CSP bargain in good faith, return to using the previous equipment, and that the costs associated with the complaint be covered.
Reached for comment by Inside Investigator, CSP acknowledged that CSPU had filed a complaint but declined to comment further because it is a pending matter. CSPU did not return a request for comment.
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