Buturla, John J.

AMERICAN
TERRORISM AND SECURITY EXPERT

Over the course of his career, John J. Buturla turned his interest in and experience with forensic science and law enforcement into one of the highest ranking roles in state security, as Director of Homeland Security for the state of Connecticut. Under his leadership, the state took part in one of the largest terrorism drills ever attempted.

Buturla pursued a career in law enforcement by becoming a police officer in the town of Trumbull, Connecticut, in 1979. During that time, he also attended Sacred Heart University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. In 1982 Buturla joined the Connecticut State Police. While working on the state level, he rose to the rank of Major and held numerous posts, including Chief of Staff for the State Police and Commanding Officer of Major Crime. He also returned to school, and in 1988 he earned a master's degree in forensic science from the University of New Haven.

In 1999, Buturla graduated from the FBI National Academy Program in Quantico, Virgina. Two years later, he moved into the position of Deputy Director of Homeland Security for the state of Connecticut. In this role he worked directly with the Federal Department of Homeland Security, developing a unified security plan for the state. In 2004, he took over the role of Director. That same year, Buturla led Connecticut in the execution of an international terrorism drill, in conjunction with the state of New Jersey and the United Kingdom. It involved a fictional terrorist organization, volunteers posing as victims at local hospitals, and federal officials tracking down leads regarding the fictional attack.

Buturla has also contributed to the literature of forensic science, as a contributing author of Forensic Aspects of Chemical and Biological Terrorism. Written for public health and safety workers, the book addresses the roles and responsibilities of these officials in the event of a terrorist attack.

In 2005 Buturla returned to the Connecticut State Police, overseeing the operations of its forensic lab. He also continued to work as an adjunct professor at the University of New Haven, instructing students in the Graduate Program in National Security.

see also September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks (forensic investigations of).