From the Chief’s Desk:
Over the past week numerous individuals have resorted to gun violence to resolve their differences and/or conflicts, two such incidents resulting in homicides. This senseless gun violence must stop.
Let me make it clear to those who perpetrate these crimes, that the Hartford Police Department and members of our community have a zero tolerance for this violence and that, working together, we will hold these individuals accountable for their actions.
Please know that the Hartford Police Department will work harder to get more guns off the street and out of the hands of our young people. Year to date we have seized 191 firearms and made 103 firearm related arrests. We will work with families to make kids understand that using a gun is not the way to resolve differences. And, we have and will continue to enforce zero tolerance for any and all crime, especially crimes involving gun violence.
As the 2008 Safe City Initiative is in full swing you will see a strong police presence. You will see the HPD address crime aggressively and in the most professional way – everyday.
As your police chief I take my responsibility very personally and I am passionate about our City and my service to our citizens. I believe in the people of Hartford. As we come together as a community I have no doubt we can and will meet the challenges before us and ultimately make our city stronger – as strong as its people.
Your Chief, Daryl K. Roberts
Friday, June 27, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Communication and Community Partnerships
Last week “Southender” remarked on the seventeen programs which make up our 2008 Safe City Initiative (see previous Blog for listing) - specifically “who will drive this and where is the funding to support it?”
The Safe City Initiative is a cross-departmental, total team approach to crime reduction, safer communities, and enhanced quality of life, that includes not only the Police Department, but also Licenses and Inspections, Housing, Development, Public Works, and Fire. So, funding comes from every department’s involvement. It is the responsibility of the entire team to drive the initiative, but certainly the police department is, for the most part, taking the lead.
In that regard over the next few weeks I will focus my weekly Blog posting on the components of the 2008 Safe City Initiative.
Enhanced Communication & Community Partnerships:
The Community Contact Partnership Program, begun June 1st, is the responsibility of all sworn personnel from the rank of Captain down to develop two community contacts a month within their area of responsibility for a total of fourteen by the end of December 2008. The purpose of these contacts is to improve the police department’s relationships within the neighborhoods and increase information exchange. The community contact program is administered by both the Community Services Bureau and the Detective Bureau. Officers of all ranks are taking part in the program and will be held accountable to their direct supervisors..
The community contact program is build upon the foundation of open, honest communication. Community contacts will be made by police with the residents and business owners with an understanding of a collaborative partnership. The community contact should be receptive to inquiries from their department partners relating to issues taking place in their neighborhoods. These issues are not only limited to violent crime, but also quality of life issues that negatively impact the area. In return, department partners will be expected to offer assistance and support to the community through timely attention to their problems.
The Crime Solvers Tip Lines Program. The HPD supports three tip-lines for you to get information to police: the Crime Solvers Tip Line: 527-TIPS (8477), located in the Major Crimes Division; the Gun Tip Line at 525-GUNS (4867) in the Intelligence Division; and the Drug Tip Line 525-DRUG (3784). These tip lines serve a dual purpose. First, they provide an opportunity to leave information anonymously and secondly, our officers will be encouraged to utilize the Crime Solvers Tips Line as well, to provide information relative to crime conditions in their areas and information they receive regarding past crimes. Use of the Crime tip line by officers is intended to further enhance the information exchange between the Community Services Bureau and the Detective Bureau.
In the fall of 2008 the Hartford Police Department, in conjunction with Hartford the Hartford Board of Education, will create an elementary school reading program that places cops in the classrooms. Each week police officers will read to students from kindergarten through fifth grade. The goal of the Cop-A-Book Program is to emphasize the importance of reading and rewarding reading successes, thereby enhancing each student’s confidence.
Enhanced Communication and Community Partnerships is the cornerstone of our 2008 Safe City Initiative, and is aimed at building trust through honest communication, impacting crime through information sharing, and building educational relationships with our youth.
Next week I will discuss in detail our enforcement strategies relating to quality of life issues and crime suppression.
Again, thank you all for your postings and please continue to share your suggestions and comments with me. I look forward to writing this Blog each week as a means of connecting directly with you so that we can learn from each other as we work together to create a safe environment in our great city.
Your Chief, Daryl K. Roberts
The Safe City Initiative is a cross-departmental, total team approach to crime reduction, safer communities, and enhanced quality of life, that includes not only the Police Department, but also Licenses and Inspections, Housing, Development, Public Works, and Fire. So, funding comes from every department’s involvement. It is the responsibility of the entire team to drive the initiative, but certainly the police department is, for the most part, taking the lead.
In that regard over the next few weeks I will focus my weekly Blog posting on the components of the 2008 Safe City Initiative.
Enhanced Communication & Community Partnerships:
The Community Contact Partnership Program, begun June 1st, is the responsibility of all sworn personnel from the rank of Captain down to develop two community contacts a month within their area of responsibility for a total of fourteen by the end of December 2008. The purpose of these contacts is to improve the police department’s relationships within the neighborhoods and increase information exchange. The community contact program is administered by both the Community Services Bureau and the Detective Bureau. Officers of all ranks are taking part in the program and will be held accountable to their direct supervisors..
The community contact program is build upon the foundation of open, honest communication. Community contacts will be made by police with the residents and business owners with an understanding of a collaborative partnership. The community contact should be receptive to inquiries from their department partners relating to issues taking place in their neighborhoods. These issues are not only limited to violent crime, but also quality of life issues that negatively impact the area. In return, department partners will be expected to offer assistance and support to the community through timely attention to their problems.
The Crime Solvers Tip Lines Program. The HPD supports three tip-lines for you to get information to police: the Crime Solvers Tip Line: 527-TIPS (8477), located in the Major Crimes Division; the Gun Tip Line at 525-GUNS (4867) in the Intelligence Division; and the Drug Tip Line 525-DRUG (3784). These tip lines serve a dual purpose. First, they provide an opportunity to leave information anonymously and secondly, our officers will be encouraged to utilize the Crime Solvers Tips Line as well, to provide information relative to crime conditions in their areas and information they receive regarding past crimes. Use of the Crime tip line by officers is intended to further enhance the information exchange between the Community Services Bureau and the Detective Bureau.
In the fall of 2008 the Hartford Police Department, in conjunction with Hartford the Hartford Board of Education, will create an elementary school reading program that places cops in the classrooms. Each week police officers will read to students from kindergarten through fifth grade. The goal of the Cop-A-Book Program is to emphasize the importance of reading and rewarding reading successes, thereby enhancing each student’s confidence.
Enhanced Communication and Community Partnerships is the cornerstone of our 2008 Safe City Initiative, and is aimed at building trust through honest communication, impacting crime through information sharing, and building educational relationships with our youth.
Next week I will discuss in detail our enforcement strategies relating to quality of life issues and crime suppression.
Again, thank you all for your postings and please continue to share your suggestions and comments with me. I look forward to writing this Blog each week as a means of connecting directly with you so that we can learn from each other as we work together to create a safe environment in our great city.
Your Chief, Daryl K. Roberts
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Update on Operation Safe City
As many of you may have already heard through your media of choice, Operation Safe City, a partnership between the Hartford Police Department and the Connecticut State Police geared to suppress violent crime in our great city, began yesterday, Monday, June 16th. As I write twelve uniform state troopers are working alongside Hartford police in a variety of capacities that will include walking beats, bicycle patrols, and other support activities. Without tipping our play book to the criminals we seek to eradicate from our streets, I can assure you that you will see a stronger police presence in your neighborhood.
This partnership with the Connecticut State Police is another component of our 2008 Safe City Initiative that I am confident will deter violent crime in our city. Please check out my previous Blogs for specific details about our 2008 Safe City Initiative. I look forward to hearing from you with your concerns, comments, and suggestions.
Your Chief of Police
Daryl K. Roberts
This partnership with the Connecticut State Police is another component of our 2008 Safe City Initiative that I am confident will deter violent crime in our city. Please check out my previous Blogs for specific details about our 2008 Safe City Initiative. I look forward to hearing from you with your concerns, comments, and suggestions.
Your Chief of Police
Daryl K. Roberts
Friday, June 13, 2008
2008 Safe City Initiative
As you may recall, on May 15, 2008, in a joint press conference with Mayor Eddie A. Perez, we launched our 2008 Safe City Initiative. Developed as a city wide effort by the HPD, the guiding principles of our 2008 Safe City Initiative are built upon service, relationships and safety. Its objectives, through a strong police presence, are two fold: to suppress violent crime, thereby limiting opportunities of those who would commit crime; and to enhance quality of life enforcement - aimed at creating a safe environment on our streets and in our neighborhoods.
It is my firm belief that to accomplish the goals of crime reduction, a safer community, and enhanced quality of life, we must effectively partner with community stakeholders, local, state, and federal agencies, and all members of the community we serve. Also, a change in the mindset of our officers that envisions everyone as information gatherers, as well as “quality of life specialists” must be embraced. Each officer must continue to strive for excellence under the neighborhood policing plan, thereby developing a true sense of ownership within the neighborhoods. Crime reduction, safer communities, and enhanced quality of life enforcement will be the product of this comprehensive approach to policing.
The following are the seventeen programs and strategies which make up the 2008 Safe City Initiative that I believe will provide a strong framework for the reduction of violent crime, enhancement of the community, and employee recognition for exemplary work:
1. Community contact partnership program
2. Crime solvers tip line program
3. Cop-a-book program (fall 2008)
4. Increased collaboration with federal and state agencies
5. Quality of life enforcement
6. Utilization of the Compstat process
7. Mid-squad city-wide conditions teams
8. Relentless warrant service and de-briefing by uniform personnel
9. Deployment of resources in hotspot areas
10. Project safe neighborhoods (PSN) program
11. High visibility traffic enforcement
12. Knock and talk details
13. Home visits for gang members and recently released parolees
14. Motor vehicle traffic checkpoints
15. Field intelligence retrieval and management system (firm)
16. Community service officer, school resource officer and neighborhood district conditions team meetings
17. Employee recognition program: Firearm Arrest & Felony Intelligence Recognition Program.
On June 9th, my command staff and I met with Connecticut State Police Colonel Thomas Davoren and members of his staff, at Hartford Police Headquarters, to discuss the role of the Connecticut State Police in the city’s 2008 Safe City Initiative. Without providing intimate details, suffice to say the HPD and Connecticut State Police will be collaborating on a comprehensive plan that will be incorporated into the 2008 Safe City Initiative.
Please know that as soon as details of our collaboration with the Connecticut State Police, and other state and federal agencies, are complete, I will be sure to share them with you.
In the meantime, I look forward to you sharing your thoughts and ideas with me and the men and women of the Hartford Police Department.
Daryl K. RobertsChief of Police
It is my firm belief that to accomplish the goals of crime reduction, a safer community, and enhanced quality of life, we must effectively partner with community stakeholders, local, state, and federal agencies, and all members of the community we serve. Also, a change in the mindset of our officers that envisions everyone as information gatherers, as well as “quality of life specialists” must be embraced. Each officer must continue to strive for excellence under the neighborhood policing plan, thereby developing a true sense of ownership within the neighborhoods. Crime reduction, safer communities, and enhanced quality of life enforcement will be the product of this comprehensive approach to policing.
The following are the seventeen programs and strategies which make up the 2008 Safe City Initiative that I believe will provide a strong framework for the reduction of violent crime, enhancement of the community, and employee recognition for exemplary work:
1. Community contact partnership program
2. Crime solvers tip line program
3. Cop-a-book program (fall 2008)
4. Increased collaboration with federal and state agencies
5. Quality of life enforcement
6. Utilization of the Compstat process
7. Mid-squad city-wide conditions teams
8. Relentless warrant service and de-briefing by uniform personnel
9. Deployment of resources in hotspot areas
10. Project safe neighborhoods (PSN) program
11. High visibility traffic enforcement
12. Knock and talk details
13. Home visits for gang members and recently released parolees
14. Motor vehicle traffic checkpoints
15. Field intelligence retrieval and management system (firm)
16. Community service officer, school resource officer and neighborhood district conditions team meetings
17. Employee recognition program: Firearm Arrest & Felony Intelligence Recognition Program.
On June 9th, my command staff and I met with Connecticut State Police Colonel Thomas Davoren and members of his staff, at Hartford Police Headquarters, to discuss the role of the Connecticut State Police in the city’s 2008 Safe City Initiative. Without providing intimate details, suffice to say the HPD and Connecticut State Police will be collaborating on a comprehensive plan that will be incorporated into the 2008 Safe City Initiative.
Please know that as soon as details of our collaboration with the Connecticut State Police, and other state and federal agencies, are complete, I will be sure to share them with you.
In the meantime, I look forward to you sharing your thoughts and ideas with me and the men and women of the Hartford Police Department.
Daryl K. RobertsChief of Police
Friday, June 6, 2008
A Message to the Community
To begin with I would like to take this opportunity to again convey my thanks and appreciation to those citizens who have and continue to come forward to assist police investigating crime in our city. There are many. In fact 911 calls were received from concerned individuals at the time of the hit and run accident seriously injuring Mr. Angel Torres. They reported what they had witnessed and requested aid for Mr. Torres. The video footage of the hit and run of Mr. Angel Torres, which could well lead to the solving of this crime, came from surveillance cameras purchased by the Spanish American Merchant Association in partnership with the city and police department.
People are coming forward, however, we need more help to identify and apprehend these perpetrators. I ask that anyone who may have information on the identify and/or whereabouts of the individuals and the vehicles responsible for the hit and run of Mr. Angel Torres, 78, of Hartford, to contact Crime Scene Division Commander Sergeant Jason Thody at 860-757-4225. Anyone with information about the assault of Mr. Nicholas R. Carbone, 72, of Hartford, or the recent homicides at 31 Acton Street and 756 Garden Street, to please contact HPD Major Crimes Supervising Sergeants Rob Davis or Edward Yergeau at 860-757-4256 or 4257. If you wish anonymity you may leave confidential tips on the HPD’s Crime Solvers Tipline 860-527-TIPS. I cannot emphasize enough how important your help is in solving these crimes. What you may think to be an insignificant bit of information may in fact be of enormous value to the investigations.
It is my hope these recent events, spurring widespread public dialogue surrounding civic mindedness and one’s responsibility to our society as a whole, will generate positive actions throughout our community. You can be assured that as your Chief of Police I am dedicated to service, relationships, and safety – to serving the public to the best of my ability, establishing strong, positive relationships between law enforcement and the community, and creating a safe environment for us all.
Our community outreach efforts, whether through the media, the utilization of social networking such as this Blog and HPD E-News, through the HPD’s Neighborhood Policing Plan, or working one on one with the many caring individuals who assist the police every day in solving crime in our city, have proven the value of police/community partnerships. Make no mistake that we intend to continue our outreach in every way possible as we work together to rid our community of unnecessary violence. You can be assured that we at the Hartford Police Department “will never “give up on the city”.
On behalf of the men and women of the Hartford Police Department I wish to extend my deep appreciation for the many messages of support and confidence we have received and thank you all for taking the time to share your thoughts and comments with us. I look forward to our continued dialogue.
Daryl K. Roberts
Chief of Police
People are coming forward, however, we need more help to identify and apprehend these perpetrators. I ask that anyone who may have information on the identify and/or whereabouts of the individuals and the vehicles responsible for the hit and run of Mr. Angel Torres, 78, of Hartford, to contact Crime Scene Division Commander Sergeant Jason Thody at 860-757-4225. Anyone with information about the assault of Mr. Nicholas R. Carbone, 72, of Hartford, or the recent homicides at 31 Acton Street and 756 Garden Street, to please contact HPD Major Crimes Supervising Sergeants Rob Davis or Edward Yergeau at 860-757-4256 or 4257. If you wish anonymity you may leave confidential tips on the HPD’s Crime Solvers Tipline 860-527-TIPS. I cannot emphasize enough how important your help is in solving these crimes. What you may think to be an insignificant bit of information may in fact be of enormous value to the investigations.
It is my hope these recent events, spurring widespread public dialogue surrounding civic mindedness and one’s responsibility to our society as a whole, will generate positive actions throughout our community. You can be assured that as your Chief of Police I am dedicated to service, relationships, and safety – to serving the public to the best of my ability, establishing strong, positive relationships between law enforcement and the community, and creating a safe environment for us all.
Our community outreach efforts, whether through the media, the utilization of social networking such as this Blog and HPD E-News, through the HPD’s Neighborhood Policing Plan, or working one on one with the many caring individuals who assist the police every day in solving crime in our city, have proven the value of police/community partnerships. Make no mistake that we intend to continue our outreach in every way possible as we work together to rid our community of unnecessary violence. You can be assured that we at the Hartford Police Department “will never “give up on the city”.
On behalf of the men and women of the Hartford Police Department I wish to extend my deep appreciation for the many messages of support and confidence we have received and thank you all for taking the time to share your thoughts and comments with us. I look forward to our continued dialogue.
Daryl K. Roberts
Chief of Police
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