First, I would like to express my humble thanks and appreciation to those who have posted such kind thoughts and wishes for me and the men and women of the Hartford Police Department on my first Blog. Please know that your support and confidence means everything to us as we do the best job we can to serve and protect you and your families.
Secondly, I would like to respond to some questions posted last week. With respect to “southender” who asked about crime in the Southeast District, I wish to refer you to the HPD crime statistics for the week ending May 24, 2008, which you can view at the following link: http://www.hartford.gov/police/Crime_Stats_Folder/2008%20Crime%20Statistics/2008_05_24.pdf. On review you will see that Part 1 crime in the Southeast District is down year to date over the same period in 2007 by -17.7 percent, the second largest drop and 2 percent more than the citywide decrease of -15.9 percent. However, this does not discount the serious issue of gun related violence that continues to plague our city.
In response to “irysh0ze” inquiries, I can report that we have just recently added an additional K-9 Team, we do utilize seized vehicles for undercover operations where appropriate, however, we must take into account maintenance, liens, etc., on these vehicles, which become the city’s responsibility and can become costly, and we have not yet looked at the GPS “Star Chase System.”
Most importantly, “irysh0ze” poses a question I would very much like to discuss this week, and that is: “What would you like to see the general public do more to help you with your job?” This question is at the heart of neighborhood policing, for the police cannot quell gun violence in our community alone. Year to date we have seized close to 180 guns, last year we seized 400. In one day alone Vice and Narcotics detectives conducted seven hot spot details, resulting in 42 arrests, seizure of two firearms, three vehicles, ten grams of crack, 1,300 bags of Heroin, and 12 grams of cocaine. One of the guns was commercially produced to look like a walking stick. You can see a photo of it in my March 16, 2008, statement announcing my Safe City Initiative I spoke of last week.
Yet, despite our most vigilant suppression efforts, gun violence continues to plague certain area of the city, perpetrated by individuals with no regard for the safety our community or themselves. We know who these people are – we are arresting them and will continue to arrest them. We are doing our job and will continue to do so - but we need the community’s help – as partners – to work with us as crime solvers. Getting information to the police on those who would disrupt peace and order in our city is paramount to our success. If you require anonymity you can call our confidential Crime Solvers Tipline: 860-527-TIPS (8477).
Furthermore, I am in discussion with the national group “Crime Stoppers USA” to bring their program to Hartford. Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization of citizens against crime. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards of up to $1000 to anyone furnishing anonymous information that leads to the arrest of criminals, including those committing serious felony crimes, and fugitives. Information is received through anonymous Crime Stoppers tips that are received through a secure tips line or through a secure web connection manned by a professional program coordinator. Each caller is assigned a code number for the purpose of insuring anonymity. This program has proven quite successful for the City of Waterbury, Connecticut.
Partnering with the police, I believe, is the most important and effective support the community can contribute to public safety in our city. Your thoughts and comments about Crime Stoppers, or other public safety issues are most welcome. Visit Crime Stoppers USA at http://www.crimestopusa.com/AboutUs.asp#
7 comments:
Chief Roberts,
Your open communication and outreach to the community is amazing- and exemplary.
Irene Iwan
I wanted to share this message I received form "quietguy" who said...
Congratulations! I am sure the blog will be a wonderful tool to improve life in Hartford and the Police's work. I want to take the opportunity to show, as an immigrant, my admiration for the preemptive work of the Police in the US in general, as I have seen the damage done when things are badly organized and left loose. The constant work on preventing and fighting crime is essential, as is the need to fight its causes. Keep the good work, you’re in the right direction.
June 4, 2008 12:03 PM
I want to thank everyone who has posted for their support and confidence in the HPD. Your comments, suggestions, and recommendations are welcomed and much appreciated. Again, many thanks and keep writing.
Chief Daryl K. Roberts
Chief,
You haven't blogged yet about the pdestrian who was hit this week, but I have read some of your comments. I too am dumbstruck when I watch the video to see no one begin to help this man. While some do not like to see blood or injuries, someone could have comforted the man, someone could have blocked traffic, and someone could have brought the man a blanket or coat or shirt.
You are right, we are becoming insensitive to others, and just as those cars and MC did, we can just drive on and "let someone else take care of it". I'm sure this malaise is not just in Hartford, but I hope your outrage at least makes your citizens think about helping to police the community.
Jerry Jansen
Chief of Police (retired)
Wisconsin
I share your concern for how our society has devolve from one which gave birth to the 'Greatest Generation' characterized by those who sacrificed their lives to protect humanity during World War II to one which has given birth to the 'Me Generation'. Values are not something we inherit, they must be taught and they must be practiced. Unfortunately far too many parents these days are not fulfilling their responsibility to teach basic human values to their children. Our schools and churches have also failed to advocate the importance of our need to honor the dignity of every human being. I welcome your assessment of what's NOT happening in our community and thank you for challenging all of us to turn the situation around. Thank God you a well developed and companionate moral compass and that you have stepped up and challenged us to do something about our self defeating indifference. You make a difference!
I share your concern for how our society has devolve from one which gave birth to the 'Greatest Generation' characterized by those who sacrificed their lives to protect humanity during World War II to one which has given birth to the 'Me Generation'. Values are not something we inherit, they must be taught and they must be practiced. Unfortunately far too many parents these days are not fulfilling their responsibility to teach basic human values to their children. Our schools and churches have also failed to advocate the importance of our need to honor the dignity of every human being. I welcome your assessment of what's NOT happening in our community and thank you for challenging all of us to turn the situation around. Thank God you a well developed and companionate moral compass and that you have stepped up and challenged us to do something about our self defeating indifference. You make a difference!
Sir, I have spent the evening reading over 550 responses to the article in the Hartford Courant regarding the tragic hit and run crime which resulted in a fellow human being paralyzed from the neck down for the rest of his life. Many positive things have been said about your response to the crime. You have identified the problem and you merit the support of the Mayor and citizens of Hartford in developing an appropriate response. Your success in dealing with the issue will be dependant on whether the citizens of Hartford are capable of supporting you efforts to redefine our core values...
What about....Taking responsibility for one's own protection? I think that's a good one to add to the list. Allowing law-abiding people to protect themselves with CCW rights would/could alleviate problems like the one you had recently with Mayor Nick Carbone. When he realized that his "situation" was going to get really serious really quickly, maybe all he would have had to do was draw his concealed weapon to ward off the danger. This is something that people all over this nation are doing every day. A CCW could have saved you, him, and your town a great deal of heartache and pain.
Here's to the Mayor's speedy recovery...
Thanks,
DJK
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