For Immediate Release Contact: Capt. Ronald Smith, PIO #20-179
December 11th, 2020 Phone: 203-230-4029
Hamden Police Department Strengthens Actions to Address Public Safety Concerns; Including Additional Patrols, Enhanced Community Policing Efforts, and Increased Prevention Measures throughout the Holiday Season Hamden – Hamden has experienced a recent increase in crime, specifically pertaining to street robberies and stolen motor vehicles. The safety and well-being of our residents and those who visit and work in the Town of Hamden is our primary goal. With this in mind, the Hamden Police Department has taken the following initiatives:
Deterrent/Increased Patrol – Officers are patrolling specific areas, where the opportunity for crime is present. These patrols are deemed ‘high visibility’, whereas, residents will see an increased number of police vehicles in strategic areas.
Implementation of a Holiday Patrol Detail – Additional officers have been and will continue to patrol shopping centers throughout town.
Neighborhood Initiative Unit – The Department’s Neighborhood Initiative Unit, as well as members of the Patrol and Traffic Divisions are constantly conducting foot patrols in our community neighborhoods. Officers have also conducted bicycle patrols in these areas. In addition, officers are regularly meeting with local business owners to discuss their concerns. If any resident or business would like to speak with an officer or a neighborhood visit, please contact Sergeant William Onofrio of the Neighborhood Initiative Unit at wionofrio@hamdenpd.com.
Neighborhood Watch Meetings – Officers regularly conduct “Neighborhood Block Watch” meetings. These meetings are meant to bring residents and law enforcement together, to deter crime and make our community safe. Quality of Life issues are always discussed. The Hamden Police Department would like to encourage residents to engage in a Neighborhood Watch. The Department will provide training and support to assist in the development of a Neighborhood Watch. If you are interested in developing a Neighborhood Watch, please contact Detective Sean Dolan sdolan@hamdenpd.com.
Collaboration with Local Businesses – Officers have met with owners of businesses located in the Hamden Mart and Hamden Plaza as part of a crime prevention initiative. As a result, lighting and security cameras have been either installed or improved for efficiency. This initiative will continue, to include additional business locations.
Lawn Sign Awareness Campaign – The Hamden Police Department is currently working on a “Lawn Sign Campaign.” This crime prevention measure hopes to provide our residents with safety tips.
Street Interdiction Officers and Detectives are working in an undercover capacity throughout the late evening and early morning hours.
Collaboration with Other Departments - Hamden Police is in constant contact with other local police agencies. This collaboration has aided the Department in a great number of criminal investigations.
The Public Information Office has regularly alerted our residents of violent crime patterns in specific areas. Furthermore, the office continuously provides safety tips on a number of issues. This information is provided to the public through various media outlets.
The Hamden Police Department is in the process of hiring additional police officers to assist in these important initiatives.
Commenting, Mayor Leng stated, “"I want to assure our residents that the Hamden Police Department is addressing recent criminal activity with the urgency it deserves, and in a strategic and community-minded manner. The efforts being taken to address, prevent and reduce crime in our Town - and to bring those who are committing crimes to justice - are all taken with the safety of the community at heart. I am thankful to our men and women who are working on these initiatives and I'm confident that they will help to make our entire Town a safer place for all residents, in every community."
The Hamden Police Department would like to urge residents, that are a victim of a violent crime, not to take matters into their own hands. Your vehicle can always be replaced. Your life cannot. As a reminder, resident should report all crimes and any suspicious activity. Please contact the Hamden Police Department for assistance by dialing 911 or calling (203) 230-4000.