CHIEF LOPEZ, CHIEF FALLON, CHIEF PAWLINA, CAN YOU PLEASE RETURN YOUR CITY CARS

During the recent Hartford City Council budget hearings a request was made for an inventory of all City of Hartford vehicles and those that were used for "take home" use. Listed in the vehicle inventory for the Hartford Police Department were vehicles showing that they were assigned to retired Deputy Chief Jose Lopez, retired Assistant (and former acting Chief) Mark Pawlina, retired Assistant Chief Michael Fallon as well as several other retired members of the department. They have all been retired for at least a couple years, yet the city's records still show them having city cars, which they don't. I thought it was bad when testimony at the budget hearings showed that no one had a clear idea who had City of Hartford cellphones, but obviously they don't even have a clue who has city vehicles. Jeff Cohen at the Hartford Courant posted the list of vehicles on his blog, courant.com/cityline. One of the Police Department vehicles assigned for take home use shows Assistant Chief Lester McCoy commuting daily to Stamford on the city's dime. That seems like it could be a substantial cost savings there if that car was left at Jennings Road at night. I would question the value of McCoy coming back to the city on a call back. If the hour and a half drive from Stamford was needed, I would hope that others would have the situation under control by the time he got back here. It would also be very interesting to see the number of times that individuals like McCoy have actually responded back to the City during an emergency situation. I would venture to say the number is relatively low. Since these vehicles are not meant for personal use, but rather travelling back and forth to the city, I would think that, with the exception of persons involved in activities requiring unmarked cars, thezse vehicled should be clearly marked as City of Hartford vehicles, and in the case of police vehicles operated by uniformed officers, they should have police markings. This would take care of two issues. First would be visibility and provide a greater perception of police presence in the city. Second, I think clear markings would serve as a deterrent against these vehicles being used in a manner not compliant with city policy. I don't need to go into detail, but several of these vehicles have been involved in alcohol related incidents, and I'm sure no one wants their marked vehicle observed parked at a bar.