I have a suggestion. As I read the releases regarding Hartford's gun arrests one thing seems crystal clear. Most of the people being arrested in Hartford for illegal possession of guns have already been arrested at least once for the exact same thing. Somehow that tells me the courts and the judicial system are not doing their part.
The arrests are being made by the Shooting Task Force and other Police Officers, so law enforcement seems to be doing its part uncovering the weapons and the criminals. For whatever reasons the courts are not following through. I believe in second chances and the first time might be explainable, but after the first arrest, I think you are exhibiting that you are unable to conform to the laws that society has put in place.
I obtained an Unusual Occurrence Report (UOR) from the Hartford Police Department today that is very troubling to me. UOR's are generated by Hartford Police Supervisors as a management tool that helps inform supervisors of critical incidents. They are also used to release information to the media.
This UOR was regarding a gun arrest made by HPD on Tuesday night. HPD had received information that several individuals were in the City in a rental vehicle and were in the possession of guns and HPD Police uniforms. The information was that they intended to commit a robbery.
Hartford Police Detective Antuna observed the suspect vehicle in a parking lot at 884 Capitol Avenue. Detective Antuna, with the assistance of Patrol Officers stopped the vehicle and a loaded firearm, a Colt 45 revolver, a bb gun, a ski mask and an HPD Sergeant's uniform shirt and an HPD baseball cap were all found in the vehicle.
The most troubling part is yet to come though.
One of the persons arrested was identified as George Ortiz, of 847 Burnside Avenue in East Hartford. He was charged with Criminal Possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit and weapons in a motor vehicle. Now the troubling part... as a footnote on the UOR it stated that Ortiz is currently on probation for Murder charges. WHAT?
Why is his probation not immediately revoked? Why is someone that is already on probation for murder and now roaming our streets in possession of HPD uniforms and a Colt 45 and a ski mask allowed to stay out. I have a hard time believing his intentions were honorable.
I would venture to guess that were either using the HPD Uniforms to gain access somewhere for a robbery, or more likely robbing drug dealers who probably arent' going to call 911 to report that their drugs and cash and weapons were just stolen by a Hartford cop.
The Judicial system needs to start doing their part and that is not a slap on the wrists and send them home. Serious sentences need to be handed out to those willing to carry and use illegal fireamrs on our streets. Especially a convicted murderer on probation
2 comments:
Faithful readers and Kevin,
I previously commented to one of your posts that the police are taking these criminals down but that the courts are putting them back in business in hours and at least one reader took issue. Thank you for looking deeper into a major reason why crime is a cottage industry in Hartford. There effectively is no penalty, or worse yet if you do get time you then, with good behavior, qualify for the early release program. For the criminal element the slogans say it -- Hartford Has It -- Better Yet Connecticut.....
Kevin is that unusual occurrence information a surprise?
Police officers in Hartford face this problem every day and have for decades.Individuals are let out of jail every day, violent offenders without concern for anyone but themselves. Jail is a brief respite from the life of crime they pursue and then they are out again. When police do the job in an aggressive, physical manner they are criticized by individuals seated at desks safe from harm never having that experience. it is those persons who are great at wringing hands and decrying the police.
It is time to make criminals afraid of committing crime for the sake of the law abiding citizens living in Hartford. Tough policing and not the B/S that goes on now. Community Policing can work but not if it is viewed as kid gloves for the violent predators that afflict the city.
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