That might be a harsh headline, but it is exactly what came to my mind Saturday morning. ( Actually , I wonder quite frequently if Pedro has lost his mind)
After a shooting on Barbour Strreet Saturday morning, Segarra was quick to arrive on the scene to begin comforting the neighborhood. What a leader, where did he find the time to take a training course on how leaders are supposed to act? And I think that is exactly what most people observing Segarra's behavior are thinking, it's an ACT. An election year act when he has realized that he is fading quickly and his job hopes as Mayor of Hartford are shrinking quicker than the support for his baseball endeavors.
I am convinced he has lost his mind , or at least his grasp on reality when I read a media quote attributed to our delusional Mayor:" Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra, who was comforting the Barbour Street families, said the area is usually quiet.
Is there another Barbour Street in Hartford I am not familiar with?
Usually quiet? Someone might want to remind our poor Mayor that the crime scene tape had just barely been taken down from the previous homicide on Barbour Street The scene where a 23 year old man lost his life earlier in the week, where a vigil for him will be held at 4:00PM this afternoon.
Mayor Segarra, homicide vigils don't occur in neighborhoods that are "usually" quiet. And there have been far too many vigils on Barbour Street for it to be classified as "usually" quiet. There has been far too much gunfire and crime on Barbour Street for it to be classified by anyone of sound mind as "usually " quiet
Mayor Segarra, if Barbour Street is your version of "usually" quiet our City is most definitely doomed under your so called "leadership" Oh and those residents you were busy comforting, honestly, how did they react when you told them their neighborhood was "usually" quiet? Did they openly laugh or did they wait until you left their "usually" quiet neighborhood?
And I noticed in the photograph of you "comforting " the neighbors in their "usually" quiet neighborhood, you were alone. It might be a good idea to have the bobblehead Council members pre-program Barbour Street in their GPS. Maybe they can then find it quickly to accompany you on your next "leadership" tour after the next homicide or shooting in the "usually" quiet Barbour Street area. I doubt it is an area that any of you regularly visit without the camera opportunities.
Everything is good in Segarraland
Saturday, May 30, 2015
I THINK IT IS TIME FOR A CHARTER CHANGE AGAIN
I think we need to change the Charter again in Hartford. Not a lot of changes, really just one. We need annual elections for Mayor and City Council. It just seems like so much more gets done and our elected officials are much more attentive in election years. Isn't it amazing how Mayor Segarra has suddenly come to life acting like a leader when he knows his job is on the line and his record of performance isn't too great
As I write this now Segarra is arriving at the latest shooting scene on Barbour Street. Now that almost sounds Mayoral, but is this the first shooting in almost six years for him to attend? Where has he been previously. I don't even recall him showing up at a scene when a police officer has been shot.
But it goes back to my reason for Charter Change. Politicians become different people when they know their jobs are on the line.
For years now I have heard Hartford's plead with the Council at budget time for more Officers. I have heard him plead for more money and to try to stop the Council from cutting spending for the Cadet program and the PAL program. Unfortunately that has fallen o n deaf Council ears year after year . PAL and the Cadet program are the first stage of HPD's minority recruitment plan. But, since it wasn't done in an election year, it doesn't matter, cut the budget.
It was almost funny if it wasn't so serious to the City. Yesterday, Segarra held a press conference in the atrium of City Hall after he emerged from his secret meeting. It was interesting to watch. I almost thought that someone had found the money to make life size bobble head dolls of Ken Kennedy, Kyle Anderson and Shawn Wooden. Every that was made by Segarra about hiring more cops, funding for overtime, Funding Community Policing programs, all those statement were met by the bobblehead bounce of support.
I am going to save that that video. When Chief Rovella goes before the Mayor and Council for the funding to accomplish those goals I may have to drag that video out to remind them of that day. But if an election day isn't in the immediate future they may quickly forget ,as if often the case it seems
Friday, Police Chief Rovella said he was down 70 to 90 police officers... Rovella has cautioned city leaders in recent years that the department is losing staff faster than it can replace them." Where were the boobleheads then, or do they only listen to the Police Chief in an election year? Are the bobbleheads finally realizing that proper police funding is important to the people of Hartford and maybe they should listen because it might just become a big election issue?
Maybe annual elections would remind the next Mayor and the next group of potential bobbleheads that they have to come through on their promises. Leadership requires that you step up and be a leader everyday, not just every 3 and a half years, 6 months before the next election cycle begins. Leadership requires that you show compassion and care for your constituents the entire term, not just when an election is looming.
And finally, since Hartford's voters for some reason seem to have short memories, annual will keep the failings of our elected officials fresh in our minds as we decide who to support. They will no longer be able to rejuvenate their images as fresh for the next election. They will no longer to be able to write off the history of their lackluster terms. They will no longer be able to tout "but look what I have done lately".
We won't have to worry about our long term memory, it will be fresh in our minds with yearly elections
As I write this now Segarra is arriving at the latest shooting scene on Barbour Street. Now that almost sounds Mayoral, but is this the first shooting in almost six years for him to attend? Where has he been previously. I don't even recall him showing up at a scene when a police officer has been shot.
But it goes back to my reason for Charter Change. Politicians become different people when they know their jobs are on the line.
For years now I have heard Hartford's plead with the Council at budget time for more Officers. I have heard him plead for more money and to try to stop the Council from cutting spending for the Cadet program and the PAL program. Unfortunately that has fallen o n deaf Council ears year after year . PAL and the Cadet program are the first stage of HPD's minority recruitment plan. But, since it wasn't done in an election year, it doesn't matter, cut the budget.
It was almost funny if it wasn't so serious to the City. Yesterday, Segarra held a press conference in the atrium of City Hall after he emerged from his secret meeting. It was interesting to watch. I almost thought that someone had found the money to make life size bobble head dolls of Ken Kennedy, Kyle Anderson and Shawn Wooden. Every that was made by Segarra about hiring more cops, funding for overtime, Funding Community Policing programs, all those statement were met by the bobblehead bounce of support.
I am going to save that that video. When Chief Rovella goes before the Mayor and Council for the funding to accomplish those goals I may have to drag that video out to remind them of that day. But if an election day isn't in the immediate future they may quickly forget ,as if often the case it seems
Friday, Police Chief Rovella said he was down 70 to 90 police officers... Rovella has cautioned city leaders in recent years that the department is losing staff faster than it can replace them." Where were the boobleheads then, or do they only listen to the Police Chief in an election year? Are the bobbleheads finally realizing that proper police funding is important to the people of Hartford and maybe they should listen because it might just become a big election issue?
Maybe annual elections would remind the next Mayor and the next group of potential bobbleheads that they have to come through on their promises. Leadership requires that you step up and be a leader everyday, not just every 3 and a half years, 6 months before the next election cycle begins. Leadership requires that you show compassion and care for your constituents the entire term, not just when an election is looming.
And finally, since Hartford's voters for some reason seem to have short memories, annual will keep the failings of our elected officials fresh in our minds as we decide who to support. They will no longer be able to rejuvenate their images as fresh for the next election. They will no longer to be able to write off the history of their lackluster terms. They will no longer be able to tout "but look what I have done lately".
We won't have to worry about our long term memory, it will be fresh in our minds with yearly elections
5th DISTRICT REP. MCGEE COMMENTS ON RECENT VIOLENCE
Dear Friends,
This has been a very trying time for this community in the wake of the extreme and unnecessary violence. I write to you still in shock over the events.
My heart weighs heavy with deep concern for the victims, their families and loved ones, and for all the young people growing up in fear in this atmosphere of hate and disregard for human life.
In the past two weeks, four people have died in shootings in Hartford and another was stabbed to death. As of yesterday, 12 homicides have occurred in the city, and random shootings have skyrocketed compared to last year. Earlier this week 2 drive-by shootings occurred around 6am Sunday morning. A pastor placing memorial flags in front of his church on Capitol Avenue and another man on Garden Street were both shot minutes apart.
It pains me to think of what these acts are teaching our young people. Children growing up in homes plagued by domestic violence and abuse often become abusers themselves. I hate to imagine anyone carrying forward and replaying these atrocities in the future.
I still believe the most violent neighborhoods have the potential to achieve peace with the proper support and programs for struggling youth that reduce their numbers entering the juvenile justice system. Making positive changes in neighborhoods prone to violence and supporting families remains a priority.
I have been working with many groups committed to transforming violent neighborhoods back into safe and thriving communities in spite of those individuals who spread terror and hate again and again.
All of us are committed to the common goal of stopping the cycle of violence and revitalizing urban neighborhoods for the future--but we are still losing young people to violence and families continue to flee those neighborhoods.
I will work with anyone committed to safer and healthier neighborhoods for all children and families. By joining together, we can increase our collective impact and have a bigger opportunity to achieve meaningful, positive social change. City and community leaders and neighborhood groups will be meeting to affirm our solidarity, discuss, and plan for action.
I ask you to join me in these efforts, to work together, and share your thoughts and ideas. I promise to keep you informed and communicate more about these meetings as they are scheduled in the hopes you can attend. Your participation is most necessary and appreciated.
This has been a very trying time for this community in the wake of the extreme and unnecessary violence. I write to you still in shock over the events.
My heart weighs heavy with deep concern for the victims, their families and loved ones, and for all the young people growing up in fear in this atmosphere of hate and disregard for human life.
In the past two weeks, four people have died in shootings in Hartford and another was stabbed to death. As of yesterday, 12 homicides have occurred in the city, and random shootings have skyrocketed compared to last year. Earlier this week 2 drive-by shootings occurred around 6am Sunday morning. A pastor placing memorial flags in front of his church on Capitol Avenue and another man on Garden Street were both shot minutes apart.
It pains me to think of what these acts are teaching our young people. Children growing up in homes plagued by domestic violence and abuse often become abusers themselves. I hate to imagine anyone carrying forward and replaying these atrocities in the future.
I still believe the most violent neighborhoods have the potential to achieve peace with the proper support and programs for struggling youth that reduce their numbers entering the juvenile justice system. Making positive changes in neighborhoods prone to violence and supporting families remains a priority.
I have been working with many groups committed to transforming violent neighborhoods back into safe and thriving communities in spite of those individuals who spread terror and hate again and again.
All of us are committed to the common goal of stopping the cycle of violence and revitalizing urban neighborhoods for the future--but we are still losing young people to violence and families continue to flee those neighborhoods.
I will work with anyone committed to safer and healthier neighborhoods for all children and families. By joining together, we can increase our collective impact and have a bigger opportunity to achieve meaningful, positive social change. City and community leaders and neighborhood groups will be meeting to affirm our solidarity, discuss, and plan for action.
I ask you to join me in these efforts, to work together, and share your thoughts and ideas. I promise to keep you informed and communicate more about these meetings as they are scheduled in the hopes you can attend. Your participation is most necessary and appreciated.
Sincerely,
Brandon McGee
Brandon McGee
BOB KILLIAN'S THOUGHTS ON HARTFORD'S RECENT VIOLENCE
The following was received from Mayoral Candidate Robert Killian:
https://www.scribd.com/doc/267085975/Killian
Friday, May 29, 2015
SECRET MEETINGS DON'T BUILD COMMUNITY CONFIDENCE
According to the Hartford Courant Editorial today, Mayor Segarra will today meet privately with "selected community members".
Bad idea Mayor .I know you are trying to look like a leader since you squandered five years of possible involvement, but not this way. People, especially Hartford residents, need to have confidence in their leaders and secret meetings do not instill confidence. Yes, maybe you are doing something, but who will know?
I think you already know there is not a lot of trust and confidence in your administration and do you really think they are going to take your word for it?
And just for clarification , who are these "selected Community members" I notice the term "community leaders" wasn't used Are they your campaign supporters. I would imagine they aren't campaign donors, because if they were Hartford people, that seems like a very small group.
This is a conversation that needs to be held in the open , publicly. The public is who is being impacted most by this violence and they are the ones that need to be reassured. A room full of Segarra supporters, patting the Mayor on the back, serves no one. Pedro needs to hear the harsh reality of his failures, not the hand clapping of supporters waiting for the next grant check from the City
People are dying.
As one person familiar with the meeting today said "too little too late"
Bad idea Mayor .I know you are trying to look like a leader since you squandered five years of possible involvement, but not this way. People, especially Hartford residents, need to have confidence in their leaders and secret meetings do not instill confidence. Yes, maybe you are doing something, but who will know?
I think you already know there is not a lot of trust and confidence in your administration and do you really think they are going to take your word for it?
And just for clarification , who are these "selected Community members" I notice the term "community leaders" wasn't used Are they your campaign supporters. I would imagine they aren't campaign donors, because if they were Hartford people, that seems like a very small group.
This is a conversation that needs to be held in the open , publicly. The public is who is being impacted most by this violence and they are the ones that need to be reassured. A room full of Segarra supporters, patting the Mayor on the back, serves no one. Pedro needs to hear the harsh reality of his failures, not the hand clapping of supporters waiting for the next grant check from the City
People are dying.
As one person familiar with the meeting today said "too little too late"
WHAT IS THE CORRECT NUMBER OF OFFICERS FOR HPD?
Here is a report commissioned by the Hartford Police Department. Hopefully the report will answer some of the staffing questions for HPD such as what are the proper number of Officers that should be at HPD. It is very dry reading, but it is informative
Hartford Police Department Staffing and Deployment Analysis 3-02-201 (2)
Hartford Police Department Staffing and Deployment Analysis 3-02-201 (2)
THE FOLEY COMMENTS, THE OTHER SIDE "WE ABSOLUTELY NEED MORE COPS"
A mentor of mine has always tried to pound into my head that I owe it to the people I write about to contact them first before I post a story about them. I did that this afternoon, with some interesting results.
I read this mornings newspaper with an interesting story about Hartford's Deputy Police Chief Brian Foley and his apparent comments that "we don't need more cops in Hartford". I think I read that like most people asking ' You know we aren't talking about Hartford Vermont. Are you aware of what has gone on in Hartford, Connecticut the last few weeks?" I drove around all day stewing about how anyone in their right mind could make such a comment and what I was going to write as my next blog post
Would the heading be " HPD DEPUTY CHIEF LOSES HIS MIND?" To make the situation worse , a couple of HPD Officers I encountered during the day all asked me "What's up with your buddy Foley and the Courant article?"
Yes , it is no big secret Brian Foley is a friend of mine, it has been mentioned numerous times here in the comments. I knew I was headed to a showdown when I put my thoughts on the blog, so late this afternoon I called Brian with the "heads up" that he probably wasn't going to like my blog posting tonight. The immediate response was "You're not going to beat me up also are you" I guess it was a bad day for Brian
I offered to make our conversation off the record, but I had questions about his comments. He said no, let's talk on the record and clarify any questions I had. I know that sounds odd for friends going on and off the re3cord, but I like to be upfront about that . Former Chief Daryl Roberts and I always had an understanding like that. I knew what it meant if he talked to me as Daryl to Kevin and what it meant when he talked to me as Chief Roberts to Kevin. Luckily a few times I asked that before the conversation got rolling , just to be sure.
The first point Brian made was to the headline attributed to him. Foley "Could we use more cops , absolutely" Foley also clarified that "We need more long term solutions, We do need to hire more cops" " Flooding the streets with cops is not a long term solution" Foley seemed to make, or try to make the point in the article that we will soon be hearing the call from the community urging the State Police to come in to solve the crime problems. Chief Foley walked very gingerly on that thin ice. Both Brian's father and his sister are or were Connecticut State Troopers so he wanted to avoid anything that looked like a slam to the State Police.
But I don't need to defend Brian on this one, we are in total agreement here. For some reason CSP has always been seen as the savior riding in on the white horse to solve Hartford's problems. It is a feel good thing and not a solution at all. For the State Police to come into Hartford, for some screwy reason , the Hartford Police Union has a clause in the contract that any Trooper coming into Hartford needs to be paired up with a Hartford Officer on overtime,. If the Governor is even asked to send in Troopers, I would hope that he says NO. Give the dollars that would be spent on Troopers directly to Hartford in the form of a grant to only be used for a summer initiative to put HPD Officers on the streets.
Another solution to involve the State Police as a resource is also simple By CT Statute, the State Police can patrol or go anywhere in the State of Connecticut outside of their regular areas as long as they don't establish regular patrols. If the state Police should come into Hartford, let them do what we already know they are good with. Set up a traffic check point on a Friday or Saturday and do traffic inspections. Hartford is a small city and most things move by car.
At a traffic checkpoint I would almost guarantee that it would serve several purposes. It would calm Hartford's reckless driving mentality and force some adherence to Motor vehicle law and most likely it would find guns and drugs being transported around the City and many outstanding warrants.
The HPD Union may not like the idea, but we are talking lives here
If State money doesn't come with those strings attached, Segarra and company will find a way to suck it into the General Fund to plug another budget hole.
Chief Foley also seemed to make the comment that by putting more officers into poor and minority areas it disrupted those area with additional, or maybe excessive police action and arrest to disrupt the neighborhood. Although again Foley said that flooding an area with cops is not a long term solution. I asked Brian if he would agree that the execution of a 17 year old , shot through the head at the curb disrupts a neighborhood more than any Police presence ever could. He replied :"I would absolutely agree with you". (He was using absolutely quite a bit today).
I was glad that I took the advice of my mentor and contacted Brian. I was prepared for a much different conversation initially, but in the end I was much happier with the outcome and felt much more comfortable with Brian's comments.
Just remember , there are always two sides to every story.
I read this mornings newspaper with an interesting story about Hartford's Deputy Police Chief Brian Foley and his apparent comments that "we don't need more cops in Hartford". I think I read that like most people asking ' You know we aren't talking about Hartford Vermont. Are you aware of what has gone on in Hartford, Connecticut the last few weeks?" I drove around all day stewing about how anyone in their right mind could make such a comment and what I was going to write as my next blog post
Would the heading be " HPD DEPUTY CHIEF LOSES HIS MIND?" To make the situation worse , a couple of HPD Officers I encountered during the day all asked me "What's up with your buddy Foley and the Courant article?"
Yes , it is no big secret Brian Foley is a friend of mine, it has been mentioned numerous times here in the comments. I knew I was headed to a showdown when I put my thoughts on the blog, so late this afternoon I called Brian with the "heads up" that he probably wasn't going to like my blog posting tonight. The immediate response was "You're not going to beat me up also are you" I guess it was a bad day for Brian
I offered to make our conversation off the record, but I had questions about his comments. He said no, let's talk on the record and clarify any questions I had. I know that sounds odd for friends going on and off the re3cord, but I like to be upfront about that . Former Chief Daryl Roberts and I always had an understanding like that. I knew what it meant if he talked to me as Daryl to Kevin and what it meant when he talked to me as Chief Roberts to Kevin. Luckily a few times I asked that before the conversation got rolling , just to be sure.
The first point Brian made was to the headline attributed to him. Foley "Could we use more cops , absolutely" Foley also clarified that "We need more long term solutions, We do need to hire more cops" " Flooding the streets with cops is not a long term solution" Foley seemed to make, or try to make the point in the article that we will soon be hearing the call from the community urging the State Police to come in to solve the crime problems. Chief Foley walked very gingerly on that thin ice. Both Brian's father and his sister are or were Connecticut State Troopers so he wanted to avoid anything that looked like a slam to the State Police.
But I don't need to defend Brian on this one, we are in total agreement here. For some reason CSP has always been seen as the savior riding in on the white horse to solve Hartford's problems. It is a feel good thing and not a solution at all. For the State Police to come into Hartford, for some screwy reason , the Hartford Police Union has a clause in the contract that any Trooper coming into Hartford needs to be paired up with a Hartford Officer on overtime,. If the Governor is even asked to send in Troopers, I would hope that he says NO. Give the dollars that would be spent on Troopers directly to Hartford in the form of a grant to only be used for a summer initiative to put HPD Officers on the streets.
Another solution to involve the State Police as a resource is also simple By CT Statute, the State Police can patrol or go anywhere in the State of Connecticut outside of their regular areas as long as they don't establish regular patrols. If the state Police should come into Hartford, let them do what we already know they are good with. Set up a traffic check point on a Friday or Saturday and do traffic inspections. Hartford is a small city and most things move by car.
At a traffic checkpoint I would almost guarantee that it would serve several purposes. It would calm Hartford's reckless driving mentality and force some adherence to Motor vehicle law and most likely it would find guns and drugs being transported around the City and many outstanding warrants.
The HPD Union may not like the idea, but we are talking lives here
If State money doesn't come with those strings attached, Segarra and company will find a way to suck it into the General Fund to plug another budget hole.
Chief Foley also seemed to make the comment that by putting more officers into poor and minority areas it disrupted those area with additional, or maybe excessive police action and arrest to disrupt the neighborhood. Although again Foley said that flooding an area with cops is not a long term solution. I asked Brian if he would agree that the execution of a 17 year old , shot through the head at the curb disrupts a neighborhood more than any Police presence ever could. He replied :"I would absolutely agree with you". (He was using absolutely quite a bit today).
I was glad that I took the advice of my mentor and contacted Brian. I was prepared for a much different conversation initially, but in the end I was much happier with the outcome and felt much more comfortable with Brian's comments.
Just remember , there are always two sides to every story.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
TIME TO ADDRESS A FEW COMMENTS
Just about eveey comment submitted gets posted on the blog with veery few exceptions. Sometimes comments are made that I don't agree with, but I guess it would be somewhat hypocritical to censor comments on a blog named "We the People". As the saying goes, I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend your right to say it.
But with that being said, sometimes I feel the need to address comments.
Anyone watching Hartford the last few weeks must realize that Hartford's crime problem is a mess, And before you start, I will be addressing Deputy Chief Foley's comments in the Courant shortly.
The comments I want to address are regarding Hartford's Shooting Task Force. Is it perfect, no. Do I agree with everything, especiaslly their staffing and budget issues, no
The truth is that prior to their creation, there was nothing around like the Shooting Task Force. There were attemps, but such an effective group of law enforcement professionals had never been assembled to achieve the long term results of STF. The project was the brainchild of States Attorney's Office Chief Inspector James Rovella.The way it has been explained to me previously,during a spike in violent crime, not unlike what we are experiencing right now, Governor Malloy called a meeting with Chief States Attorney Kevin Kane . Malloy's instructions to Kane were simple, "Do something about the crime in Hartford". The similarities continue on at that point. Pedro Segarra was the Mayor at the time and then, as now, there was no plan to deal with the rash of violence.
I guess Segarra's plan was, as it appears now, if he didn't acknowledge the violence then it probably wasn't happening. Chief States Attorney Kevin Kane hand picked his solution. He directed his Chief Inspector at the time, James Rovella to devise a solution. Rovella's plan was a multi agency task force devised of various State and local agencies to launch a mutli pronged approach to getting guns and violent offenders off Hartford's streets .
The Hartford Shooting Task Force was born under Rovella's guidance. It was comprised of a large contingent of HPD officers and detectives, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Depertment of Corrections, Connecticut Probation and Parole, FBI, ATF, Connecticut States Attorney's Inspectors and I think a State prosecutor was thrown in also for good luck in working the cases through the courts. A couple of local municipalities also sent officers, I think West Hartford, East Hartford, Werhersfield and probably a couple other towns were involved also.
The plan came together like clockwork. The results were almost instantaneous. The media were all begging to ride along and try to see how they did what they did. Nationwide, Hartford's Shooting Task Force was getting recognition, shootings were down and some very dangerous felons were taken not only off Hartford's Streets but streets throughout the region.
Since the inception of STF over 300 weapons of various sizes and numerous felons have been arrested and most likely many lives saved. Unfortunately, all good things must come to and end, or at least fade away. Since its inception , STF has been decimated over the years as the problem decreases I guess Mayor Segarra doesn't see the need or understand the word "sustainability".
A true leader after having several homicides and high profile shootings would probably be calling the Governor asking him to recommit his resources to Hartford. That is , if he had that type of relationship with Governor Malloy where they could actually communicate and respectfully ask for assistance. It is not about egos or budgets, it is about Public Safety and saving lives.
Oh and most of those agencies I originally mentioned as being part of STF, most are gone except for a few from HPD a Sergeant from the Ct State Police, a very limited presence from CT Department of Corrections and possibly limited resources from Probation and Parole. Two more Hartford Detectives were pulled back last Sunday to fill vacancies in the HPD Major Crimes Division, one of them the only Spanish speaking detective assigned to STF from what I am told.
I understand the comments regarding large amounts of overtime for STF. I also understand that those officers and detectives assigned to STF are hand picked and go through a rigorous interview process to get there. Their work ethic is also reviewed. You have to be producing results and be hard working to gain an assignment in STF. I understand that a lot of the comments probably come from Officers that might have been passed over for an STF assignment.
As we read and see in the media everyday, we owe a sincere debt of gratitude to every Hartford Police Officer that protects our city day in and day out. With the danger that STF faces everyday dealing with these weapons, it is money well spent and with the training involved and the specialty of the information involved, I don't really think the OT money would be productive opened up to everyone. It is not like there isn't enough OT to go around with 15 patrol cars being filled with overtime officers last Friday night alone.
The OT comments seem like sour grapes and I would welcome our Mayor acting like a leader and getting the commitment to beef up STF more to what Chief Rovella originally intended. All lives matter and the people of Hartford deserve that from our "so called" leaders, Governor Malloy included
But with that being said, sometimes I feel the need to address comments.
Anyone watching Hartford the last few weeks must realize that Hartford's crime problem is a mess, And before you start, I will be addressing Deputy Chief Foley's comments in the Courant shortly.
The comments I want to address are regarding Hartford's Shooting Task Force. Is it perfect, no. Do I agree with everything, especiaslly their staffing and budget issues, no
The truth is that prior to their creation, there was nothing around like the Shooting Task Force. There were attemps, but such an effective group of law enforcement professionals had never been assembled to achieve the long term results of STF. The project was the brainchild of States Attorney's Office Chief Inspector James Rovella.The way it has been explained to me previously,during a spike in violent crime, not unlike what we are experiencing right now, Governor Malloy called a meeting with Chief States Attorney Kevin Kane . Malloy's instructions to Kane were simple, "Do something about the crime in Hartford". The similarities continue on at that point. Pedro Segarra was the Mayor at the time and then, as now, there was no plan to deal with the rash of violence.
I guess Segarra's plan was, as it appears now, if he didn't acknowledge the violence then it probably wasn't happening. Chief States Attorney Kevin Kane hand picked his solution. He directed his Chief Inspector at the time, James Rovella to devise a solution. Rovella's plan was a multi agency task force devised of various State and local agencies to launch a mutli pronged approach to getting guns and violent offenders off Hartford's streets .
The Hartford Shooting Task Force was born under Rovella's guidance. It was comprised of a large contingent of HPD officers and detectives, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Depertment of Corrections, Connecticut Probation and Parole, FBI, ATF, Connecticut States Attorney's Inspectors and I think a State prosecutor was thrown in also for good luck in working the cases through the courts. A couple of local municipalities also sent officers, I think West Hartford, East Hartford, Werhersfield and probably a couple other towns were involved also.
The plan came together like clockwork. The results were almost instantaneous. The media were all begging to ride along and try to see how they did what they did. Nationwide, Hartford's Shooting Task Force was getting recognition, shootings were down and some very dangerous felons were taken not only off Hartford's Streets but streets throughout the region.
Since the inception of STF over 300 weapons of various sizes and numerous felons have been arrested and most likely many lives saved. Unfortunately, all good things must come to and end, or at least fade away. Since its inception , STF has been decimated over the years as the problem decreases I guess Mayor Segarra doesn't see the need or understand the word "sustainability".
A true leader after having several homicides and high profile shootings would probably be calling the Governor asking him to recommit his resources to Hartford. That is , if he had that type of relationship with Governor Malloy where they could actually communicate and respectfully ask for assistance. It is not about egos or budgets, it is about Public Safety and saving lives.
Oh and most of those agencies I originally mentioned as being part of STF, most are gone except for a few from HPD a Sergeant from the Ct State Police, a very limited presence from CT Department of Corrections and possibly limited resources from Probation and Parole. Two more Hartford Detectives were pulled back last Sunday to fill vacancies in the HPD Major Crimes Division, one of them the only Spanish speaking detective assigned to STF from what I am told.
I understand the comments regarding large amounts of overtime for STF. I also understand that those officers and detectives assigned to STF are hand picked and go through a rigorous interview process to get there. Their work ethic is also reviewed. You have to be producing results and be hard working to gain an assignment in STF. I understand that a lot of the comments probably come from Officers that might have been passed over for an STF assignment.
As we read and see in the media everyday, we owe a sincere debt of gratitude to every Hartford Police Officer that protects our city day in and day out. With the danger that STF faces everyday dealing with these weapons, it is money well spent and with the training involved and the specialty of the information involved, I don't really think the OT money would be productive opened up to everyone. It is not like there isn't enough OT to go around with 15 patrol cars being filled with overtime officers last Friday night alone.
The OT comments seem like sour grapes and I would welcome our Mayor acting like a leader and getting the commitment to beef up STF more to what Chief Rovella originally intended. All lives matter and the people of Hartford deserve that from our "so called" leaders, Governor Malloy included
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
OK SO WHAT'S THE PLAN MAYOR?
The Hartford Courant is reporting that shooting incidents are up over 33percent in Hartford this year. So now what the plan from our Mayor and Council and the City Hall brain trust. If the response is typical, it will be to cut police funding even more than they have over the last few years.
Friday night on the evening shift, 15 patrol cars were filled by officers on overtime, several of them sergeants. What does that do to the overtime budget? And are we getting the most effective policing when these officers have already worked 60 or 70 hours in the week already
Here is a link to the Courant's story
Friday night on the evening shift, 15 patrol cars were filled by officers on overtime, several of them sergeants. What does that do to the overtime budget? And are we getting the most effective policing when these officers have already worked 60 or 70 hours in the week already
Here is a link to the Courant's story
ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER SHOOTING IN HARTFORD
On 5/26/2015 at 0023 hours, a victim of gunfire walked into
Hartford Hospital with a single non-life threatening gunshot wound to the right
wrist/forearm area. Victim was positively identified as Rascell Leggett , born in
1986 of 160 Homestead Avenue in Hartford. Case is documented under HPD
Case 15-15769. Leggett has a history of arrests to include firearms and drugs
with HPD.
Leggett stated he was walking north on Seymour Street near
Park Street when a red, possibly a Ford Focus or Ford Fusion with NY plates
pulled up to him, and after an exchange of words, the passenger fired three
shots at him striking him in the wrist. There was no shot spotter activation to
confirm Leggett’s accounts. Leggett refused to cooperate any further.
However, Shot spotter activation was confirmed at 101 Atwood
Street around the same time Leggett reported he was shot. Leggett is known to
frequent the area around Atwood Street and it is likely that he was shot on
Atwood Street and not Seymour Street. Two shell casings were recovered on Atwood
Street, a 45 and a 38 caliber shell casing. There were no witnesses or suspects
identified and due to the lack of cooperation from the listed victim, this case
will be forwarded to the Shooting Task Force for follow up.
To read more about the successes of Mayor Segarra's Community Policing Program, click here
I GUESS IT IS OFFICIAL NOW
From Fox 61's Louisa Moller's Twitter Account
Hartford police apparently are now confirming that they are investigating Sunday's shooting of a Pastor on Capitol Avenue as a hate crime. According to my sources, the shooter asked the pastor prior to shooting him if he was Gay. I had requested confirmation of the crime being investigated as a hate crime from HPD and I received no response.You can read the original posting here
I understand it is an election year and the incumbent doesn't want to be embarrassed by the crime in his City, but it is the reality. HPD should be in the business of providing accurate information , not protecting the Mayor's image.
And while I am on it, when was the last time you heard of Mayor Segarra visiting a shooting victim in the hospital or even attending a vigil after a shooting? Should we expect more of this as we ramp up to Election Day? Or is it only the high profile visible cases that catch Segarra's attention. Did he attend the vigils or even visit the families of recent homicide victims? I tend to doubt it
Doesn't Segarra represent all residents of Hartford, not just those that the TV cameras are following or paying attention to, and shouldn't we also know if someone is targeting a specific group with hatred? Why does it take a Pastor being shot to result in action when a 17 year old murdered with a gunshot to the head and 3 homicides in as many days did not, those crimes hardly resulted in a response from the Mayor?
Sunday, May 24, 2015
PLEASE DON'T DO THIS AT HOME...OR ANYWHERE ELSE
From the Courant:
Clinton , CT- A 4-year-old boy suffered severe injuries to his right hand after he fell off a riding mower and his right hand went under the mower deck, police said.
The boy was riding on the mower with his father when he slipped off, police said.
The boy was taken by ambulance to Yale-New Haven Hospital.
Police are investigating the incident, which was reported at 8:10 p.m. at a home on Menunketesuck Drive.
A GREAT HARTFORD STORY
The link below is to a Courant story about "unsung heroes". This is the type of positive story about Hartford people making a difference that I wish we saw more often. The story speaks for itself so take a few minutes to read it.
I have to add that I have had the opportunity to meet one of the sons mentioned in the story and it only helps reinforce the impact a strong mother's and father's presence has in the development of their children into respectful, productive adults. Thank you to Jackie and Chris Allen-Doucot for their efforts and the positive impact they have had on so many Hartford children in addition to their own sons. You can be proud of your efforts and the results
You can read the story here
You can read the story here
ONE MORE FOR MEMORIAL DAY
This is a great rendition of our national Anthem by a blind and autistic 16 year old girl. I honestly wonder how many of our youth even know the words or even the history of the Star Spangled Banner
REMEMBER WHY WE CELEBRATE MEMORIAL DAY
I think far too many people look forward to Memorial Day as the kick off of the Summer season, A day off from work and school, barbeques, and cook outs.
Keep in mind the real reason we celebrate Memorial Day every year. It is about recognizing those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedom and also those that have been maimed and disfigured defending our country.
I will never forget the funeral for my father who was a proud US Marine during the Korean Conflict. As the service ended, it was about 4 degrees out at the time of his burial. The Marine color guard in their dress blues presented the folded flag to my mother and the young marine handing my mother the flag had a tear that ran down his cheek. My dad would have loved that. Once a marine, always a marine, even in death
Tomorrow, remember why we celebrate Memorial Day and thank a veteran for their service to protecting our way of life
(Sorry Mom, I know the video and music will probably give you goosebumps and cause a few tears as it reminds you of the love of your life. Thank you dad for your service and the example you set for us. We miss you)
Keep in mind the real reason we celebrate Memorial Day every year. It is about recognizing those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedom and also those that have been maimed and disfigured defending our country.
I will never forget the funeral for my father who was a proud US Marine during the Korean Conflict. As the service ended, it was about 4 degrees out at the time of his burial. The Marine color guard in their dress blues presented the folded flag to my mother and the young marine handing my mother the flag had a tear that ran down his cheek. My dad would have loved that. Once a marine, always a marine, even in death
Tomorrow, remember why we celebrate Memorial Day and thank a veteran for their service to protecting our way of life
(Sorry Mom, I know the video and music will probably give you goosebumps and cause a few tears as it reminds you of the love of your life. Thank you dad for your service and the example you set for us. We miss you)
WAS PASTOR'S SHOOTING A HATE CRIME?
The plot thickens.
This is the official version from HPD regarding the shooting of a visiting pastor on Capitol Avenue early this morning: the First shooting happened at 932 Capitol Ave. at 0627 hours, documented under HPD Case 15-15639. The victim is identified as Augustas Sealy DOB 8/14/1959. Sealy is a church Pastor from Mass. Sealy is from Hartford and was posting Flags for Memorial Day in the area of Capitol Ave. @ Newton Street when he was shot by unknown assailant(s). Sealy was shot twice in the right leg and once in the upper left arm. He is in surgery at Saint Francis at this time listed as serious but stable. Investigation is active. MCD detectives and Crime Scene detectives are investigating.
According to at least two independent sources from HPD , speaking on the condition of remaining anonymous, have told me the shooting may actually be a hate crime. The victim, prior to being shot, was asked by the shooter "if he was gay" according to sources.
A request for comment from HPD Deputy Chief Brian Foley has gone unanswered.
Pastor Sealy was sticking flags into the ground alongside the sidewalk at the Church in honor of memorial day, prior to his being approached and shot 4 times.
It does not appear that Pastor Sealy has any readily available criminal history at this time.
UPDATE: Another source has told me that Pastor Sealy had actually served as pastor of the Capitol Avenue Church for five years before being transferred to another assignment in Shrewsbury MA.recently. He was back today for a celebration of his five years of service in Hartford apparently
This is the official version from HPD regarding the shooting of a visiting pastor on Capitol Avenue early this morning: the First shooting happened at 932 Capitol Ave. at 0627 hours, documented under HPD Case 15-15639. The victim is identified as Augustas Sealy DOB 8/14/1959. Sealy is a church Pastor from Mass. Sealy is from Hartford and was posting Flags for Memorial Day in the area of Capitol Ave. @ Newton Street when he was shot by unknown assailant(s). Sealy was shot twice in the right leg and once in the upper left arm. He is in surgery at Saint Francis at this time listed as serious but stable. Investigation is active. MCD detectives and Crime Scene detectives are investigating.
According to at least two independent sources from HPD , speaking on the condition of remaining anonymous, have told me the shooting may actually be a hate crime. The victim, prior to being shot, was asked by the shooter "if he was gay" according to sources.
A request for comment from HPD Deputy Chief Brian Foley has gone unanswered.
Pastor Sealy was sticking flags into the ground alongside the sidewalk at the Church in honor of memorial day, prior to his being approached and shot 4 times.
It does not appear that Pastor Sealy has any readily available criminal history at this time.
UPDATE: Another source has told me that Pastor Sealy had actually served as pastor of the Capitol Avenue Church for five years before being transferred to another assignment in Shrewsbury MA.recently. He was back today for a celebration of his five years of service in Hartford apparently
IS THE DEATH PENALTY OK IN HARTFORD?
Comments posted on other social media sites the last few days seem to be stating that Hartford's recent homicide victims are the result of their drug dealing ways. Now I don't doubt that many of the victims are living less than stellar, crime free lifestyles. But I have also not seen HPD state that they are all drug dealers , or even make the link for that matter between the homicides and any alleged motives. I think the posters are ready to assume that since they are murdered, they must be up to no good.
You know what they say happens when you "assume".
This morning a visiting pastor from Shrewsbury , Massachusetts was shot 4 times in front of the Church of the Nazarene on Capitol Avenue. The pastor's crime crime? Sticking American flags into the ground lining the sidewalk of the church in honor of Memorial Day. If you fall in line with the Downtown thinking, he must be a drug dealer to invite being shot 4 times.
Also, many of the recent shootings involve numerous shots fired, evidence shows in some cases 25 or more rounds fired. In one of the cases after 26 rounds, the victim was only grazed once. Where do you think those other rounds went? Accuracy is clearly not the priority or strong point of Hartford's shooters. Who knows where the other rounds landed
Could an innocent victim just driving by on Main Street take a bullet? Could a child sleeping in their bedroom be a victim of wayward bullets. How about a senior sitting by their front window watching television. To say that the violence only affects drug dealers is both ignorant as well as irresponsible. We should be screaming at our City leadership to end this violence, not condoning it by thinking " I am not a drug dealer so it won't happen to me"
And anyone that knows anything about economic development should understand that violent crime , especially homicides and gun violence makes it very difficult to attract new residents and businesses, no matter what the excuse. Anyone who has paid attention to Chief Rovella's public speeches knows he often partners Hartford's crime rate with the possible success or future of Hartford's Economic Development potential. To ignore the connection is shortsighted.
Until then, sentencing criminals to death at the hands of other criminals in Hartford is not acceptable. We will probably see many innocent victims of Hartford's death penalty by the end of summer of we are willing to accept it.
Luckily Pastor Seely is expected to survive his shooting, at least 10 others so far this year have not.
At least one Police Official told me this morning Pastor Seely's shooting may have been a gang related type of initiation to show that the shooter "was worthy", If that has any possibility of being true, that is a very scary thought.
Mayor Segarra and Council, what is the plan? Have you thought about what needs to be done. Show us some leadership please.
You know what they say happens when you "assume".
This morning a visiting pastor from Shrewsbury , Massachusetts was shot 4 times in front of the Church of the Nazarene on Capitol Avenue. The pastor's crime crime? Sticking American flags into the ground lining the sidewalk of the church in honor of Memorial Day. If you fall in line with the Downtown thinking, he must be a drug dealer to invite being shot 4 times.
Also, many of the recent shootings involve numerous shots fired, evidence shows in some cases 25 or more rounds fired. In one of the cases after 26 rounds, the victim was only grazed once. Where do you think those other rounds went? Accuracy is clearly not the priority or strong point of Hartford's shooters. Who knows where the other rounds landed
Could an innocent victim just driving by on Main Street take a bullet? Could a child sleeping in their bedroom be a victim of wayward bullets. How about a senior sitting by their front window watching television. To say that the violence only affects drug dealers is both ignorant as well as irresponsible. We should be screaming at our City leadership to end this violence, not condoning it by thinking " I am not a drug dealer so it won't happen to me"
And anyone that knows anything about economic development should understand that violent crime , especially homicides and gun violence makes it very difficult to attract new residents and businesses, no matter what the excuse. Anyone who has paid attention to Chief Rovella's public speeches knows he often partners Hartford's crime rate with the possible success or future of Hartford's Economic Development potential. To ignore the connection is shortsighted.
Until then, sentencing criminals to death at the hands of other criminals in Hartford is not acceptable. We will probably see many innocent victims of Hartford's death penalty by the end of summer of we are willing to accept it.
Luckily Pastor Seely is expected to survive his shooting, at least 10 others so far this year have not.
At least one Police Official told me this morning Pastor Seely's shooting may have been a gang related type of initiation to show that the shooter "was worthy", If that has any possibility of being true, that is a very scary thought.
Mayor Segarra and Council, what is the plan? Have you thought about what needs to be done. Show us some leadership please.
FROM HPD: PASTOR SHOT 4 TIMES IN FRONT OF CHURCH SUNDAY MORNING
First shooting happened at 932 Capitol Ave. at 0627 hours,
documented under HPD Case 15-15639. The victim is identified as Augustas Sealy
DOB 8/14/1959. Sealy is a church Pastor from Mass. Sealy is from Hartford and
was posting Flags for Memorial Day in the area of Capitol Ave. @ Newton Street
when he was shot by unknown assailant(s). Sealy was shot twice in the right leg
and once in the upper left arm. He is in surgery at Saint Francis at this time
listed as serious but stable. Investigation is active. MCD detectives and Crime
Scene detectives are investigating.
Second shooting happened at 402 garden St. at 0641 hours,
documented under HPD Case 15-15640. The victim is identified as Robert Jones DOB
2/29/1987. Jones is a Hartford resident with a criminal history. Jones was
walking in the area of 402 Garden St. when a unknown lone shooter approached him
and started shooting. This shooting is captured on video. Jones is at Saint
Francis listed in critical condition. He was hit by gunfire in the chest groin
and both arms. MCD and crime scene detectives are actively investigating this
shooting also.