ANOTHER RESPONSE TO A COMMENT

Anonymous said...

And what about all those new medical kits for the cruisers. A lot of good they will do sitting in a classroom at the Academy. Why? If anyone needs them, not much you can do about it, especially after we were trained with them . Why buy them in the first place if we can't have access to them. maybe eventually we can say "geez, we might have saved a life if they weren't locked up in the Academy"

February 9, 2016 at 7:30 PM

Anonymous said...

The lack of med kits being distributed back in october, rests on Deputy Chief Dustin Rendock. Plain and simple. He put a major speedbump up. Those kits are ready to be deployed, but Rendock has to flex what little command presence he has as the behind the desk Chief.

But hey, i dont mind driving a spare cruiser with no kit or tank in it. What a lawsuit it would be if someone dies due to med kits piled up at the academy. I bet they would be in the field after a nbc 30 news broadcast .....hmmmmmmm

February 9, 2016 at 8:34 PM

The two comments above were received Monday night. The comments provoked me to find out more. Apparently, the new medical kits were ordered to outfit Hartford Police cruisers with new medical bags . The bags also contain technology and equipment used by the US Military for lifesaving efforts, particularly to deal with shootings and severe trauma. The packets apparently use  technology that provides clotting agents to  gunshot wounds and definitely have proven beneficial in saving lives.

HPD personnel were trained in the use of the equipment , from what I am told by sources , in August. The lifesaving equipment has sat in a classroom at the Police Academy ever since, never being distributed to front line units in the field. I am unable to  understand what would motivate anyone to withhold such important equipment from being put into service as soon as it was available. Does the person playing games have a conscience?

Never being distributed to units in the field, until today that is. Once I began asking questions and trying to gather answers as to why lifesaving equipment was gathering dust at the Academy, things began to happen. This morning, all HPD Patrol units from the midnight shift were ordered to report to the Police Academy to be outfitted with their new medical equipment. From what I am told, all HPD line units are tonight fitted with new lifesaving equipment, including the clotting factor and specialized trauma bandages specially designed to deal with gunshot wounds.

Keep the comments coming in, they do make a difference. In this case possibly with lifesaving results.

And I also received a question about the oxygen tanks with the kits freezing

According to information on-line,the tank its self. it can feel frozen. but wont break when dropped. if you mean the oxygen itself. . . yes oxygen can freeze. all elements have a freezing point. Oxygen has a freezing point of -368.77 °F. I don't think the temperature is predicted to get  anywhere near that this weekend, but maybe one of the Deputy Chiefs knows better

HARTFORD CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS FOR FEBRUARY 8, 2016

Revised CounciL  Actions -Meeting February 8, 2016

WHERE THERE IS SMOKE.. FIRE REVEALS MARIJUANA OPERATION

VICENTE SANTIAGO

 

On Wednesday, February 10, 2016, at approximately 3:40 p.m., HPD Patrol Officers were dispatched to 180 Bonner Street to assist Hartford Fire Department on a structure fire.  After the fire was extinguished, fire personnel notified HPD Officers that they located suspected marijuana grow in the master bedroom. HPD Detectives from the Vice and Narcotics Unit responded to the scene and determined that inside the residence was a marijuana grow in the bedroom and basement areas.  A search warrant was applied for and executed, where Detectives were able to locate 20 marijuana plants and several items used to cultivate marijuana plants.  The resident of the home arrived on scene and was placed under arrest for several drug related charges and transported to the HPD Booking Facility to be processed.  HFD reported the fire was not caused by marijuana op.

Evidence:

20 Marijuana plants

Grow lights, timers, liquid plant food, thermometer and one grow cabinet

Arrested: Vincente Santiago, 32, of Hartford, CT

CHARGES:

1.       Illegal Cultivation of Marijuana

2.       Possession of Marijuana

3.       Drug Factory

4.       Possession within 1500 feet of a School

SOUTH MARSHALL CLEAN-UP CONTINUES, FROM HPD

On Wednesday, February 10, 2016, at approximately 8:30 p.m., HPD Detectives from the Vice and Narcotics unit executed a valid search and seizure warrant at 18 South Marshall Street.  HPD Detectives were able to obtain credible information that individuals residing in this location were selling narcotics.  Upon executing the search and seizure warrant, Detectives located a male and two females in the living room of the apartment.  A search of the apartment produced two loaded firearms, one reported stolen out of New Hampshire, 224 bags of heroin, 5 ounces of crack cocaine, $1406 dollars in U.S. currency, 2 ounces of Marijuana and miscellaneous packaging material.  All three individuals were placed under arrest for firearm and narcotic related charges and transported to the HPD Booking Facility for processing.  The resident of 218 South Marshall Street was allowed to call an individual to secure her apartment.  The individual contacted to by the resident arrived on scene to secure the apartment, during a warrant check of Vilcher, it was determined that he had an outstanding warrant out of New York as a Fugitive from Justice for narcotic related charges. 

Evidence:

Ruger .44 caliber revolver, Model Super Red Hawk (stolen out of N.H)

Silver Colt .32 caliber handgun, Model .32 rimless

224 bags of heroin

5 ounces of crack cocaine

$1406.00 in U.S. currency

Packaging material

Arrested:  Sarah Rivera, 27, of Hartford, CT

CHARGES:

1.       Possession of Narcotics

2.       Possession of Narcotics With Intent to Sell

3.       Drug Factory

4.       Possession of Controlled Substance

5.       Possession of a Stolen Firearm

6.       Possession Controlled Substance With Intent to Sell

Arrested: Lamar Stanford, 36, of Windsor, CT (Convicted Felon 16 Previous Hartford Arrests)

CHARGES:

1.       Possession of Narcotics

2.       Possession Narcotics With Intent to Sell

3.       Drug Factory

4.       Possession of Controlled Substance

5.       Possession of a Stolen Firearm

6.       Possession Controlled Substance With Intent to Sell

7.       Criminal Possession of a Firearm

Arrested: Danielle Hicks,. 28, of Hartford, CT (also Convicted Felon 16 Previous Hartford Arrests)

CHARGES:

1.       Possession of Narcotics

2.       Possession Narcotics With Intent to Sell

3.       Drug Factory

4.       Possession of Controlled Substance

5.       Possession of a Stolen Firearm

6.       Possession Controlled Substance With Intent to Sell

7.       Criminal Possession of a Firearm

Taken into custody: Felix Vilcher, 45, of Hartford, CT

CHARGES: Outstanding warrant for Fugitive of Justice

MAYOR BRONIN TO OPEN WARMING CENTERS

CITY OF HARTFORD ANNOUNCES WARMING

 CENTER HOURS

FOR FEBRUARY 12-14, 2016

-  NEWS AND COMMUNITY STATEMENT -

(February 11, 2016) - Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin has ordered the opening of the warming centers in the City of Hartford. The purpose for opening these centers shall be to provide temporary comfort during regular business hours.  Any residents in need of overnight shelter accommodations are encouraged to call 2-1-1.

"With temperatures expected to be in the low 20s and high teens, and with high winds bringing the wind chill factor temperatures to the single digit range, I'm urging residents to take steps to stay indoors and prepare for extreme cold," said Mayor Bronin. "I've ordered the opening of our warming centers, which provide daytime options for residents. However, if you or anyone you know is in need of overnight arrangements, please reach out to our partners at 2-1-1."

During severe cold weather, residents should take the following precautions:

• Stay indoors if possible
• If you must go outside, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Wear a hat and change wet clothes frequently to prevent loss of body heat.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion
• If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible

List of Warming Centers:

• South End Wellness Center, 830 Maple Avenue: Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
• Parkville Senior Center, 11 New Park Avenue: Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Hispanic Health Council, 175 Main Street: Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Hispanic Senior Center, 45 Wadsworth Street: Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Parker Memorial, 2621 Main Street: Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Pope Park, 30 Pope Park Drive: Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

The Hartford Public Library is available for residents and visitors.  Below are hours of operation.

• Hartford Downtown Library, 500 Main Street: Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Albany Library Branch, 1250 Albany Avenue: Friday and Saturday 12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Barbour Branch, 281 Barbour Street: Friday and Saturday 12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Camp Field Branch, 30 Campfield Avenue: Friday and Saturday 12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Dwight Branch, 7 New Park Avenue: Friday 12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Goodwin, 460 New Britain Avenue: Friday and Saturday 12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Mark Twain Branch, 55 Forest Street: Friday 12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Park Street Branch, 744 Park Street: Friday 12:30pm - 5:00pm 
• SAND/Ropkins Branch, 1750 Main Street: Friday 12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP

An interesting call was broadcast on the HPD radio tonight. I am still shaking my head in disbelief

Tenants living in an apartment on Broad Street called in a no heat complaint to the HPD  Dispatch Center. I think by law a landlord has to maintain heat in an apartment at 68degrees for the tenants. The man and woman complaining reported that they had no heat in their apartment.

Apparently an officer was dispatched and upon further investigation he learned an amazing fact.  Sometime over the summer, the two tenants removed the radiators from the apartment and sold them as scrap  metal at a Hartford junk yard.

I wonder why they thought the heat wasn't working.

It appears as though the couple will be in heated quarters after the warrants are signed and served for their arrests for the theft.

I really would like to ask them what there were  thinking, stealing their  radiators and then having the nerve to call in a no heat complaint. Did they think no one would notice the pipes cut off in the floor where the radiators used to be?

And who says being a cop can't be fun?

HPD CRIME STATISTICS FOR WEEK ENDING 2-6-16

Compstat 01-31-16 to 02-06-16

DUI CHECKPOINT FRIDAY

2016_2_09

REVISED STADIUM AGREEMENT

Attachment to Agenda Item _3 Hearing February 16, 2016

HARTFORD PUBLIC HEARINGS SCHEDULED

OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2016

Councilpersons; Clarke, Concepción, Deutsch, Gale, and Jennings will represent the Council at a Public Hearing to be held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building at 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, February 16, 2016.

1. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING HARTFORD AS A SANCTUARY CITY. (MINORITY LEADER BERMUDEZ)
Referred to the Quality of Life and Public Safety Committee

2. ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE IV, SECTION 2-105 OF CODE DE CHANGING THE NAME OF METRO HARTFORD INFORMATION SERVICES TO METRO HARTFORD INNOVATION SERVICES. (MAYOR BRONIN)

3. ORDINANCE AMENDING AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AUTHORITY FOR THE CITY OF HARTFORD AND AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF REAL PROPERTY TO SAID AUTHORITY. (MAYOR BRONIN) Replacement
Referred to the Operations, Management, Budget Committee and Government Accountability
Attest: John V. Bazzano
City Clerk
For more information on committee meeting date please contact the following:

FROM THE MAYOR'S FFICE

WEDNESDAY: MAYOR BRONIN TO CELEBRATE GRAND OPENING OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING AT LIBERTY GARDENS

 

— MEDIA ADVISORY—

 

(Feb. 9, 2016) Tomorrow morning, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin will offer remarks at the Grand Opening Celebration and Ribbon-Cutting for Chrysalis Center Real Estate Corporation’s newest affordable housing initiative, Liberty Gardens.

 

Liberty Gardens is a 10-unit affordable apartment building for families. Funding for the historic preservation project was provided by various state agencies. In addition, the Corporation received $400,000 in financing from the City of Hartford’s HOME funds to rehabilitate vacant, historic buildings.

 

---

 

WHO: Mayor Bronin

WHAT: Grand Opening Ribbon-Cutting Celebration of Liberty Gardens
WHEN: Wednesday, February 10, 2016, 9:45 a.m.

WHERE: Liberty Gardens, 272 Garden Street, Hartford

HARTFORD YOUTH EMPLOYMENT BEING ADDRESSED BY MAYOR BRONIN

HARTFORD YOUTH INVITED TO CITY’S EMPLOYMENT AND EMPOWERMENT DAY

— NEWS AND COMMUNITY STATEMENT—

 

(February 9, 2016)   Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin invites students of Hartford schools, and their families, to participate in the City of Hartford’s “Rock Your Future 2016” (#RYF2016). This free career readiness event will feature workshops on résumé writing, interview skills, and professional online presence (where youth can have a professional headshot photograph taken). Eligible youth will be able to pre-apply for  2016 summer youth employment . A special workshop for parents, grandparents, and other guardians will feature guest speakers and a youth panel about empowering youth toward success. In the #RYF2016 Resource Hall, youth and their family members will gain valuable information, including how to: open a bank account, obtain a social security card, submit a birth record application, navigate public transit systems, understand workplace rights, and more. Campus tours also will be provided.

The event, sponsored by the Department of Families, Children, Youth and Recreation (DFCYR) ,  Capital Workforce Partners ,  Hartford Public Schools , and the  Hartford Student Senate ,   will be Feb. 20 at Trinity College’s Mather Hall. Participants are strongly encouraged to pre-register for  either  the morning session (7:40 a.m. to 1 p.m.)  or  the afternoon session (12:10 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.). Registration:  http://dfcyr.hartford.gov .

“Connecting Hartford’s young men and women to career opportunities is the single most important thing we can do to build a stronger Hartford,” said Mayor Bronin.  “I encourage every young Hartford resident to attend Rock Your Future 2016 and learn how to take full advantage of the opportunities that are out there.  We’re working to expand summer and year-round employment, and we want every young person in Hartford to have the chance to get that job that helps open the door to a career.” 

“It is vital that our community empower youth toward positive decisions and well-paying careers. We are excited to highlight youth career readiness at RYF2016,” said DFCYR Director José Colón-Rivas.

---

WHO:   Students of Hartford schools, and their families

WHAT: “ Rock Your Future 2016” Youth Employment and Empowerment Day

WHEN:  Saturday, February 20, 2016, 7:40 a.m. to 1 p.m.  or  12:10 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

WHERE:  Mather Hall at Trinity College, 300 Summit Street, Hartford

"WE THE PEOPLE PROGRAM" ; FEBRUARY 8, 2016

Today, Hyacinth Yennie and I sat down to talk Healthcare with two guests, Yomaira Colon and one of her volunteers. Angela, from Caring Families Coalition. CFC's mission is to build a strong community for low income families and individuals to have a voice. CFC works to help people understand how the healthcare system works and how it affects them and their families.

Yomaira can be reached at 860-524-0502 x-12 or by email at yomaira.colon@ucanct.org

MAYOR BRONIN TO WELCOME NEW POLICE RECRUITS TO HARTFORD ACADEMY

MONDAY: MAYOR BRONIN TO WELCOME NEW POLICE ACADEMY CLASS; ENCOURAGES MILLENIALS TO JOIN BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS WITH HYPE

— MEDIA ADVISORY— 

(Feb 7, 2016) Monday, February 8, 2016, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin will welcome the newest recruits of the Hartford Police Academy. The class is commencing two months earlier than scheduled in an effort to improve the inherited police staffing shortage.  

In the evening, Mayor Bronin will offer remarks at “Boards and Commissions on Tap,” a panel event hosted by Young Energetic Solutions (YES) and Hartford Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs (HYPE). The Mayor will discuss efforts to encourage Hartford’s millennials to help better shape their communities by becoming members of various boards or commissions.  ---

WHO: Mayor Luke Bronin

WHAT: Welcome to new recruits of the Hartford Police Academy

WHEN: Monday, Feb 8, 2016, 8:00 a.m.

WHERE: Hartford Police Academy, 50 Williams Street, Hartford

 

---

WHO: Mayor Luke Bronin, Middletown Mayor Dan Drew

WHAT: Boards and Commissions on Tap

WHEN: Monday, Feb 8, 2016, 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: City Steam Brewery Café, 942 Main Street, Hartford

A RESPONSE TO A COMMENT

 

The following comment was posted this morning, Sunday, by , of course "Anonymous":

" I agree. This chief has destroyed the morale. They will find a way to justify eliminating conditions. You think crime is bad now? Wait till there is no more conditions. The no vote of confidence will never happen. The department's mentality for the most part has become all about individuals instead of unity. That's why the veterans are leaving. They've had enough of the bull. "

Lets look at some facts here here. This  is a disgruntled group of police officers that have been part of what are called "Condition Units". For those not familiar with the term, as a community, probably 15 years or so ago, maybe less, we were sold a Community policing program by former Chief Patrick Harnett.

That plan was to divide the City into four areas with each area being its own district. Eventually due to staffing and budget issues, those four areas were reduced to three; north, south and central. There apparently talk now , again due to budget and staffing issues , to reduce that districting to two areas, North and South. Central would be eliminated and the City would be divided back into two areas as it was before Harnett's plan was implemented ( Actually it wasn't Harnett's plan. It was devised by former Assistant Chief's Michael Fallon and Daryl Roberts, Harnett just took the credit)

The Condition Units were a big part of that plan , at least in the sales pitch to get the Community to buy into the plan. They were sold to us to be focused units dealing with "quality of life" issues. The loitering , noise complaints, all of the little things that drag neighborhoods down. They were supposed to address many of the things that are known as "C" calls. The calls that were infuriating residents because they would call the Police and no one would show up for hours.

It started out that way but didn't last. The Conditions Units quickly were allowed to morph  into  little strike forces around the City. They seem to have lost their focus on the quality of life issues, started wearing swat style vests identifying them as "HPD Conditions"  and became mini STF or Vice and Narcotics Units. Many times they were duplicating efforts, the right hand not knowing what the left hand was working on.

Those crimes do affect the over all quality of life, but they also were not intended to  be the focus of the Conditions Units

In recent years the Conditions Units could very well be renamed as the "Bar Detail".  Many neighborhoods lost their conditions units regularly on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights to handle their unruly bar customers downtown or in the North Main area. This was largely allowed by a previous Mayor and Council who wouldn't hire police officers . Segarra was  more concerned about his image in the media with bar shootings and violence than he was about the quality of life in neighborhoods.

A big question  should be asked is why would neighborhoods be stripped of resources on the nights they are being needed most, rather than make the bar owners and clubs hire officers  to control their clients?

Now with the Police Department over 100 officers short of where they should be, and more leaving in the near future , we are paying the price. There are only so many bodies to go around to fill a schedule that his minimum, staffing requirements. Those bodies have to come from somewhere, and we know we can't hire them quick enough and wave the magic wand to make them police officers overnight. Although a new class of 15 Police Officers is supposed to start this month, it will be almost a year before they are trained and certified to be on their own

In addition, the overtime requirements are out of control. I am sure most Hartford resident's would not be thrilled with the overtime costs associated with Mayor Segarra  and the previous Council's lack
of hiring. The numbers are outrageous for what was paid last year in overtime alone,  not to mention the lack of productivity by burned out officers working excessive hours .

The  numbers in dollars are pretty small, but returning conditions to patrol will fill required and necessary holes in the basic Patrol schedule and  budget. It will be approximately $45,000 to $50,000 dollars before the new budget year begins July 1, 2015.

And more importantly, how did staffing get so bad that we now have to dismantle what should be vital components of the Community Policing Program. We just came through a campaign season. Where were the Union  or Fraternal Organization advertisements about Police staffing in Hartford? Where is the outcry about playing games with Police staffing? Do none of you officers willing to whine here about the impact of a handful  of officer's being reassigned out of necessity realize the danger that failing to hire new officer's puts all of you in?

Your vote of no confidence should be in the previous Administration, not in the Chief who was instrumental in getting you one of the better contracts in years. Not in the Chief who even had to fight with the previous Administration just to get you new, safe vehicles to drive.

And the veterans are leaving , many not from dissatisfaction but because they are maxing out their earnings. $243,975 a year  for a Police Officer, and that is minus November and December earnings, as he was already retired, really? I doubt he left because he is disgusted with the Department, if so  maybe he needs to get into counseling. I think most people would be amazed at the earnings list for HPD for the past year, especially page 1 through 4. I can see why you would be upset about Chief Rovella actually trying to manage his budget.

Maybe what you should consider is uniting behind Chief Rovella to get the proper support to hire and rebuild the Department. Rally  behind the Chief to establish a program to allow bar owners and businesses  to hire Police Officers in four hour blocks to maintain order in the entertainment areas ( remember the Downtown Special before it was taken over by Conditions and CSO's and you were all cut out of that work?) Establishing 4 hour billing would not only benefit bar owners who do want to hire but don't want to have to pay for a full eight hours, but it would be a regular  addition to the PJ schedule.

If staffing allows in the future and the conditions units are reconstituted, they need to be focused on the quality of life issues as we were promised initially. Quality of life issues may not be as exciting  as chasing guns and drugs, but quality of life issues are what drives people out of our City

Although many of our political leaders do read the blog, the Chief is not the bad guy here. You need to focus your efforts where it belongs and where you will actually get a benefit and see the results.

Be careful what you wish for, things could be much worse.