Search This Blog

Thursday, February 25, 2016

REAL TALK FROM MAYOR BRONIN, TONIGHT'S SUBJECT-PUBLIC SAFETY

Tonight, Mayor Luke Bronin held another of his Town Hall Meetings. Tonight's topic was Public Safety.

Unlike community meetings from the past administration, the sugar coating was gone. It was honest and frank conversations about the staffing shortages in the Police Department and tough budget decisions facing the City for both Police and Fire.

City residents in attendance who stepped up to the microphone were  supportive of the efforts of HPD and HFD and the services they provide to our community. I think it was also important that Chief Rovella chose to attend the meeting without a large entourage. People were able to speak to the Chief and some from the Mayor's Staff one-on one, in a very low key manor. I think a large uniformed contingent would have kept that from happening.

Both Chief Rovella and Chief Freeman welcomed residents to call them directly with comments, concerns or questions. Chief Rovella can be reached at 860-757-4000 and Chief Freeman can be reached at 860-757-4500.

Before the meeting began I was somewhat concerned that the opinions might not be supportive of our Police Department. The comments were mostly geared toward HPD and I was afraid that what seems like a national sentiment to bash cops would prevail. Apparently those in attendance realized how fortunate we are here to have the Community Oriented Policing program that Chief Rovella has built in Hartford and the comments stayed on point and very positive.

Several speakers related personal experiences but one in particular really stood out. The woman related how she returned home one night this week to hear gunfire close by as she walked to her front porch. She apparently observed a car pulling away with someone shooting out of the window . She immediately dove for the ground and laid on her front porch to avoid the gunfire. Almost immediately HPD showed up in front of her house. With the assistance of "Shot Spotter" the location was pinpointed and officers were dispatched immediately. The woman couldn't provide much additional information since she was on the ground, but she sang the praises of the Shot spotter technology

Mayor Bronin and Chief Rovella both emphasized the use of technology to increase the effectiveness of HPD's policing efforts.

Mayor Bronin's Office issued the following release after the meeting:

MAYOR BRONIN HOLDS TOWN HALL ON PUBLIC SAFETY  

— NEWS AND COMMUNITY STATEMENT —  

(February 25, 2016) Today, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin hosted his second monthly town hall. Speaking with residents gathered at Hartford Public High School, the Mayor stressed the importance of hiring police officers to address the crisis in police staffing, using new technology to modernize the police force, and engaging the community more directly.  

“Our most fundamental responsibility is to help keep our streets and neighborhoods safe,” Mayor Bronin said. “That starts with addressing the crisis in police staffing, but we also need to take full advantage of new technology and build even stronger partnerships with residents and community leaders.”

The Hartford Police Department is currently more than 100 officers below the staffing level recommended by independent consultants. Earlier this month, the Mayor accelerated the hiring of a new Police Academy class, consisting of 14 recruits and a Cadet from HPD’s restructured Cadet Program for city residents. The HPD has established a Recruiting Unit to assist in improving the recruitment of city residents and increase the diversity of the police force.

On Wednesday, Hartford unveiled a new Real-Time Crime and Data Intelligence Center to improve city policing and prevent criminal activity in the Greater Hartford region by taking advantage of new technology. The new crime center will help law enforcement make smart, targeted, timely arrests to get the most violent individuals off the street.

The Mayor stressed the importance of engaging the community in new ways to solve problems and generate ideas to tackle violence. In particular, he discussed the City’s plan to open Compstat meetings to the public, including the leaders of the faith community. At Compstat meetings, police share data and information about trends in criminal activity throughout the city.

While laying out the three pillars of staffing, modernization and community engagement as keys to the law enforcement strategy, Mayor Bronin noted that law enforcement is only a part of the public safety equation. “As we continue to strengthen law enforcement efforts, we also need to recognize that public safety is about much more than law enforcement. That’s why we’re going to continue to focus on expanding youth employment, combatting blight, cleaning up our neighborhoods, and building partnerships to help residents with criminal records get a real second chance,” the Mayor said.

“The single most powerful tool for reducing crime in our city is to give Hartford’s young people opportunities for meaningful employment,” the Mayor added. “I am committed to establishing a Youth Service Corps. where members will have the chance to earn a paycheck while serving their community, whether it’s fixing up blighted properties or helping seniors with their homes.”

Mayor Bronin has committed to holding monthly town halls in different neighborhoods around Hartford.  He hosted a January town hall addressing his administration’s priorities and his first 30 days in office.

###

FROM HPD: WELL ARMED DRUG DEALING

Isaiah Quinonez

On Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at approximately 12:10 p.m., while conducting Bodega/ Convenience Store inspections, HPD Patrol Officers observed a suspicious vehicle parked in front of 3391 Main Street.  The operator of the vehicle appeared to be conducting hand to hand transactions of narcotics with at least two individuals.  During the course of their investigation HPD Officers developed probable cause and located marijuana, packaging materials, and a loaded .45 caliber semiauto Ruger handgun.  The operator was licensed to carry, however, the firearm was seized and tagged for safekeeping, pending a review of the incident by Connecticut State Police Weapons and Permits Unit.  The operator was arrested and transported to the Hartford Police Booking facility and charged with several narcotic charges. 

Evidence:
.45 Caliber semi auto "Ruger" model SR 1911 handgun
$4810.00 in U.S. currency
Two bags of marijuana (0.5 ounces)
Arrested: Isaiah, Quinonez, 31, of Hartford, CT
Charges:
1.      Possession of a controlled substance
2.      Possession with intent to sell

FROM HPD: BARBERSHOP DRUG ARREST

Joctan Hernandez

During the month of February, HPD Detectives from the Vice and Narcotics unit were contacted by the Windsor Police Department in regards to a business in Hartford that was selling "tainted" heroin.  Windsor Police were investigating a non fatal overdose due to possible tainted heroin.  An individual identified the G&T Barber Shop as the location where the tainted heroin was purchased.  HPD Vice and Narcotic Detectives were able to obtain a valid search and seizure warrant for this location.  Upon execution of this search warrant, HPD Detectives located 6 individuals inside the business.  A search of the business produced a bag inside a garbage can containing 46 bags of heroin, 17 bags of cocaine, and 4 bags of marijuana.  The Manager of the business informed Detectives that the drugs located in the store belonged to him.  The Manager was placed under arrest for drug related charges and transported to the Hartford Booking facility.  A second individual inside the store was found to be in possession of less than 4 ounce of marijuana and was issued an infraction ticket.  The heroin tested inconclusive for Fentanyl and will be sent to the State lab for further testing. 

Evidence:
46 bags of heroin
17 bags of cocaine
4 bags of marijuana
$125.00 in U.S. Currency
Arrested: Joctan Hernandez, 42, of Hartford, CT
Charges:
1.      Possession of Narcotics
2.      Possession of Narcotics With Intent to Sell
3.      Possession of Narcotics With Intent to Sell within 1500 ft of school
4.      Possession of a Controlled Substance

Ticketed:  Hector Marrero, 19, of Hartford, CT
Charges:
1.        Possession of a Controlled Substance


FROM HPD: NORTH DISTRICT BODEGA INSPECTONS

On Wednesday, 02/24/16, The Hartford Police Department North District CSO's, in a cooperative effort with officials from State of CT Liquor Control, CT Department of Labor, CT Department of Revenue Services, City of Hartford Health Department, and City of Hartford License and Inspections, conducted numerous inspections of Bodegas/ Convenience Stores throughout the North District. These inspections were focused on ensuring compliance with State and City laws and ordinances. In total nine locations were inspected during this operation.

Location: Department/ Outcome: HPD case number:
1.)    2570 Main St. "Munchies Food Store" -- No Violations -- 2016-05661

2.) 194 Westland St. "JR Supermarket LLC."
-- Health - Citation issued -- 2016-05665
-- Liquor - Verbal warning
-- CT Tax - Citation issued
-- Labor - CLOSED THE STORE

3.) 1166 Albany Ave. "Pasty Dynamics" -- CT Tax- Summons issued -- 2016-05666
-- Health - (14) violations, verbal warning
-- FMO- suspended hot food services
-- L&I - formal write up with follow up inspection set.

4.) 256 Albany Ave. "Center Market" -- Health - citation issued --2016-05673

5.) 3397 Main St. "Mr. B Mini Mart" -- No Violations
- outside this location Arrest case number 2016-5679 (see unusual report for this incident.)

6.) 1468 Albany Ave. "Scotts II" -- No Violations -- 2016-05682

7.) 2383 Main St. "Super Deli On Main" -- Labor - CLOSED THE STORE -- 2016-05683

8.) 1631 Main St. "People's Plaza" -- Liquor - Citation issued -- 2016-05691

9.) 240 Walnut St. "Recycle King" -- Labor - CLOSED THE STORE -- 2016-05692

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

COUNCIL ACTIONS FOR FEBRUARY 22, 2016

FROM HPD: IS EVERYONE CARRYING A GUN?

On February 22, 2016 at 10:02pm, Hartford Police Department Community Service Officers were working a proactive detail in the West End. As they were patrolling the area, they observed a person standing by Christine Grocery, 227 Sisson Ave. After patrolling for 15 minutes they observed the person still standing on the property. Officers then recognized the male and as being wanted for an outstanding warrant. Officers checked the suspect through dispatch and confirmed the active Hartford warrant. The male was handcuffed without incident. Incidental to arrest officers found a loaded Jimenez Arms 9mm firearm containing five live rounds, one in the chamber, and crack cocaine on the suspect.

Arrested: Joseph Grant 27 of Hartford, CT. (Convicted Felon, 15 Previous Hartford Arrests)
Charges:
1.       Criminal Possession of a Firearm
2.       Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit
3.       Trespassing 3rd
4.       Possession of Narcotics
As well as Mittimus Prawn Warrant.
$500,000 Bond