Search This Blog

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

LET'S BE FAIR

Media outlets in Hartford are running a story this evening that makes it appear as though some great journalistic work has uncovered additional details in the arrest of a Hartford Police Detective this past weekend.

The fact of the matter is that details of racial and ethnic comments made by that officer only came to light after an e-mail was sent to several "community partners", myself included.

The e-mail was sent by Deputy Chief Brian Foley Tuesday evening at 9:01PM  and is  in the HPD's continuing efforts at transparency and building and maintaining the public's trust.

I think it is important to give credit to Chief Rovella and Deputy Chief Foley and all officers at HPD that are part of that effort.

So to be honest, it is not some great journalism, but more a great effort at continuing community relations by HPD.

Foley Email by on Scribd

PROFITING OFF DISABILITY IN HARTFORD

And just when you thought Hartford couldn't go much lower, here they go. With little fanfare or public discussion, some may call it transparency, the Hartford Parking Authority is beginning  a new program as of September 1, 2017 stating that they will no longer recognize Handicap Parking permits for parking exemptions. Other than discussions from concerned residents on Facebook, there seems to be little attempt to advise the public of the changes..

The Parking Authority has the following statement on their website:


To reduce abuse of accessible parking spaces, starting on September 1, 2017, HPA will no longer allow free on-street, metered parking for motorists displaying accessible parking permits intended for people with disabilities.
In the downtown area, one out of six cars in a metered space currently displays an accessible parking permit, indicating there is a significant amount of permit abuse. This means that those truly in need must overcome the challenge and frustration of not being able to access parking in close proximity to the places they frequent.
HPA ensures that our newest technology parking meters and our new “Woonerf” parking app will provide a useful and convenient means for lawful accessible parking permit holders to pay for parking.

Now I will be the first one to admit that there is definitely widespread abuse in the Handicap Parking permits.Doctor's seem to give them out like candy and  I am sure we all know someone who has kept a permit from a dead relative to be able to  grab a coveted parking space marked with the blue wheelchair at Walmart or the mall. I am a little unsure of the Hartford Parking authorities claim that one out of six cars parked in a metered space downtown is occupied by a fraudulent handicap permit holder, that seems a little excessive.

Regardless, is it right to penalize disabled persons who legitimately use their permits to park instead of targeting the frauds? Maybe , just maybe, if we can find grant money to pursue drivers with a cell phone to their ear, can't we do the same for the more despicable drivers who are willing to capitalize on disabled persons to beat the City out of a few dollars?

There is also an issue of whether the parking kiosk's comply with the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) and that needs to be thoroughly addressed also. Private business owners are forced to comply with ADA regulations everyday for everything from bathrooms to fire pull station heights., so shouldn't the government and the Hartford Parking Authority be held to the same standard.

This is a quick posting to get the word out on this policy before it is implemented, but I will  be requesting additional information from the HPA through a Freedom of Information request and I will post that information here when the HPA complies. Calls requesting comment from the HPA have not been returned at this point.

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

WHAT IS THE TRANSITION PLAN?

No one can accuse Mayor Luke Bronin of showing or exercising much vision when it comes to the future of Hartford.  He does deserve an A- plus for placing blame though and has proven pretty good at blaming everyone else for the failures of City Hall. Everyone else except himself though. Bronin may have to start taking responsibility soon though.

Almost two years ago, I had spoke to several City Council people and posted here regarding the renewal of the contract for Hartford Police Chief James Rovella .The renewal appeared to be in jeopardy for some time, but eventually the City came to it senses and offered a 2 year renewal to Rovella.

I had stressed to the people that I spoke with that that the contract should come with a stipulation that the City should  promote from within or go outside to find a suitable Assistant Chief to work closely  with Rovella and be ready to succeed Rovella for a clean and smooth transition when Rovella leaves.

Here is my posting regarding Rovella's contract and the need for a succesion plan from 2015. http://wethepeoplehartford.blogspot.com/2016/09/if-it-matters-i-support-chief-rovella.html

I know, more crazy talk from me. Decent management plans are not something known to the City of Hartford ,where chaos and incompetence abounds.

Needless to say, no successor was ever identified. No successor was mentored by Chief Rovella and no "heir apparent" is in place, even though Chief Rovella is leaving in a few short months.

Keeping HPD functioning under the current conditions is a miracle in itself and is a credit to the skills of Chief Rovella. In a City racked with financial issues and a police department that is almost 150 officers short and the remaining officers working without a current contract, it is amazing it works at all.

I am not sure Mayor Bronin comprehends the importance of his pick for Police Chief. I am already hearing that the next Chief has  quite possibly been chosen by Bronin. If sources are accurate, it may very well be a high ranking Connecticut State Police Trooper. I hope , for once, my sources are wrong, because it would be a huge mistake for Bronin to make the selection without any transparency or even public input. Before Chief Rovella was appointed as the permanent Chief there were numerous public forums and interviews, some might say inquisitions held.

Adding to the problem is the fact that Chief Rovella has kept the Assistant Chief's spots unfilled for the last couple years for budget reasons. Long term that might prove to be a mistake.

The bench is pretty thin at HPD right now for anyone even close to Rovella's skills and knowledge. Two names are currently circulating as potential Assistant Chief 's in preparation. One, Deputy Chief William Long is probably the most qualified and capable, but as this is Hartford, most qualified and capable doesn't usually count for much. The second name being floated has more baggage than an arrivals carousel at Bradley Airport, so he will probably be the Bronin pick. You can read about some of that baggage here, and there is plenty more that I am sure will come out eventually. "Conduct unbecoming" charges are not good attributes for a potential key leadership role

The future of HPD is too important and valuable for Hartford and its residents to make poor, hasty or even political decisions regarding the next Chief.

We need a Chief similar to Chief Rovella, not a puppet of City Hall.

Saturday, August 5, 2017

HARTFORD'S LATEST HOMICIDE

FROM HPD

"On 08/05/17, patrol units responded to the area of 62 Edgewood Street for the report of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim seated in a vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Medical aid was provided until the arrival of EMS and Fire. The victim was transported to Saint Francis Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 0706. Detectives from the Major Crimes Division, Crime Scene Division and an Inspector from the Hartford Chief State's Attorney's Office responded and assumed the investigation. Detective DeMatteo was assigned as the lead investigator. The investigation is on-going.

The victim has been identified as Patrick Granville 08/08/88"

Hartford has already exceeded last years total homicide count with 5 months still left in the year.

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

DEADLY FALLOUT FROM A JUVENILE CAR THIEF'S JOY RIDE

FROM HPD:

On Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at approximately 12:43pm, Hartford Police Department Patrol Officers were dispatched to the area of Ashley Street and Sigourney Street in response to a report of a motor vehicle crash with injuries. Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive female victim, Rosella Shuler, suffering from severe injuries. A damaged vehicle, later determined to have been stolen from West Hartford, CT, was also located at the scene. The occupants of the stolen vehicle fled the area on foot prior to police arrival. The victim was transported to ST Francis Hospital where she was immediately listed in critical condition. 

A crime scene was established by HPD patrol officers and an investigation was initiated. Accident Reconstruction Detectives from the Hartford Police Department Crime Scene Division were requested and responded to the incident. 
During the investigation, patrol officers, analysts from the Capitol City Crime Center (C4), and Crime Scene Division personnel obtained and reviewed surveillance footage which captured the incident in its entirety. The video evidence and witness information led to the identification of a person of interest who was later interviewed. Based on the information obtained and video reviewed, probable cause was established. HPD Detectives drafted an arrest warrant affidavit for the operator of the vehicle, which was reviewed and signed by a judge of the Superior Court. 

An arrest warrant was originally issued on July 28, 2017, charging Deykevious Russaw, DOB 7/18/1999, of 188 Sigourney Street, Apartment 6, Hartford, Connecticut, with Assault in the First Degree, Larceny in the Second Degree, Evading Responsibility, Reckless Driving and Operating Without a License. 

However, as a result of the injuries from the accident, on Saturday, July 29, 2017, the victim, Rosella Shuler, was pronounced deceased at Saint Francis Hospital. The Hartford State's Attorney's Office was notified and a review of applicable charges was conducted with the investigating Detectives. 


On August 1, 2017 HPD Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Russaw with the following updated charges:
Manslaughter 2nd
Larceny 2nd
Evading MVAx (2 counts)
Reckless Driving
Operating MV w/o License 
These charges come with a $1.5 Million Bond

Russaw is already in custody on unrelated charges. The warrant is scheduled to be served on Tuesday August 8th, 2017 at GA 14, at Russaw's next court appearance.  

THIS NEEDS TO BE A DAILY OPERATION, GREAT WORK HPD

FROM HPD:

On July 31, 17, the Hartford Police Major Crimes Division Auto Theft Unit conducted a full-day/night auto-theft saturation within the City of Hartford.  North and South Community Service Officers, as well as the HPD Traffic Division assisted in the operation.  Below you will see the 7 individuals arrested in the stolen car op. Also a list of the recovered stolen vehicles, and other pertinent information relative to the successful operation.

Of the 16 stolen motor vehicles recovered, 11 were stolen with keys.  11 of the recovered cars were stolen from out of town.  Only five cars recovered during the operation were Hartford thefts.  The current market value for the recovered stolen vehicles is approximately $145,750.00

Hartford is currently at a 13.8% reduction in auto thefts from this time last year.

There was no damage to city vehicles during the operation, no pursuits, no injuries to officers or suspects, no citizen complaints, and no use of force numbers pulled.


1) Jermaine Davis 02/07/1989
24 Wolcott Hill Road, Wethersfield
Charges: Remand to Custody order issued (Probation Violation)

2) Daryn Johnson 12/17/1984
31 Otis Street, Hartford
Charges: Larceny 3rd, Tampering w/a M/V

3) London Jones 02/10/1973
35 Belleflower Road, Windsor
Charges: Larceny 3rd
Additional: Windsor PD Warrant

4) Jose Padilla 4/11/98
149 South Street, Hartford
Charges: Larceny 2nd, Tampering w/a M/V, Criminal Trover 2nd

5) Christopher Cruz-Morales 10/3/93
15 Norwich Street, Hartford
Charges: Larceny 2nd, Tampering w/a M/V

6) Dale Barrows 9/5/89
120 Silver Lane, East Hartford
Charges: Larceny 3rd, Operating all Terrain/City Street

7) Juvenile xx/xx/2001 (17 years old) East Hampton, CT resident
Charges: Larceny 2nd, Operating M/v w/o a license, Disobeying Signal of Officer
Additional: Take into Custody Order (auto theft related charges)



1) 2014 Audi A6, Farmington w/keys
2) 2007 Chevy Equinox, Hartford w/keys
3) 2004 Chevy Malibu, Wethersfield w/keys
4) 2012 Ford Focus, Hartford w/keys
5) 2012 Ford Fusion, Rocky Hill w/keys
6) 2013 Ford Fusion, South Windsor w/keys
7) 2004 Honda Civic, Hartford w/keys
8) 2001 Hyundai Sonata, West Hartford w/keys
9) 2007 Lexus ES350, Newington
10) 1994 Honda Accord, Hartford
11) 2011 Kawasaki KX250 Dirt Bike, East Hartford
12) 2002 Ford Explorer, Middletown w/keys
13) 2004 Ford Taurus, Hartford w/keys
14) 1998 Chevy Prizm, Manchester
15) 2016 Subaru Forester, West Hartford w/keys
16) 2013 Acura TL, Farmington


Four (4) Off-Road vehicles towed; two dirt bikes, two ATV’s
Two (2) Misdemeanor Summons Arrests issued (m/v related charges)
One (1) stolen registration plate recovered
Two (2) out of town warrants served
One (1) take into custody order served