All hail Hartford Police Chief Daryl Roberts. After a recent weekend string of four murders, immediate talk began about the need to bring in state police to augment the Hartford Police Department. Chief Roberts said, no thanks, I have my own plan.
It’s about time.
Over the past several years, a recognizable pattern has emerged in Hartford’s effort to curb violence. The spring and early summer months lead to an increase in street crime. The news media of Connecticut – which is largely centered in Hartford – declares a crisis. There is sparring between state and local elected leaders about what to do and sooner or later state troopers are deployed to assist Hartford police in getting the situation under control. Invariably, the increased police presence leads to a seasonal decrease in shootings. As if by magic.
Chief Roberts seems to be one of the first to realize that it is not magic. It is a matter of anticipating the obvious and planning for it. Robert’s plan, according to published reports, is to redeploy his forces, use his own overtime resources and go after the bad guys before they cause trouble. This is basic police work. He is getting help from state and federal law enforcement sources, but he sees no need to call in the state police cavalry. What’s needed is intelligence sharing to identify problem spots and known troublemakers.
Â
Different Cops
State troopers are not daily practitioners of urban police work. That is not their specialty. Their main benefit in the fight against crime in Hartford is their presence — their ability to quickly increase the number of police feet on the beat. With proper planning, there is no reason the Hartford department can’t have the same impact. The color of the uniforms is not what’s making the difference.
Hartford is not unique. Every major urban area has challenges with guns and violence. On an annual basis, Hartford’s crime statistics are not that much different from other Connecticut cities, yet there never seems to be a call for state police intervention in New Haven, Bridgeport or Stamford. Each of those cities has found a way to police itself.
The annual knee jerk call to bring in state troopers makes Hartford cops and city government look incompetent. It sends the wrong signal to the city’s suburban neighbors, the business community and the out of state customer base we are targeting to turn Hartford into a convention destination.
Those who work to improve Hartford always seem to be in a war of attrition with the city itself and there are times when it looks as if the city is winning. The current controversy over city business taxes is the latest example. Hartford has an almost unmatched ability to drive business, large and small, out of town. City government often meddles in the wrong issues, ignores the big ones and blames the state when all else fails.
More than anything else, what Hartford needs is competent city government. Safe streets, good schools, a city government that is working to identify and solve obvious problems. Only competence restores confidence.
Chief Roberts is taking a big step in the right direction and is setting an example for others. Basic public safety – and the perception of safety – is a key to Hartford’s future success. As important is how it gets done. The Hartford Police Department needs to stand on its own. It’s time to take off the summer training wheels and let the new chief ride.
Â
Dean Pagani is Senior Vice President, Public Relations and Public Affairs, for Cashman and Katz Integrated Communications in Glastonbury.
