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NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:  Tuesday, July 31, 2007

HARTFORD POLICE  CHIEF DARYL K. ROBERTS PRESENTS REPORT ON
2007 SAFE SUMMER INITIATIVE

(Hartford) - "It is with deep pride in the work of the men and women of the Hartford Police Department that I submit to you this progress report on our 2007 Safe Summer Initiative", stated Hartford Police Chief Daryl K. Roberts today at press conference held today at Hartford Police Headquarters. 

"Year to date, as of July 28th, citywide Part 1 Crime is down -19.2%, with a decrease in shooting incidents of -13.1% and a decrease in shooting victims of -26%.  I attribute this reduction on a total team approach targeting violent crime, on an ongoing-relationship with state and federal agencies, and on an emphasis on quality of life offences.  This team effort has resulted in 232 firearm seizures and 122 arrests related to firearms since January 2007. In the Northeast District alone during the period of  June 16^th - July 14^th, police personnel have conducted over 1,000 motor vehicle traffic stops, 839 directed patrols, 329 park and walks, 658 field interviews, 130 narcotics arrests, and 67 community court summons issued.  A home visit to the family of a known gang member resulted in information for the seizure of nine firearms," said Chief Roberts.

Since June 17^th, 2007, the Vice and Narcotics Division has made 325 arrests citywide, seized 130 bags, 22 ounces and 2.5 pounds of Marijuana, more than 100 grams of Cocaine, 2,128 bags of Heroin, two cars and over $20,000.00 in U.S. Currency.  Among the nation’s 29 Violent Crime Impact Teams (VCIT), the Hartford Police Department’s VCIT, for the reporting period of June 3 through June 30^th, 2007, was #2 nationwide in arrests, #2 in firearms arrests, and #3 in total firearms recovered, ahead of cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New Orleans. 

Unfortunately, despite our ongoing efforts, in the second week of July we witnessed an acute rise in homicides within two of the City’s neighborhoods.  This violence has resulted in a perception that public safety may be jeopardized and beyond the control of the police department.  In response, the Hartford Police Department has increased enforcement activity through both uniformed and investigative personnel in these areas.   

One important and necessary component of this initiative is to increase the amount of directed patrols through the application of additional uniformed personnel.  Citizens will shortly see additional bicycle patrols as officers are completing intensive bicycle training and bikes are prepared. Additionally, the Connecticut State Police has supplied the department with ten (10) additional vehicles at a reduced rate. 

"There is no doubt in my mind that the success of the 2007 Safe Summer Initiative is due to the dedication, hard work and commitment of the men and women of the Hartford Police Department to make our city a safer place for us all, and to our many collaborators from the U.S. Department of Justice, FBI, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, DEA, Connecticut State Police, and area police departments.  Most importantly, however, I want to express my appreciation to the crime solvers of the city - those people who have put their trust and support in the police department.  I am truly humbled by their willingness to help the the police in our efforts to reduce crime and the fear of crime - it is only with their support can we achieve this goal", said Chief Roberts.  "I am committed to our Safe Summer Initiative, as I believe it has had a substantial impact on crime."

Click here to view HPD Crime Statistics, Part One Crime, January 1 through July 28, 2007.

Visit www.hartford.gov/police for more information on crime suppression initiatives and of the Hartford Police Department.

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Contact:   Nancy Mulroy, Public Information Officer, Hartford Police Department,  (860) 757-4021
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