Mayor Perez's Public Safety Strategies for the City of Hartford

 

One of the most important responsibilities I have as Mayor of Hartford is making sure the residents and visitors of this great City feel safe.

On February 6, 2005, the new Neighborhood Policing Plan took effect.  I am proud to say it is working because 2006 was second safest year in Hartford in the past 25 years.  Police Chief Daryl Roberts and I have met with community groups to ensure that we continue to strengthen the bond between the brave men and women on the force and the people who want to take back their streets.  More officers are walking the beat, on bike patrol and soon the Mounted Horse Division will return.  Under my administration, the police force will be almost 500-members strong.  The result:  safer streets and more vibrant neighborhoods.

We all have a responsibility to building a brighter future for our community.  Parents must be engaged in the lives of their children.  The love and the involvement of a parent or guardian can never be replaced.  Tough love can mean the difference between a child choosing the right path or making a wrong turn.

But parents themselves need support.  Community leaders and clergy must speak out--- to reinforce hope, opportunity, and the fact that the easy choice is not necessarily the right choice.  I have engaged "Volunteers of Faith" to recommit the time, energy, and talents to the community.

As a parent and as Mayor, I’m also setting an example of “tough love”.  I am sitting down with dozens of families who have children considered as “at risk”.  Extra guidance and mentorship can help a child from making a decision that could change the rest of their lives.  I don’t know of any other Mayor who is taking such a personal and involved approach.

Elected and appointment officials must lead.  As Mayor, I’m proud that the City of Hartford has strong lost or stolen gun ordinance in effect.  It requires Hartford residents to report lost or stolen firearms within 72 hours.  It also enables Corporation Counsel to sue anyone, anywhere who fail to report a lost or stolen gun that is used in a felony in the Capital City.  93-percent of the weapons used in a crime in Hartford come from out of town.  As an original member of Mayors Against Gun Violence, I am proud that this ordinance is in place and I am also pleased that similar legislation was signed into law on the state level.

These actions are taken out of passion and pride.  I applaud the positive efforts of others who work every day to make Hartford a safer place to live, work, play, and raise our families.

 

Eddie A. Perez

Mayor