HARTFORD: CRIME AT HISTORIC LOW

YEAR END REPORT SHOWS 17,000 FEWER CRIMES SINCE 1981

---NEWS RELEASE---

(January 9, 2008)--- Mayor Eddie A. Perez and Police Chief Daryl K. Roberts say Hartford is a safer city today than it has been in years.  In fact, new year-end crime analysis statistics show that the Capital City’s crime rate is the lowest it has been in 30 years.

Mayor Perez says, “Public Safety is a top priority and will continue to be.  There were 1600 fewer serious crimes last year than in 2006.  That’s a decrease of 15.5%.  And to put this tremendous accomplishment in perspective, we had 17,000 fewer crimes in 2007 than in 1981.  It is important that residents continue to work with the brave men and women of our Police Department in order to reduce crime even further.”

The Mayor and the Chief attribute the success to the “crime solvers” and “problem solvers” in the community who are the eyes and ears of the Neighborhood Policing Plan.

In recent years, the FBI has also focused on the national increase in violent crime--- murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.  Hartford has bucked that trend, with overall violent crimes decreasing more than 6%.

Chief Roberts says, “One homicide is too many.  The Hartford Police Department is utilizing the resources of state and federal agencies to continue to help people feel safe.  Last year, we increased bicycle patrols and foot beats and we will continue these activities in 2008.  The Truancy Reduction Pilot program reduced unexcused absences by 41% so we will continue to track our youth and target quality of life issues as well.”

Council President Calixto Torres, who chairs the Public Safety Committee, adds, “Council is encouraged by these new numbers that show this dramatic reduction in crime and the focus on our youth and quality of life issues.  It is very important to point out that with the majority of these crimes, people know each other or have a business relationship that leads to an altercation.”

For those who wish to watch the presentation of the year-end public safety statistics, the news conference will be repeated on Hartford Government Cable Access Channel 21, that also streams live on www.hartford.gov.  The news conference will air tonight at 6pm and 8pm.  Please check the schedule for additional times.