Eddie A. Perez

Mayor

 

CITY OF HARTFORD CONTINUES TO GET SAFER

 

-----MEDIA RELEASE-----

 

(October 30, 2006)--- Mayor Eddie A. Perez says, “Hartford is safer today than last year and it is safer now than five years ago.”  This statement comes in response to the latest FBI statistics that show the Capital City has moved up 11 spots on the national safety roster, making it the 15th most improved city in the nation when it comes to combating crime.   

 

Mayor Perez says, “Hartford’s Neighborhood Policing Plan is producing positive results.  There are more police on the beat.  This year alone, we will have put an additional 14 new officers on the streets, making our dedicated rank and file 418 strong.  In early 2007, 23 more officers will graduate from the academy and another class will start.  Since 2002, more than 200 brave men and women have been hired to serve and protect the Capital City.  Last year, we were the third most improved city when it came to combating crime.  This just shows what we’re doing is working and that the momentum is building.”

 

Taking a look at the five-year trend, overall serious crime citywide is down about four-percent.  The most progress has been made in preventing rape, burglary, and auto theft.

 

Mayor Perez says, “The biggest challenge remains keeping illegal guns off our streets and out of the hands of our young people.  Once again, I am making it a top priority to fight for tough state gun legislation requiring gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms within 72 hours.”

 

Here’s how Mayor Perez is addressing these issues in Hartford:

1.      Putting more police on the streets

2.      Re-organizing the Youth Service Bureau to link education, health, personal development and self-sufficiency

3.      Getting private sector and faith based groups more involved with Hartford youth

4.      Working to develop job training services for young adults

5.      Raising educational standards and increasing college graduation rates

 

Issues other than gun responsibility to be addressed at the state level:

1.      Shift more funds to preventive youth programs

2.      Better supervision of those on parole and probation

                        

Mayor Perez says, “I have joined the national fight to get illegal guns off our streets.  These guns are the primary reason why there’s an increase in violent crime all across the United States.  By attending the first national summit on the issue earlier this year, I am working with my colleagues to come up with joint efforts and cooperatives strategies that will benefit all of our residents.  If the Federal and State governments aren’t going to take the lead on this important issue, then the leaders of municipalities will.”