NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: July 6, 2004
 

HPD STEPS UP ENFORCEMENT.

(Hartford) - In response to recent gun violence in the city, Hartford Police Chief Patrick J. Harnett this morning assembled senior Command Staff and the Commanders of the Hartford Police Department's Major Crimes, Vice and Narcotics, North District Community Response Divisions, the Patrol Division, and the Commander of the HPD's North and South Districts.  "The meeting's intent was to review all shootings over the last month and develop a plan to reduce violence in the city," stated Chief Harnett.

"Effective immediately, there will be stepped up enforcement, coordinated under Assistant Chief Kevin Jones, between  Detectives of the Major Crimes, Vice and Narcotics, and the North District Community Response Divisions and officers of the Patrol Division.  This stepped up "Hot Spot" enforcement will be backed up by increased traffic enforcement and directed patrols.  There will be increased cooperation and information sharing, creating a more cohesive response blending the information and resources of Major Crimes, Community Response and Vice and Narcotics Divisions with the Patrol Division in a team approach to address not only the recent shootings and homicides, but any violence throughout the city," said Chief Harnett.

"Sweeps of areas were conducted early this morning by Detectives, in cooperation with the North Community Response Division, in a combined effort to locate suspect and/or witnesses and gather information relating to the recent homicides.  As a result of this aggressive effort, Detectives were able to establish a number of promising leads which we believe will ultimately lead to solving these violent crimes."

Our view is that even one person shot is too many and let there be no doubt that the Hartford Police Department is putting all of its resources and expertise into reducing violence in our city and creating a safe environment in our neighborhoods," concluded Chief Harnett.

Contact:   Nancy Mulroy, Public Information Officer, Hartford Police Department,  (860) 543-8746
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