Mayor Arulampalam Announces Key Changes to Hartford Policing Practices

Mayor Arulampalam Announces Key Changes to Hartford Policing Practices

Published on July 26, 2024

Hartford, CONN. - Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam and interim Police Chief Kenny Howell today announced a series of changes to Hartford Police Department practices aimed at increasing the visibility, effectiveness, and transparency of Hartford's police. The announced changes include:

1. Implementation of walk-beats. Five walk-beat officers will be assigned on a regular basis to cover North Hartford, South Hartford and downtown. Doing so will increase officer visibility and help build stronger relationships between police, community members and neighborhoods to build a City where residents are connected to each other and to law enforcement.
2. 15 additional officer patrols.In addition to the walk-beats, HPD is placing a higher number of police officers on patrol to ensure decreased response times to 911 calls.
3. Reviewing police reporting practices and policies.The City has asked the law firm of Shipman & Goodwin LLP to undertake a thorough review of current reporting practices and tools, and to then make recommendations for reforming and improving these policies.

"Hartford residents deserve a responsive and visible police force that is ready to respond quickly to their needs," said Mayor Arulampalam. "And our officers need to be supported with clear policies, tools, and resources that allow them to do their work each day. These reforms will help our community feel more connected to their police department, and will ensure that department processes and standards are reflective of modern best practices."

"Our goal is to foster a sense of community and ensure residents feel connected to each other and to their City," said interim Police Chief Kenny Howell. "Every employee plays a crucial role in community policing, and the Hartford Police Department reflects our commitment to serve and protect with a deeper connection to our community. I look forward to continuing these efforts with Mayor Arulampalam in service to Hartford residents."

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