Tracey Campaign: GOP Mayoral Candidate Proposes Hiring More Cops

Submitted by "Big" Steve Tracey campaign:

"On Friday, East Haven mayoral candidate "Big" Steve Tracey released a proposal to hire between three and four new police officers as part of a broader plan to increase traffic enforcement and better protect the community.

Tracey explained, “I have carefully reviewed the police department and its operating budget and it is clear to me we have the ability to hire up to four more patrol officers without any increase in taxes."

According to Tracey, overtime costs over the last two fiscal years have totaled $1.06 million ('17-'18) and $1.04 million ('18-'19). According to Tracey, the hiring of three to four new officers would reduce "back-filling" positions and overtime, creating operation savings the Town could then use to fund the new positions. A recent job posting for officers on the Town's website indicates that Grade C police officers begin with a starting salary of $58,441.

Tracey added, "Adding three to four new officers will help cut down on overtime costs and put more cops on the street. Going door-to-door during this race, countless residents have voiced concerns about excessive speeding, loitering, and other quality of life and safety concerns. The East Haven Police Department is the first line of defense in keeping our residents and community safe. Adding additional officers will allow us to improve the safety and security of our community and address the safety concerns I've been hearing from residents."

Tracey noted, "Our Town's police force has remained essentially the same size for decades. However, over that span, calls for service have increased dramatically. We are asking our officers to do more and more each year. We have a responsibility to ensure our department has sufficient staffing to address our community's safety needs."

In addition to reducing overtime costs and beefing up to the Town's force, Tracey also pointed to the fact that additional officers will allow the department to assign officers to key special assignments."