Community Policing Unit Looking To Help Improve Thompsonville

ENFIELD, CT — Since early July, residents or visitors to the Thompsonville section of town may have noticed some gentlemen on foot or on bicycles, wearing two-tone blue outfits. They are members of a newly-established community policing unit, dedicated exclusively to helping improve the quality of life in the downtown area.

The town council approved the addition of the unit in early summer, with four officers assigned exclusively to the division: Steve Austin, Ryan Bartolucci, Steve Prior and Dennis Roche.

"This was long, long overdue," retired police chief and current councilor Carl Sferrazza said. "I wanted a full-time commitment when I was chief, and I'm glad we have them now. We have boots on the ground, talking to neighbors and shop owners. It fits the timing of development down there."

Chief Alaric Fox said, "The town very graciously stood up for us, staffing for the Thompsonville community policing unit. After an in-house selection process, four very high-speed officers have gone into that function. Their job is specifically focused and dedicated to quality of life issues within the Thompsonville area, in an effort to improve that area of the community."

The officers typically are on foot or bikes, not in cruisers.

"We want to be approachable," Roche said. "We interact with residents on their front porch, visit businesses, lots of face-to-face with people. Thus far, the interactions have been very positive. The residents and business owners are very receptive to having us down there. I think it is beneficial to the area."

Anthony Caronna, owner of Caronna's Market on Pearl Street, said, "I think it's great having them around here. They shoo away the bad, help bring in the good, and make the area more positive."

Rather than the public safety complex on Elm Street, the CPO unit is based at the Enfield Express at 800 Enfield Street, keeping the officers right in their assigned beat. One shift typically starts between 10 and 11 a.m. and works until 6 or 7 p.m., while another generally works from 4 p.m. to midnight.

"I want a face to go with the name," Fox said. "I want them meeting the residents and the business owners, creating a long-term awareness that may not always be present with the rotational officers in the district cars. The community will be very well-served with these four individuals."

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