Are Fairfielders Using Closed Parks? No, But Some Hosting Events

FAIRFIELD, CT — Several days after law enforcement began fining residents for using the town’s closed parks and beaches, Fairfielders seem to get the message, police said.

“The public is doing great, overall,” Capt. Robert Kalamaras said. “… That’s not to say that some people haven’t been encouraged to leave.”

Public recreation areas in Fairfield were closed about a month ago in an effort to prevent transmission of the new coronavirus, which has continued its spread for weeks across Connecticut, with 197 confirmed cases in Fairfield as of Monday, according to state data. Following the park closures, town leaders repeatedly expressed frustration over reports of the facilities’ continued use.

As of Friday morning, police had issued 14 trespassing infractions since the department began enforcing the closings April 6, according to Kalamaras. The infractions come with a $92 fine. Law enforcement had also written 15 tickets for vehicles parked in Fairfield recreation areas.

It’s up to officer discretion whether to fine a resident, Kalamaras said, although patrols have been dispatched to recreation spaces with the specific goal of enforcing the closures. Overall, the number of violations has been lower than expected, according to Kalamaras.

“The goal is not to enforce,” he said. “The goal is to have voluntary compliance.”

One issue police have encountered due to the new coronavirus is how to handle residents who host social gathering of more than five people, violating a state order intended to prevent transmission of the virus.

“There are some residents that are just disregarding the governor’s order,” Kalamaras said.

First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick took to Facebook last week after receiving a report of a birthday party in town, asking residents in a video to, “please, please take this seriously.”

Police have the authority to issue infractions for creating a public disturbance if residents violate the five-person rule, but had not done so as of Friday.

“The last thing we want to do is issue infractions,” Kalamaras said.

In addition to virus-related enforcement, Fairfield police have seen some changes to crime more generally during the outbreak. Officers are responding to fewer residential burglary alarms as people stay home to prevent the spread of the virus, but alarm calls for businesses have gone up as many stores are under state order to remain closed, according to Kalamaras. Shoplifting and “minor crimes resulting from intoxicated persons” are up, too, while traffic complaints and collisions are down. Domestic violence has held steady.