Hamden Expands Community Policing Efforts, Operations

HAMDEN, CT — The town is expanding its community policing efforts and operations, Hamden Mayor Curt Balzano Leng and Acting Police Chief John Cappiello announced this week. Hamden Community Policing routes will now run every day of the week, during every shift, and within every neighborhood in town, according a press release from the mayor’s office. Officials said that community bike patrols and walking beat routes have expanded to operate every day throughout the month of August and the remainder of the summer.

The “Hamden Community Police 365” will be an ongoing 24/7/365 project, where “every patrol officer spends at least 30 minutes of their shift outside of their patrol vehicles interacting with the community,” according to the press release. The project includes evening and overnight shifts when possible.

“With these new efforts, Hamden’s officers will have even more opportunities to engage our residents at parks, community centers, neighborhood events, and businesses,” Cappiello said.

Leng said, “I am very happy to report that this expanded community police effort is now underway. Our existing bicycle and walking beat patrols have really had a positive impact in our communities, and now we take our community engagement efforts to the next level. I thank Chief Cappiello and the men and women of the Hamden Police Department for their willingness and efforts to expand these essential community building services. Additional routes, more community policing as a Hamden Police governing philosophy, and 24/7 positive relationship building interactions, can be priceless for our Town. I look forward to seeing our officers on our streets and in our neighborhoods even more, and towards strengthening the bonds between our community and our guardian protectors.”