New Community Policing Initiative Announced In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — The Hamden Police Department announced Friday that it will be adopting a new department-wide “community oriented policing model.” The model is based on the Camden, New Jersey Police Community Oriented Policing Model, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

Department officials recently met with community leaders and local clergy in an attempt to “enhance our goal at strengthening our relationship with the community that we serve,” according to Smith.

“These leaders in our community raised concerns about several topics, including racial profiling, police interactions involving minorities and community policing initiatives,” Smith said.

A main emphasis of the department’s new community oriented policing model is “placed on reform and changes in the department’s culture and practices,” according to Smith.

“The model emphasizes community partnerships and organizational transformation that fits the needs of the community,” Smith said in a news release. “The Hamden Police Department’s success will be measured on the reduction of crime, reduction in the use of force, decrease in civilian complaints, positive community relations and the ability to build trust with the residents that we serve. Focus will be placed on addressing quality of life issues, suppressing crime and crime prevention.

“Our residents can expect to interact with our officers more readily. Officers will be on foot patrol in their designated areas. This will facilitate conversation and solutions. The department’s Neighborhood Initiative Unit will continue to form partnerships with community leaders, emphasizing community relations. Members of this unit will be utilizing both foot and bicycle patrols, while engaging with our residents.

“The Hamden Police Department’s motto is ‘Make every personal contact count. Seize the opportunity to improve our relationship with the community, one person (contact) at a time.’”