New Deputy Police Chief Appointed In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — Hamden Police Captain William C. Onofrio has been appointed as the department’s Deputy Police Chief, Mayor Lauren Garrett announced Wednesday.

Onofrio, who has served with the Hamden Police Department for nearly 19 years as officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain, will serve as acting deputy police chief beginning Oct. 16 until his appointment is approved by the Legislative Council.

“Captain Onofrio is a highly accomplished law enforcement leader with an incredible wealth of experience from supervising multiple units of police officers and investigations, and spearheading patrol techniques and crime deterrence initiatives,” according to a news release from the Mayor’s Office. “He has a proven track record in prioritizing relationship building and community-oriented policing methods and understands the importance of a proactive policing approach.”

Read more from the news release below:

Captain Onofrio received his Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude in Criminal Justice and Professional Writing from Curry College in 2004 and further went on to receive his Master of Justice Administration from Norwich University in 2008. He also attended Basic Recruit Training at the Connecticut Police Academy in 2005.

Captain Onofrio has served the Hamden Police Department for nearly 19 years as Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. Captain Onofrio established the Neighborhood Initiative Unit, the Strengthening Police and Community Partnerships Council, and the Crisis Services Liaison Officer Program, and implemented a department wide community-oriented policing model for the Hamden Police Department.

Captain Onofrio takes great pride in giving back to his hometown and has worked closely with the community to address their concerns and foster relationships in his roles as member of the High-Risk Youth Task Force, the Hamden/New Haven Juvenile Review Board, and the Quinnipiac University Off-Campus Housing Task Force as well as Task Force Agent of the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force. Captain Onofrio has also supervised the Neighborhood Initiative Unit, Crisis Services Liaison Officer Program, School Resource Officer Program, Community Liaison/Community Relations Outreach Unit, and the Patrol Bicycle Unit.