Hartford Involved In Task Force Probing Reduction Of Gun Violence

City of Hartford

HARTFORD, CT — Leaders in several Connecticut cities, inclusing Hartford, gathered this week to support measures aimed at reducing gun violence statewide, especially in urban areas.

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, Waterbury Mayor Neil O'Leary, Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, Connecticut Conference of Municipalities President Mayor Tom Dunn of Wolcott, and Chief State's Attorney Patrick Griffin gathered to present, endorse and seek passage of a series of legislative recommendations devised by a CCM taskforce on reducing gun violence.

The taskforce developed 10 specific proposals centered around reducing gun violence by repeat offenders.

They were also joined by community advocates, families, law enforcement officials, and other stakeholders.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont joined the announcement and expressed support for the proposals.

In October 2022, the CCM Board of Directors established a special task force on reducing gun violence.

The task force convened with a narrow mission: to develop proposals for increasing accountability for repeat offenders involved in gun violence.

The task force developed 10 specific proposals:

• Establish a definition of “serious firearm offense” that results in increased accountability when committed by someone with a serious criminal history.

• Require individuals with a history of certain past offenses to post a higher percentage of their bond when arrested for a new serious firearm offense.

• Increase accountability for individuals who commit serious firearm offenses while on pre-trial release (“out on bail”) for certain prior offenses.

• Increase accountability for individuals who commit serious firearm offenses while on probation or parole for certain prior offenses.

• Strengthen consequences for the crime of criminal possession of a firearm (felon in possession).

• Streamline the adjudication process for serious firearm offenses.

“These proposals are just one piece of a broader approach to reducing gun violence, but they’re an important piece – and they will help save lives in our communities,” said Bronin. “These proposals are specifically focused on those who have a significant history of prior offenses and who continue to commit serious firearm offenses."

"Gun violence can’t be solved with one policy– it’s an epidemic that we’ve got to attack from all angles. I’m urging Connecticut to enroll in a comprehensive treatment plan– one that breaks the cycle of violence with funds for prevention and intervention programs, provides victims with support, and raises the stakes for repeat offenders,” said Lamont. “Though only one part of the state’s broad strategy to reduce gun violence, this proposal will save lives."

“Gun violence in Connecticut can be attributed by and large to a small number of repeat felony offenders,” said Chief State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin. “Statistical analysis shows that these individuals are doing the shooting and the dying on Connecticut’s streets. Identifying and holding this group accountable, is the surest way to save lives.”

The recommendations are guided by the data, which shows that a significant percentage of gun violence in Connecticut cities is committed by individuals who are on pre-trial release, parole or probation.

In Hartford, 58 percent of the individuals arrested last year for fatal and non-fatal shootings were on pre-trial release, probation, and parole.

A significant share of victims of gun violence were also on pre-trial release, probation or parole.

Over one-quarter of victims of gun violence in Hartford last year were on pre-trial release or probation.

For a detailed list of proposals click on the link.

This press release was produced by the City of Hartford. The views expressed here are the author’s own.