Police Staffing Concerns Put New London Sailfest In Jeopardy: Report

NEW LONDON, CT — Sailfest is anticipated to return this year after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, but the police union has said the event should be canceled due to inadequate staffing, FOX 61 reported.

The New London Police Union wrote in a letter to city officials that the "police department does not have the staffing to support an event of this size to ensure the safety of the public and its officers."

The union noted that the department is near record low staffing levels with 59 sworn officers.

Mayor Michael Passero said the city is working to provide police with the resources needed and state he is "confident that we have this event covered just like any other year," according to FOX 61.

Last year, Sailfest was canceled for the second year in a row. Typically held in July, the event draws people from throughout the New London region for a fireworks display and other entertainment and activities. It has been held for more than 40 years.

See related: New London's Sailfest Canceled For 2021 Due To Coronavirus