Norwalk Police Debuts New Community Engagement Van

NORWALK, CT — A new community engagement van is set to roll through Norwalk neighborhoods, the Norwalk Police Department announced on Thursday.

The $80,000 customized Ford van was purchased with a federal Choice Neighborhood Grant in cooperation with the Norwalk Housing Authority and the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency.

Those two organizations are behind the 273-unit Soundview Landing apartment complex between Water and Day streets, where the van debuted on Thursday.

"It's an office on wheels," Norwalk Police Chief Thomas Kulhawik told Patch. "It will help us with visibility when out in city, and can be used at various events."

Inside the van is seating, desks and a pair of video monitors for presentations.

"We're excited to put the van into use out in the community," said Deputy Police Chief Susan Zecca.

According to officials, the Choice Neighborhoods program "leverages public and private dollars to support locally driven strategies and solutions that revitalize neighborhoods with input from community leaders, residents, and other stakeholders."

The new van fits right into that mission. Its primary function will be "to encourage neighborhood-police interaction by allowing police officers to bring their office to the community," officials said.

"The van embodies the core components of our mission statement: providing quality service to our diverse Norwalk community, fostering a cooperative spirit with our citizens and community partners, and working to promote an environment that is safe."