Norwich Police Officer Among Those to Receive Community Policing Award

To commemorate National Community Policing Week, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut hosted a Community Policing Awards Ceremony this afternoon in New Haven that recognized 22 law enforcement officers and community members from cities and towns across the state.

“At heart, Community Policing is a philosophy that each of us, members of law enforcement and communities alike, have a stake in keeping our cities and towns safe and secure places to live,” U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly said in a release. “During National Community Policing Week, we celebrate our commitment to supporting the practice of community policing. Police can never solve public safety problems alone. We encourage active community collaboration to improve safety, build public trust and deepen understanding between police and the communities they serve.

"The officers and community members recognized today are excellent examples of the best in community policing and community relations. I am confident that their efforts are making meaningful and lasting progress, and it is my great privilege to honor each of them and to thank them for their invaluable work.”

Officer Christopher Chastang of the Norwich Police Department was among those recognized.

Chastang has been a member of the Norwich Police Departments’ Community Policing Unit since its start in 2011, according to a release.

He engages with a broad spectrum of community members and helps to create a sustainable atmosphere in which the citizens of Norwich can work, play, and raise families. Chastang’s comprehensive approach includes the community in which he serves, and together they focus on the root of problems, while he builds partnerships in which officers and citizens are the “problem solvers.”

Chastang’s work has been creative and empowering, and as a result has resonated throughout the Norwich Police Department and the City of Norwich. Through his efforts, Norwich Police Department has become a proactive and highly collaborative department.

Chastang has volunteered as a Police Athletic League (P.A.L.) basketball coach and spent his off duty hours away from his family to coach Norwich children, ages 5 to 6, in the fundamentals of team support, friendships, good sportsmanship, and athletic abilities.

He has spearheaded the National Night Out Event in the City of Norwich for approximately three years. Some of his duties were to plan the entire event, raise donations from local businesses, coordinate the efforts of the vendors, and evaluating each years’ events.

The event brought in over 3,000 citizens which is a direct result of his efforts.

Chastang attends monthly Neighborhood watch meetings and assists those citizens solve problems within their area. He has repeatedly recognized by The St Vincent DePaul “Soup Kitchen” for assisting citizens in need.

The United States Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut, and with representing the federal government in civil litigation in the District. The District is composed of approximately 64 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and approximately 60 staff members at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.

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