The event brought together local, state and federal officials to answer residents’ concerns.
Hamden, Connecticut — People in Hamden say they want to feel safer in their community.
Hampden’s Karen Meissen said: “We are concerned about the changes, especially in the last few years. “There is a lot of anxiety there.”
“It’s escalating, but what’s been done about it?” Hampden’s Susan Spetrini said.
Local, state and federal officials hosted a public safety conversation Thursday night to address some of the issues people are most concerned about… including crime.
We have crime and we are trying to keep up with it. This is a moment where local police exist,” said Deputy Police Chief Tim Widra.
Property crime increased slightly in 2022, but violent crime decreased, according to the town.
Some incidents that have occurred still make residents nervous.
“At first, they were just taking their wallets out of their cars, but it escalated to killing people and even carjacking,” Spetrini said.
The town said it added patrols to certain areas, but police are still dealing with staffing shortages.
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There should have been 103 officers, but now only 76 are active.
“That worries me, especially given the high taxes we pay in town,” Meinsen said.
But the night covered every aspect of public safety. Including what is being done to make the town’s roads safer.
Mayor Lauren Garrett said, “I hope that the state legislature will have a bill to address Whitney and Dixwell’s road diet. It’s a great way to reduce car crashes.”
Other topics range from education and preparing children for early success, the diversity of educators, police officers, firefighters, etc., and the opioid epidemic.
“Addiction is one of the biggest problems we face as a state and as a nation,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery.
The goal was to bring the community into the conversation to work together to find solutions.
“It’s all about openness and transparency, and it’s important to keep educating community members,” Widra said.
Gaby Molina is a reporter and anchor for FOX61 News.she can be reached at molina@fox61.comfollow her Facebook, twitter When Instagram.
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