A Conversation with Chief Patrick Harnett (Fall 2004)

Collaboration depends on communication. On Thursday Sep­tember 16, SINA invited Hartford's new police chief Patrick J. Harnett to meet with the SINA and its member institutions for a conversation focused on current safety and quality of life issues in the Southside neighborhoods.


SINA's Executive Director Luis Caban opened the discussion by outlining the previous cooperative efforts between SINA and the Hartford Police Department, including the COPS grant, pur­chase of crime fighting equipment, and security force col­laboration. Leaders from the member institutions confirmed the benefits and necessity of this partnership.

"The South End has a lot going for it in terms of institutional leadership and commitment. We are willing to do our part," Hartford Hospital's President/CEO John Meehan expressed. He emphasized the willingness of SINA and its member institutions to make themselves available to assist the police department. Dr. James Jones, president of Trinity College, thanked the chief for the department's immediate attention to the prostitution concerns, indicating the success of college security and police working together.

Kevin Kinsella, chairman of SINA's board of directors and VP of Hartford Hospital, reinforced the willingness of SINA's member institutions to contribute their resources and knowledge to crime prevention. "We have identified the problem areas, and we want to work with HPD to eradicate crime in our neighbor­hoods.
SINA also presented the area's recent crime statistics and trends, noting the disturbing increase in overall crime in the Frog Hollow and South Green neighborhoods. In addition to the concerns of drugs, prostitution, and theft, Caban explained the prevalence of serious quality of life issues including public drinking, loitering, noise and traffic problems. SINA expressed its desire to protect the community revitalization efforts, like the homeownership opportunities being created on Colonial and School streets.

Chief Harnett opened his response by expressing his optimism regarding the city and the department. "I came here because I really believe in police, in public service. I believe we can make a difference. Hartford has been described to me as a city on the rise. I've never seen a place with more active involvement from neighborhoods."

Chief Harnett comes to Hartford with 32 years of experience in the New York City Police Department, including serving as the Chief of NYPD's Transportation Bureau and First Deputy Director of the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (NY/NJ HIDTA). Appointed as Hartford's Chief on June 24th, Chief Harnett described his current position as one of listening and learning. Currently, he is reviewing the performance of HPD as an organization, and developing effective strategies to accomplish his mandate from the mayor: to develop an enhanced community policing program. Harnett also noted a threefold focus - connectivity with the community, serious crime issues, and quality of life issues.

The morning finished with affirmations that continued dialogue and cooperation are keys to improving the safety and quality of life in the Southside and throughout the city.

"It would be good for the community groups to be on the same page in regards to HPD's priorities and concerns." We can help the police department if we know the direction. We can reinforce what you are doing." Meehan determined. "We are working hand in hand - the problem belongs to us all" Caban concluded by thanking the chief, assuring that communi­cation and collaboration will continue, and offering SINA as a vehicle to disseminate information to the broader community.