New Neighborhood Policing Plan (spring 2005)

As their names indicate, Hartford's new Neighborhood Policing Plan and Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance share a common concern for neighborhoods. So when the Hartford Police Department implemented its new plan on February 6, 2005, SINA was quick to respond. SINA's Executive Director Luis Caban promptly coordinated a meeting between the Hartford Police Department and security chiefs from SINA's member insti tutions to discuss the Plan and its implications for the Southside community.

The Plan creates four police districts and empowers the cap­tains of these districts to be advocates and leaders for their areas' priorities. "Neighborhood Policing" means that the cap­tains and their zone commanders will be in direct contact with the community, have a stake in community progress, and have the authority to take tangible steps toward solving problems and achieving community goals.

"I believe strongly that the most effective way of policing a community, no matter how large and how diverse, is by divid­ing it into geographical areas and empowering the cops and their bosses who work in these areas," Chief Patrick J. Harnett expressed.

On April 11th, SINA and its member institutions met with HPD's Deputy Chief Michael Fallen, as well as the captains for the newly created Southeast and Southwest districts - Captain Joseph Buyak and Captain Jose Lopez, respectively.

"The whole Plan is based on accountability and a team approach," Deputy Chief Fallen said at the meeting. He explained that information-based policing increases follow-up. "We meet with community groups to find out what issues are important to them," Fallon stated. "Then we follow-up and give the most effective response to their concerns."

The meeting also provided an opportunity for representatives from SINA's member institutions to describe the specific safety and quality of life issues that affect them most. "Our employees face some of the same issues that you hear from the com­munity residents," SINA's Board Chairperson and Vice President of Hartford Hospital Kevin Kinsella described. Trinity College's Director of Community & Institutional Relations Jackie Mandyck expressed specific concerns with drug problems, youth gangs, and speeding in school zones.

The geographic boundaries of the new plan were also an important topic of discussion, specifically regarding police response to Hartford Hospital, which straddles the Southeast and Southwest districts. "Every problem that happens on the east side will impact the west, it will be seamless," Fallon assured. Both district Captains confirmed their commitment to coordination and communication in responding to the Hospital. They also expressed their dedication to working closely with the security teams at each of SINA's member institutions.