Complete Annual Report 2020 - English - Flipbook - Page 5
MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF
Message From the Chief
Our mission as the Hartford Police Department is to keep our community
safe, and one way we do that is by building trust. We try to do that in a number of ways - from our everyday interactions with residents, partnerships we
develop with stakeholders, and trying to be transparent about our work. One
tool we haven’t used before, but other departments have, is creating an annual
report that can serve as a resource for any resident, business, or visitor to learn
about the work we do.
Since I took over as Chief almost two years ago, one of our goals has been
to be more accessible and open, building on work that the Department has
done over several years. That work is more challenging during a pandemic,
but even in the last year, we have listened to the community, learned from the
relationships we have forged with advocates and other stakeholders, and have
embraced new ways of doing business as a progressive urban police department. I could not be more proud of the women and men of the Hartford Police Department for their work over
the last year, under very challenging circumstances that went even beyond the pandemic.
As outlined in this report, our officers faced COVID-19, a national increase in violent crime, spikes in auto-theft
and traffic violations, large protests that thankfully were peaceful in Hartford, quality of life and public safety issues including unprecedented fireworks, street racers, all-terrain vehicles, and pop-up parties. During all that they
worked hard to comply with public health regulations, avoiding the kind of widespread infections that could have
occurred. This last year will be remembered as one of the most difficult in global history and our Department, with
the support of our community, rose to the occasion time after time.
Law Enforcement Function
The City of Hartford, Connecticut, is an area of approximately 17.3 square miles located within Hartford
County. The City is bordered by the municipalities of Bloomfield, Windsor, Newington, Wethersfield, East
Hartford, and West Hartford. The estimated resident population is 122,105, which does not include the
employment commuter and visitor populations. Hartford is the State of Connecticut’s capital city.
The Hartford Police Department has the primary responsibility to investigate and/or respond to all crimes
and incidents having occurred within the City of Hartford and coming to the attention of any member of the
Department.
The mission of the Hartford Police Department is to keep Hartford residents safe by responding to and investigating crimes, reducing crime, and by forging strong relationships between police officers of all ranks
and the communities they serve. Building a police force that reflects the diversity of Hartford is part of
the Department’s commitment to build relationships and foster trust. The Department strives to fulfill its
obligations while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.
The Chief of Police directs the operation and administration of the Department and is responsible for
ensuring effective police services to the City of Hartford. The City is divided into four patrol districts; each
district is subdivided into patrol car and walkbeat areas. The department’s headquarters is at 253 High Street
in downtown Hartford.
Staffing Levels and Demographics
Our Department is proud to present our first Hartford Police Department Annual Report. This report provides a
statistical analysis of 2020 crime data and showcases the many services this Department provides to its citizens and
visitors. I hope that the information contained within this report will provide you with a better understanding of
the Police Department’s structure, our staff, and our approach to policing.
Serving our community to the best of our ability is a daily commitment, and we hope this report is another step
in the right direction to build public trust and provide a safer Hartford.
Sincerely,
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HPD STAFFING LEVELS AND DEMOGRAPHICS - JANUARY 1, 2021
SWORN PERSONNEL
WHITE
BLACK
HISPANIC
ASIAN
TOTAL
MALE
251
39
66
5
361
FEMALE
29
7
24
3
63
TOTAL
280
46
90
8
424
PERCENTAGE
66.04%
10.85%
21.23%
1.89%
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