You may have seen the recent article in Courant found here, that reported an incident last week where a man was stopped by one of our Officers walking through the restricted back lot of our Police Department while illegally in possession of a loaded firearm with a destroyed serial number and multiple knives. It's unknown what the man's intentions were. Unfortunately this is just the latest example of a long running problem since our Public Safety Complex opened in 2004. Our Officers regularly stop pedestrians wandering through our restricted back lot, drivers using it as a shortcut between Tolland St and Burnside to avoid the stop lights, and residents who were trying to find the public lot out front accidentally pulling in. We've also had more nefarious trespassers who've broken into both Police vehicles and employee's personal vehicles.
Ever since 2004 there have been on and off discussions about a fence and gates being installed to secure the back lot, it's even gotten so far as having bids put in, but for one reason or another the project has never actually happened. However with the increase in attacks and ambushes on Police Officers, especially at Police Stations around the country (Find recent examples here, here, here, here, here, and here.), we think now is the time to get this basic security measure built. We've even seen more local examples of arsons and attempts in Police lots over the last few years (Click here, and here.).
Our Officers are under enough pressure out on the street under the current anti-Police climate. They deserve to be able to let down their guard, even just a little, when they're on Police property. Now is the time for Town Council to approve the funding and get this fence built.
