http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/Chion/do%20120105%20New%20Haven%20homicides.mp3
Homicides in New Haven reached a near-record high in 2011. The city’s new police chief spoke to WNPR about what it will take to stop the violence.
There were 34 homicides in New Haven last year. Police Chief Dean Esserman says the face of violence in the city reflects other cities across the nation.
"This country of ours is not at war on the streets of America. Providence kills Providence. Hartford, Hartford. New Haven, New Haven. These are our own children killing each other. And it needs to stop."
Esserman began his career as an attorney in New York City, then became assistant police chief in New Haven in the early 1990's, where he helped to establish the city’s community policing program. He went on to serve as police chief in Stamford and later Providence.
He says he’s glad to be back in New Haven, and is spending his first weeks listening and learning.
"Sometimes the fast answer isn’t the right answer. So I've been doing one on ones with every sergeant, lieutenant, captain and assistant chief in this department."
Esserman plans to take a three-pronged approach.
"First, we will commit ourselves to be a fully decentralized community based of neighborhood based department, bringing back the walking beat. Cause it's through those relationships that trust develops and information develops."
Second, he wants to increase the number of so-called CompStat meetings, where beat cops meet with police officials to review data and strategize.
"Third is – this is a department that will no longer work alone. But will work in partnership and collaboration with everybody. So in that room, the FBI is there, the U.S. Attorney is there, Probation and Parole are there, the State’s Attorney is there. Yale University police are there."
And Chief Esserman says police will reach out to schools, churches, synagogues and neighborhoods across New Haven to try and stop the killing.
