A Better Way to a Safer Connecticut

October 13, 2021

Click here to read the plan.

Draft legislation.

Do you want a safer CT? If yes, add your voice:

 

Connecticut Senate Republicans have a plan to address the surge in violent crime across Connecticut. The plan, A Better Way to a Safer Connecticut (attached), includes justice reforms to improve crime response, support law enforcement, and remove barriers to intervention services, as well as policies to address the root causes of crime including issues related to trauma, education, housing and jobs.

 

“We all deserve to live in a state where we feel safe,” said Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford). “We need immediate action to properly respond to crime. We need to ensure law enforcement and our justice system have the tools to keep all people safe. We also need action to prevent crime, to end the cycle of juvenile injustice and a lack of opportunity that pushes people, especially young people, towards crime. We cannot ignore that Connecticut is dead last in job growth and income growth and Connecticut’s economy is failing our children and failing our cities. We need to build a ladder out of poverty. We need good paying jobs. We need safe housing. And we need to empower communities to thrive. We are here today to share a plan that offers a better way to a safer Connecticut.”

 

Senate Republican Leader Pro Tempore Paul Formica (R-East Lyme) added, “Solutions must come with input from our communities, from social workers and experts in the justice system, from juvenile advocates and police, from victims and from community leaders. That’s why we have been out in our communities, in cities across the state, talking to people who work with juveniles every day. Talking to our police. Talking to community leaders about what has worked, what has failed, and where we go from here. I want to thank the many individuals and organizations that senators and staff have had the privilege of speaking with. Those conversations have led to the proposals we share today.”

 

“I have had the honor and privilege to work with my colleagues in many bipartisan conversations focused on certain juvenile justice reform ideas, but those conversations have been limited in  scope” said Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield), ranking member of the Judiciary Committee. “I appreciate those conversations, but we must do so much more. We need a holistic approach to not only respond to crime immediately, but to prevent crime over the long term.”

 

Sen. Kelly said, “These holistic ideas are meant to advance discussions and open the door to action. We welcome input. We must involve police, community leaders, prosecutors, public defenders, and youth advocates to shape the best policies. A safer CT starts with a stronger CT. It starts with an economy that can support jobs, build hope, and create a path to success for young people. It starts with proactive policing, accountability for repeat offenders and ensuring our justice system has the tools to successfully rehabilitate.”

READ the plan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WATCH the press conference.

 

PLAN HIGHLIGHTS:

 

Part 1: Crime Response

  • Increase information sharing and modify standards around detention orders
  • Require next day court for juveniles to expedite access to services
  • Ensure current programs are effective in addressing recidivism rates
  • Better recognize when a juvenile needs enhanced services and supports available through the adult court system, with the protections of the Youthful Offender docket in place.

Part 2: Prevention and Opportunity

  • Support for community programs focused on trauma, truancy, mediation, and mentorship
  • Workforce development programs
  • Partnerships with schools and local businesses to create a pipeline to careers
  • Summer jobs program
  • Vocational program recruitment
  • Safe housing policies

Part 3: Support Police & Safe Communities

  • Law enforcement recruitment
  • Targeted modifications to laws to enable police officers to do their jobs and keep people safe
  • Expand explorer programs to build better relationships between young people and our officers

 

CRIME STATISTICS:

  • HARTFORD is on pace for one of its deadliest years in decades, with 29 murders reported as of October 2.  A year over year 61.1% increase in murder.
  • NEW HAVEN murders year to date up 37.5%, assault with firearms up 9.5%, shots fired up 68% from 2020, a 122% increase from 2019, as of Sep 12, 2021.
  • WATERBURY year to date all crime up 13.4%, murder up 28.6%, auto theft up 23%.
  • MIDDLETOWN homicide rate the highest it has been since 1993.
  • The number of homicides in Connecticut increased 31% in 2020 according to the FBI, just over the historic 30% increase nationwide. Nationally, this is the largest single-year increase ever recorded in the country, according to official FBI statistics.
  • FBI data shows car thefts in CT rose 42.5% from 2019-2020. Nationwide increase was 11.8%. CT Motor Vehicle Theft Arrest in 2020: 667 …CT Motor Vehicle Theft Offense Counts in 2020: 7,773.
  • According to AAA National Insurance Crime Bureau, Connecticut saw a 42% increase in stolen vehicles in 2020 as compared to 2019. Almost 6,000 vehicles were stolen in 2019, which would suggest more than 8,500 vehicles were stolen in 2020.
  • Auto theft-related arrests have risen 23% in 2020 compared to the first full year of data gathered in 2019, according to a Judicial Branch report.