Zero Tolerance for Trouble on West Haven Boardwalk
Police have handed out 33o tickets this summer compared to 270 last year.
A West Haven officer patrols the boardwalk.
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This summer West Haven Police have had zero tolerance when it comes to troublemakers on the boardwalk.
Police have refused to put up with problems on the boardwalk this summer. They’ve been walking along the area near Savin Rock every day and night since April, and hundreds have been in trouble.
Even though the crackdown was warranted to help prevent fights and drugs and alcohol issues, some say officers need to back off.
“They're overreacting on little things,” said Tayler Correa.
But some boardwalk visitors are relieved that the police have kicked plenty of troublemakers off the boardwalk this summer.
“It's awesome,” said Anglina Sousa. “People were riding their bikes and smoking joints blowing it in your face; not caring. There was nobody sitting at these benches because people were too afraid to come down here,” Sousa added.
During the last few months officers have put an end to dangerous fights and disturbances by making their presence known.
According to police, officers made a few arrests since April, and have given out 330 tickets, compared to 270 last summer.
But some still think their response this summer has been overboard. For the first time in years, city officials said people have actually fought the tickets, but all of the appeals had been rejected.
“Zero tolerance. If you break the law, you're going to get a ticket,” said Ray Collins, Chairman of West Haven Police Commissioners.
He told NBC Connecticut the goal wasn’t to get people in trouble.
“We want our citizens and visitors to feel safe. That's all we're asking just follow the laws,” Collins added.
Police said the extra patrols have made a big difference and they will continue for the next few weeks
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