Changes are coming to the New Haven Police Department. Chief Frank Limon announced a complete restructuring of the Department Monday, saying it will create more accountability and make the department easier to run.
Jesse Browning, who owns a package store in New Haven, says he's ready to see this new plan in action. "I’ve been here for 26 years. I’ve seen a lot of violence, a lot of stuff going on."
Browning says the crimes have slowly decreased by his store but there are other problems police should be watching for these days. "The drugs are still going on. They’re still selling the drugs."
This is the information the police department wants to hear says Chief Limon. "Every member of the community has a role in community policing. We need their help, we need them to get engaged with the police department."
To make sure the information is getting to the right ears, Chief Limon is realigning his department. First, he introduced the new Street Interdiction Unit, or SIU. It's a group of officers who don’t respond to 911 calls. Instead they follow crime patterns like car break ins, burglaries or shootings.
Also announced on Monday; two captains - instead of one - will oversee ten patrol districts.
The Inspections Department is getting a is being renamed the Management Development and Accountability. It will still be in charge of policy compliance, inspections and audits. But it will now also work with universities to train officers.
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Two new sections have also been added, overseeing new initiatives and developing technology.
Finally, the call center at city hall and police dispatch will be merged. The new center won't be supervised by a sergeant anymore, instead it will be run by citizens, not police officers.
"These changes taking effect next week are designed to improve efficiency and over all effectiveness of New Haven police," Chief Limon said.
