A Letter to the Hartford City Council by Stephen E. Hesse

Mr. Hesse lives in Hartford’s Asylum Hill neighborhood. He proposes an interesting idea in an e-mail to all members of the Hartford City Council: Quality of Life Constables. A very quick Web search revealed that similar programs exist in Glens Falls NY, the Cobble Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn NY, Cleveland, Exeter UK, and even the UK in general. What do you think? – Julie

June 7, 2008

Good Day Council Member:

I am writing you out of a deep concern over the continuing disgraceful conditions in our city and quite frankly, I’m sick and tired of living in this crime ridden environment.

As a taxpayer, property owner, family man, war veteran and citizen – the only thing I ask for is some peace and quiet in my life. I grew up in Hartford when it was a great city. Those were when people seemed to take responsibility for their own actions and the actions of their children.

I believe that we need to focus on many of the quality of life issues – if people aren’t brought up to respect the needs of others then it’s time us, as citizens, to insure that law, order, decency and honor are maintained. I don’t understand why you can get away with infractions here that are not tolerated in the suburbs but anything goes in Hartford – it’s a disgrace.

We need to implement a program which I will refer to as QOL Constables [Quality of Life Constables]. I believe ignoring Quality of Life issues only perpetuate bigger crimes.

Here’s what I suggest:

Hire QOL Constables. They will be trained to enforce and/or ticket some of the following infractions which would free up police officers for other duties:

• Loitering
• Loud music
• Littering
• Cussing & swearing
• Public drinking
• Parking during parking bans
• Parking in no parking zones
• Other intrusive behavior

They will be equipped with radios to contact a police officer in the event of a greater crime. They will be thoroughly trained and could be hired from a pool of candidates perhaps with a background as follows:

• Security guard – officer.
• Retired police, fireman or correction officer.
• Military background
• Police Cadets could also be used

And so on ….

The city can’t afford this so how will they be paid? The city can’t afford not to …

These positions could be part time

Pay a commission – percentage of the value of the ticket – say, 5-10% vs. a salary. In essence, it would pay for itself.

Other expenses:

• Training
• Uniforms
• Insurance

It’s time for zero tolerance and a no nonsense mentality here in Hartford. Please do it now.

Sincerely,

Stephen E. Hesse