Pero Proposes More Cops, Sex Offender Task Force

When he , Republican candidate Rob Pero said public safety would be his first priority. At a forum held Saturday at the , he outlined his goals in that area.

Pero started by describing New London as a “city of opportunity” due to its transportation access, arts community, colleges, unique shops and restaurants, history, and diversity. The city cannot adequately capitalize on these advantages, he said, unless public safety is assured.

“In order for us to have a thriving, growing community we have to have the people who come here feel they are safe,” he said.

Pero said his three main initiatives would be increasing the police force, creating a crime analyst position, and forming a regional task force with other police departments to address the issue of sex offenders.

Pero said there are currently 96 officers in the , and that he would like to increase that number to 115 over the next five years. He said the increase will have a financial impact on the city, but also allow 10 officers for each sector per shift. He said this move would be in line with the department’s shift toward more officers and less overtime shifts, and that a contracted grant writer could help to secure funds for the positions. Pero said the increase in officers would increase the visibility of the department and its connection to neighborhoods.

“I think that relationship has not been there,” he said.

Pero also proposed that clerical work and similar tasks could be performed by non-sworn officers. He said officers who violate the department’s code of conduct should be fired, and dispatchers should be trained to be an effective means of communication with the public. Pero said that if he is elected mayor, he and his department heads would conduct monthly visits to the community to hear about concerns.

The crime analyst would be a non-sworn position to evaluate reports and criminal activity to determine areas of the city that need the greatest police presence. Pero said the city already has the computer technology available for the position. Another goal would be to find ways to limit the presence of sex offenders through residence or arrival via bus from a proposed sex offender residential facility in Montville.

Pero said several other initiatives would also aim to increase safety in the city. One would continue the “Clean Sweep” program and NIP-IT code enforcement team to hold residents accountable for the condition of their property and cut down on blighted areas. Another would be coordination with anti-violence efforts and evaluation of the potential impact of a community center for the city’s youth. Pero said he would provide assistance, through funds or department heads, to support anti-violence efforts such as an upcoming talent show and mentoring programs.

“We want those people heavily involved in New London,” said Pero. “We want to say to others, ‘Look at the examples of these individuals” and say, ‘Please, be involved in our community. Be a part of the solution.’”