Dear Editor:
Written on each New Canaan Police vehicle is the motto “protect and serve.” These simple words are what the men and women of our Department do exceptionally well. Moreover, our new Department mission statement is: “To Protect and Serve our community with courage, professionalism and integrity.” Our officers fulfill this mission each and every day.
New Canaan is Exceptionally Safe
Although New Canaan is an exceptionally safe Town for our residents, due in large part to the work of our officers, it is not so safe for our officers. We have no doubt that our Town enjoys a very low crime rate due to the tireless work of our officers.
Yet, we have seen an increase in career criminals coming to our Town to commit crimes. Thanks to our dedicated officers, 2015 saw the arrests of many criminals whom made the foolish choice to prey upon our Town. We are proud that New Canaan is one of the safest communities in Connecticut.
Success in 2015 & Goals for 2016
As a direct result of the work of our officers, 2015 saw a 7 percent decrease in motor vehicle accidents as well as a very successful law enforcement audit which ensured our Department is following national standards of law enforcement best practices.
2016 will see our Department focusing on both education and enforcement to reduce youth access to narcotics and alcohol. In addition, we will also focus on expanding our community policing efforts and reducing identity theft, distracted driving, drugged/drunk driving, theft from vehicles and burglaries. We will also explore predictive policing platforms that allow us to forecast and prevent future crimes.
Service & Sacrifice
Our officers are often put in situations where they are at risk, are exposed to a variety of threats, and are expected to make split-second decisions which involve life and death.
As 2016 begins, we want to thank all members of our Department for their service, sacrifice and support throughout the year. When the public asks what we are thankful for, we often tell them that we are most thankful for the quality, compassion and professionalism of our officers. In our opinion there is no better Police Department in the nation.
Very often our officers are not properly recognized for the great work they do. Of the approximately 16,000 incidents that our officers handle each year, some of these incidents are violent and put our officers in harm’s way. Yet, our officers consistently handle these incidents with great skill, bravery and dedication.
When you see our officers, thank them for what they do, the risks that they take, and the way in which they so professionally “protect and serve” our Town.
Sincerely,
Leon Krolikowski, Chief of Police
Vincent DeMaio, Captain of Operations
John DiFederico, Captain of Staff Services
I am glad to see the Chief and his Captains give us some background on all that their department is doing for the Town. Without attending all Police Commission meetings or enquiring, most of us only know a small fraction of all the good services our police officers are providing for us daily. They all deserve our appreciation for what they do, but especially for putting their own safety at risk when confronting violent situations on our behalf.
It has been most impressive recently to see that when crimes have been committed here by people who have been involved in crime elsewhere, they are frequently apprehended right here, and therefore their activities are stopped cold, by the quick-thinking and diligent work of our officers and department. Our police department is a major contributing presence to police work in this region and I feel proud that we are able to help our neighboring communities in this way. Keep up the good work and know, for sure, that you are all greatly appreciated.