New Canaan Police more than doubled the number of motor vehicle stops that officers made in April compared the year-ago month, officials say.
The rise in the most recent reportable month—from 335 to 674—is a “significant increase” that reflects the “good work of our officers,” according to Police Chief John DiFederico.
“They’re becoming highly visible out there,” he told members of the Police Commission during their May 21 meeting, held at Town Hall and via videoconference.
DiFederico added: “It helps slow down traffic and it’s great to see out there.”
The comments came during a section of the meeting where the chief reviewed monthly statistics with the appointed body. Motor vehicle enforcement has been a priority for police in recent months. In the first four months of 2025, officers made 1,663 motor vehicle-related stops compared to 1,002 during the same period in 2024—a 66% increase.
Commission Chair Paul Foley asked whether the increase reflects motorists caught speeding.
The chief said that during April, much of the activity was for distracted driving following receipt of a state grant.
New Canaan Police upped their enforcement under the 2025 Distracted Driving Grant, which ran April 1 to 30 as part of a joint effort with state and local law enforcement and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. April also was Distracted Driving Awareness Month and New Canaan High School hosted safe driving week—bringing special attention to distracted driving and driving under the influence—April 21 to 25.
Other noteworthy year-over-year increases in police activity include radar-related stops (up from 97 to 181 through the first four months of 2025), warrant service (three to 14) and warrants served, such as for failure to appear (15 to 22).