Government

Town To Purchase Additional License Plate Readers, Security Cameras for NCPD

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Municipal officials this week approved a $67,500 contract to purchase five license plate readers and eight security cameras for the New Canaan Police Department, to be installed around town. The contract with Flock Group Inc. will “supplement what we currently have” at NCPD, according to Police Chief John DiFederico. “We currently have 10 cameras,” DiFederico told members of the Board of Selectmen at their regular meeting, held Tuesday at Town Hall and via videoconference. “This is to get into a contract for five more and eight video cameras. This will be in addition to the 10 we currently have with the company.”

First Selectman Dionna Carlson and Selectmen Steve Karl and Amy Murphy Carroll voted 3-0 in favor of the contract. 

The funds are coming from a state grant that the town’s grant writer, Greg Reilly, was able to secure, DiFederico said.

News

Police Chief: NCPD Could Start Ticketing Parents for Kids’ Misuse of E-Bikes

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If the problem of young people riding e-bikes recklessly downtown persists, police may start ticketing their parents, according to Chief John DiFederico. Asked about the proliferation and misuse of the motorized vehicles in New Canaan, specifically in the downtown area, DiFederico pointed to a state statute regarding the operation of e-bikes and electric foot scooters. It allows towns to create their own ordinances regarding the vehicles, including “penalties” for violations, as well as provisions requiring annual licensing. “The statute for bikes and bike rules in general— not just e-bikes—allows for a parent or guardian to be held accountable for their children who are operating a bike illegally: riding on sidewalks, going the wrong way, not obeying traffic laws,” DiFederico told NewCanaanite.com. “So we are exploring that.

Hardesty & Hanover

Officials Weigh Possible Third Stop Sign at 106-Carter Street Intersection

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The New Canaanite 2024 Summer Internship Program is sponsored by Karp Associates. Motorists are speeding along a busy stretch of Route 106 in New Canaan and officials now are looking at possibly adding a stop sign to an already complicated intersection. During the July 17 meeting of the Police Commission, a representative of New-Haven-based Hardesty & Hanover presented officials with various ideas to remedy the skewed intersection of Carter Street, state Route 106 or Silvermine Road, and Canoe Hill Road. After hearing numerous proposals for possible solutions, Police Chief John DiFederico questioned why the traffic consultant had not considered placing a single stop sign in the westbound direction of the intersection – creating a three-way stop. Veronica Prezioso of Hardesty & Hanover said she thought this was a “good point” and that she would have to further “look into it.” 

She told town officials at the meeting—held at Town Hall and via videoconference— that the addition of the third stop sign could be a viable solution but added that it would invite more signage earlier on, likely with blinking lights to indicate to drivers that there would be a stop. 

DiFederico noted that it was a much cheaper solution and could be implemented much quicker. 

Director of Public Works Tiger Mann said that officials had already looked into a four-way stop at the intersection and even the installation of a traffic light, but those ideas were vetoed earlier on.

News
NCPD

New Canaan Police ID Harassing Phone Caller

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New Canaan Police on Wednesday recognized officers who took part in resolving a harassment case. 

In November of 2023, Officer Jake Somma took a complaint regarding harassing phone calls, according to Police Chief John DiFederico. The phone calls had gone on for more than six months and the number was blocked, making it “difficult to identify the caller,” the chief told members of the Police Commission during their regular meeting, held at Town Hall and via videoconference. “But Officer Somma and Sgt. [George] Caponera did a thorough investigation,” he said. “They were able to narrow the list down of the possible numbers and they were able to identify the caller as a former friend of the complainant.”

The update came as DiFederico shared a letter of appreciation from the complainant recognizing the officers’ help.

FY 2025 budget

Chief: Police Department Taking ‘Hard Look’ at OT with Numbers Trending High

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New Canaan’s police chief said last month that the department is looking hard at its overtime use after trending high in some areas fiscal-year-to-date. Chief John DiFederico reported during the most recent Police Commission meeting that “we’re trending a little high” with respect to overtime lines. According to data obtained by NewCanaanite.com through a public records request, the Police Department had spent about $185,000 of the $265,000 total (about 70%) allocated for regular overtime through this fiscal year, which ends June 30. It wasn’t clear from the data whether it represented totals through November or through the date of the meeting (Dec. 20).