Sen. Berthel Stands With Senate Republicans, Unveil A Better Way to a Safer Connecticut

October 14, 2021

Today, State Sen. Eric Berthel (R-32) issued a statement of support for the Connecticut Senate Republicans’ package of legislative proposals to address the surge in violent crime across Connecticut. The plan, A Better Way to a Safer Connecticut (attached), includes justice reforms to improve crime response, support law enforcement, and remove barriers to intervention services, as well as policies to address the root causes of crime including issues related to trauma, education, housing and jobs.

 

“Public safety should be our most essential priority. Right now, people do not feel safe in their own home or when out in the community. We see almost daily stories of violent crime with law-abiding citizens as the victims. This is not fearmongering or playing politics. This is a fact—simply looking at a newspaper proves this point,” said Senator Berthel.

 

“We must restore law enforcement’s ability to prevent and stop crime and also look at the root causes for those crimes. This is a holistic plan that addresses these matters. Everyone in Connecticut deserves the opportunity to succeed and this success begins with access to jobs. For youthful offenders, as a ranking member of our Education Committee, this includes a strong pipeline to these jobs by way of mentors and apprentice/internships. I hope that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle join me in supporting these initiatives to restore a Connecticut where everyone has the tools to succeed,” he said.

 

READ the plan in full at CTSenateRepublicans.com (https://ctsenaterepublicans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/101321_ASaferConnecticut_SRO.pdf).

 

WATCH the press conference: https://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=19011

 

PLAN HIGHLIGHTS:

 

Part 1: Crime Response

  • Increase information sharing and modify standards around detention orders
  • Require next day court for juveniles to expedite access to services
  • Ensure current programs are effective in addressing recidivism rates
  • Better recognize when a juvenile needs enhanced services and supports available through the adult court system, with the protections of the Youthful Offender docket in place.

 

Part 2: Prevention and Opportunity

  • Support for community programs focused on trauma, truancy, mediation, and mentorship
  • Workforce development programs
  • Partnerships with schools and local businesses to create a pipeline to careers
  • Summer jobs program
  • Vocational program recruitment
  • Safe housing policies

 

Part 3: Support Police & Safe Communities

  • Law enforcement recruitment
  • Targeted modifications to laws to enable police officers to do their jobs and keep people safe
  • Expand explorer programs to build better relationships between young people and our officers

 

CRIME STATISTICS:

  • HARTFORD is on pace for one of its deadliest years in decades, with 29 murders reported as of October 2.  A year over year 61.1% increase in murder.
  • NEW HAVEN murders year to date up 37.5%, assault with firearms up 9.5%, shots fired up 68% from 2020, a 122% increase from 2019, as of Sep 12, 2021.
  • WATERBURY year to date all crime up 13.4%, murder up 28.6%, auto theft up 23%.
  • MIDDLETOWN homicide rate the highest it has been since 1993.
  • The number of homicides in Connecticut increased 31% in 2020 according to the FBI, just over the historic 30% increase nationwide. Nationally, this is the largest single-year increase ever recorded in the country, according to official FBI statistics.
  • FBI data shows car thefts in CT rose 42.5% from 2019-2020. Nationwide increase was 11.8%. CT Motor Vehicle Theft Arrest in 2020: 667 …CT Motor Vehicle Theft Offense Counts in 2020: 7,773.
  • According to AAA National Insurance Crime Bureau, Connecticut saw a 42% increase in stolen vehicles in 2020 as compared to 2019. Almost 6,000 vehicles were stolen in 2019, which would suggest more than 8,500 vehicles were stolen in 2020.
  • Auto theft-related arrests have risen 23% in 2020 compared to the first full year of data gathered in 2019, according to a Judicial Branch report.