Keeping Newtown & Fairfield Hills Safe

To the Editor:

I commend Newtown’s Police Department for their hard work in keeping Newtown residents safe in our homes, on the streets, in parks, and in the workplace. After a recent tour of their facility, I have a much better appreciation for their work environment and concerns. For example, there is no private space for incident interviews and the very small “booking room” has space for fingerprinting equipment, a small table and chair for the detainee, but the police officer must stand.

As Newtown grows, a long-range plan for a larger facility is essential. In 1970, the police department was created with 12 officers and one chief and located at Edmond Town Hall. It moved to Town Hall South (THS) in 1980 with 24 officers and seven civilians. Today, it has 42 sworn officers and 13 civilians. In the next 25–30 years, will it double to 84 officers? No one knows for certain, but the time to plan is now.

The five-year Capital Expenditure Plan (CIP) recently submitted to the Legislative Council budgets $200,000 (2005–2006) for the study and design of the present police facility in Town Hall South (THS) and $1 million (2006–2007) for “building improvements and renovations.” (p.2). However, the 1999 municipal space needs study (known at the Kaestle Boos Report) recommended $4,077,635 to add 14,441 square feet for department use.

Town Hall South, home of the police department, is located on a lot too small to accommodate expansion of both building and parking. Earlier studies indicated the need to purchase adjacent or nearby land for additional parking, a secure impounding area for motor vehicles, and land for future expansion when necessary.

A place of prominence is primary. A segment of the population feels the police department should remain on South Main Street. Another segment feels the police are not centrally located, in light of the fact that the Sandy Hook area of Newtown has seen rapid growth. How can these two opinions be resolved?

Some options mentioned:

*Move the police department to a larger facility at Fairfield Hills (FFH), but keep a police presence at Town Hall south; or vice-versa, arrange for a police presence at FFH, and keep the police headquarters in THS.

*Move the police department to FFH; rent or sell Town Hall South for professional offices.

*Keep the police department where it is, but plan for future expansion:

Include money in the five year CIP to secure land adjacent or near the present site;

Renovate and improve the downstairs area for the police department after present occupants move out.

Whatever is decided, it is imperative that Newtown have a strong police presence at Fairfield Hills once Newtown is in possession of that property. Under any set of circumstances, the police department is a vital part of our community, and its future must be part of any comprehensive plan for municipal offices in Newtown.

Ruby K. Johnson

16 Chestnut Hill Road, Sandy Hook                      February 11, 2004