New Haven Independent

Try to avoid carrying large amounts of cash, Duff told members of the Dixwell Management Team at a meeting Thursday night. Duff is the district’s top cop.
“The shooting, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings, is ridiculous. It feels like they are shooting right outside my house. It’s every Friday and Saturday,” said Lisa Hopkins, who lives on Frances Hunter Drive.
Hopkins’ comment led to debate regarding the politics of property management and the housing court. The difficulty is evicting a resident, if perhaps it is their grandchild or friends who are the source of trouble in an area.
Community leader Ruth Henderson addressed the need for a dialogue between the police and residents. “The policeman should be open with us, to a certain extent. I want to be informed if there are activities that could put us at harm.”

She offered an example in which police had been aware of dangerous pit bulls being raised and behind a particular house. Animal control had visited the house. Before any legal action, a boy was attacked by one of the dogs. Henderson said the police should let the community know, so that they can be aware.

Sgt. Duff mentioned emergency call boxes, directly linked to 911, which have been built and activated around Farmington Canal and various streets. He also commended programs that have succeeded in keeping New Haven youth busy, and offered this year’s quiet Halloween as a recent example. “I applaud the people who have the patience to organize and lead those groups. They have taken some of our most troublesome kids and have provided them activities,” he said.