The state of Connecticut will send state police officers and other resources to three cities in response to a rise in violent crime during the summer.
Chiefs of the cities of Bridgeport, New Haven and Hartford said they’ve seen spikes in shootings and homicides this summer.
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner James Rovella said there’s a predictable increase in violence during the hottest summer months.
“Some people are gonna go to jail. No doubt about it. They’re going to be carrying guns, and they’re going to be shooting people. And we’re going to slow down this violence. It is a public health epidemic.”
Rovella said cities have seen drops in crime overall, but shootings and homicides are up over last year.
The state will also give each city $25,000 to pay for the short-term costs of more police patrols.
