Branford Police Chief: 'Public Video Key In Jogger Attack Arrest’

BRANFORD, CT - As people become more and more accustomed to, and comfortable using, social media, it is also becoming a valuable tool for local police departments to use as a tool in doingn their jobs.

Branford Police Chief John Mulhern made that point clear at the most recent Board of Police Commissioner meeting, when he said that the recent arrest of a juvenile in an attack on a female jogger was made, in large part, due to video the department received from the public of the incident.

Mulhern said the arrest of the juvenile was made, in part, "because of good engagement with the community and video played a big part." The chief called the arrest a "combination of technology and good old fashioned police work."

A 16-year-old juvenile has been arrested in connection with the assault on the jogger that took place in Branford on Mill Creek Road.

The juvenile is charged with fourth-degree sexual assault and second-degree breach of peace.

Speaking of community involvement, Mulhern noted that the Branford Police Department recently joined “Neighbors by Ring”!!

Neighbors by Ring is the Neighborhood Watch App that allows the user to send real-time crime and safety notifications to the Branford community and directly to the Branford Police Department.

You do not need a Ring device to participate and anyone with any camera system can upload content to the Neighbors App.

Branford police, said: “We highly encourage each and every one of our residents to join as well as help us spread the word to the community about the Neighbors App. “Help make our communities safer for everyone!!”

To download please text "branfordct" to 555888.

Mulhern called it a "very, very important investigative tool" that police departments across the country are using.