Council Makes Critical ARPA Investments In Police Assets: Town Manager

NORTH BRANFORD, CT —The North Branford Town Council approved making several key investments in public safety utilizing unallocated American Rescue Plan Act funds, Town Manager Michael Downes noted in a news release.

The Council action, taken at its first meeting of the new session last week, authorized $275,000 to purchase police assets.

“These investments on the part of the Town Council come at a critical time when property crimes are on the rise across the state,” Downes said. “We are pleased to continue our support of our police professionals by ensuring they have what they need to protect our residents."

“There is no question that our North Branford community and communities across the State of
Connecticut are facing an increase in violent crime,” Deputy Chief of Police James Lovelace said.

Among those assets are active shooter kits for officers including protective body armor and helmets; state-of-the-art license plate readers which will allow quick tracking of vehicles passing through town that have been reported stolen; two Traffic Logix radar feedback signs that show rate of speed and collect motorist data; an upgrade of 30 new handguns; and a Dodge Durango canine vehicle.

Downes said Councilors Walter Goad and Marie Diamond, who serve as Police Commission liaisons, were "instrumental in working on the list of items secured with the Police Department."

Lovelace said the support and action to fund these public safety needs by the North Branford Town Council as its first official business, "sends an astounding message" to the police department and the community."

"Law enforcement faces many complex challenges and with this funding it will enable the officers to respond to these difficult times safely and effectively," he added.

Mayor Rose Angeloni said the public safety investments —"equipment upgrades to help our officers keep our community safe in this challenging time, are a "great use" of the ARPA funds."

Councilor Nick Palladino, an East Hartford police officer, said the Council's unanimous vote shows its "continued commitment and support to our first responders.”

And Councilor Ron Pelliccia, who is a probation officer with the Connecticut Judicial Branch, said he believes "these purchases will not only help us keep up with the times, but also help our
officers be more effective in their mission of keeping our community safe."

Diamond echoed what all councilors said: “North Branford owes our police officers our deepest gratitude for their dedication to this community, and we want to always support them in their efforts to protect all residents."