On Monday, February 5th, State Representative Dave Yaccarino joined North Haven Police Sergeant Maurice Martin for a ride-along on his morning patrol. This is the latest installment in an annual tradition for Rep. Yaccarino, citing an ongoing positive relationship with the North Haven Police Department and all local public safety and emergency personnel.
“It is so important that our law enforcement is supported by their state lawmakers, and by joining Sgt. Martin on his patrol this week I was fortunate to gain more firsthand insight to the challenges our officers face, the sacrifices they make, and how they believe we can advocate for them at the State Capitol,” Rep. Yaccarino said. “It is clear that neighborhoods in North Haven and across Connecticut are becoming less safe for residents and business owners due to state laws that restrict law enforcement and embolden offenders.”
While the Sergeant and State Representative toured North Haven, they discussed the specific public safety issues plaguing North Haven and how the law enforcement landscape has shifted following the adoption of controversial police accountability legislation in 2020, which critics say has exacerbated a cycle of repeat offenses, mostly by juveniles.
Of main concern was a devastating increase in property crime – auto theft, car break-ins, and a steal-and-sell scheme with catalytic converters. Local and state law enforcement are unified in their assertion that a limited ability to pursue, ranging from traffic stops to car thefts, has generated this trend.
“As State Representative for North Haven, I will continue to be a fierce supporter of our law enforcement and ensure that they have a strong voice in Hartford,” Rep. Yaccarino said.
Rep. Yaccarino’s 87th Assembly District encompasses all of North Haven.