Crime Prevention
The primary goal of the Crime Prevention Unit is to help educate citizens on how to reduce their risk of being a victim of crime.
This goal is accomplished through various programs which include the Block Watch Program, Project Kid-care, Bicycle Rodeo/Safety Programs (including helmet giveaways), personal property marking program, women’s safety classes, Combat Auto Theft and neighborhood outreach initiatives. This unit also visits businesses to discuss safety tips and recommended security measures and coordinates the Citizen’s Police Academy.
This unit is also responsible for Public Information and Media Relations.
Sergeant Patrick Buturla is currently assigned to the unit. If you require further information on any of our programs and services, he can be reached at 203-937-3570 Monday through Friday from 8 am until 4 pm. All of the crime prevention and awareness programs are provided free of charge.
Sergeant Patrick Buturla – (203) 937-3570
Crisis Intervention
The West Haven Police Department was the second city in the State of Connecticut to offer specialized support services to our citizens with disabilities. The WHPD teamed up with Connecticut Alliance to Benefit Law Enforcement (C.A.B.L.E.) and the New London Police Department to train members of our department to better aid consumers who suffer with a mental illness.
All CIT members must successfully complete training designed to increase the awareness of the many mental illnesses and medications they may encounter in the field. Other training includes awareness of “Suicide by Cop”, suicide ideation/attempt, visual and/or auditory hallucinations, and other topics.
It is the goal of the West Haven Police Department to not only become an additional resource for agencies and health care providers that serve these consumers, but to continue to be a support system for those consumers themselves. Through these partnerships, we are able to offer more appropriate care and referrals to proper agencies (if needed).
When a call involving an emotionally disturbed person, person with a mental illness, or a “crisis” call is identified, a CIT member (whenever available) is dispatched. These CIT members are identifiable by the Pathfinder pin or patch on their uniform (image shown above).
Currently, the West Haven Police Department has approximately 30 team members which cover all available shifts.
School Resource Officers
Our School Resource Officers are assigned to the city’s schools to provide services and build relationships with students.
SRO’s are permanently assigned to a school for the school year. These uniformed officers are able to maintain a close relationship between the faculty and students as SRO’s. SRO’s are trained as both a law enforcement officer and a school resource provider. Their duties involve counseling, education, and law enforcement. These SRO’s are available to solve problems through interaction by combining counseling with education into traditional police work.
The SRO works closely with school administrators to enforce criminal laws and school policies through crime prevention, investigation, and arrest if necessary. A decision on a course of action for a student is made through a cooperative effort between school administrators and the SRO. This close cooperation of school and police makes the students more accountable for their actions while maintaining safety for the other faculty and students.