NEW HAVEN POLICE CHIEF RESPONDS TO BEAVER HILLS PHOTOS CONCERN

(1/30/2009) (NEW HAVEN)—In response to allegations made by a group protesting outside of the Whalley Avenue Police Substation today, Police Chief James Lewis reminded the public that the “wall” that protesters have been referring to was removed the evening of January 22nd when its existence was first publicized:

“This “wall” no longer exists. The “wall” simply displayed the photographs of individuals who other members of the community have submitted complaints about for disrupting quality of life in their neighborhood. The practice of maintaining the personal information and photographs of members of a community who are disruptive and who pose a threat to public safety in a neighborhood is a standard operation in police departments nationwide. The Department will continue to monitor subjects who are pointed out by the community as being involved in victimizing the community as our purpose is to protect the residents of our City. It is vital that we continue to collect information from residents so that we can improve the safety of our streets.”

Lewis spoke with a representative of the NAACP the day after the original story was publicized in the news media and continues to meet with the organization’s representative. “There was not any illegal activity or biased-based act of profiling as alleged by the organizers of this protest.”

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Contact Name: Jessica Mayorga

Contact Email: jmayorga@newhavenct.net

Contact Phone: 203-946-7660