“What’s key is what works for our community – and we truly believe that this combination of the policing we described and these physical improvements to the street itself, is really the best recipe for safety in our community.”
– Deputy Chief Robert BerryCamillo said the town was responding to feedback. He said there were concerns that the intersection at Elm Street was raised a bit too high, and that the intersection at Fawcett and Grigg would be lower.
He said he was frustrated at comments on social media, including, for example, a comment that an officer directing traffic at Fawcett/Grigg was removed, but there was never an officer stationed there.
“DPW did traffic studies showing the most pedestrian traffic was from 4:00 to 6:00pm,” Camillo added. “In fact, the last person who was hit was on Arch Street at Greenwich Avenue, right front of an officer, who was directing traffic. That was in January 2019.”
Camillo said Greenwich was recently rated the 5th safest of the 169 municipalities in Connecticut.
“We know because we’re safe, we’re even more of a target,” Camillo added. “We ask you, please, be aware of your immediate surroundings, don’t leave your keys in the car.”
Camillo asked residents to partner with the town’s fire, police, and emergency medical services, and do their part by being aware of surroundings, locking their cars and bringing keys and valuables inside.
Officer Carl said that there are times when traffic backs up at a Greenwich Ave intersections and bicycle police jump in to direct traffic.
“If there is a need, we can get in there and clear up traffic, but it tends to back up traffic more,” he said. “You think you’re going to relieve it, and then it tends to back it up more.”
“You can definitely feel an influx of new residents, but a lot of people are on the phone and a lot of people are not paying attention,” officer Carl continued. “The pedestrians do have the right of way, but they have to be safe at the same time.”
As for the uptick in arrests, Camillo placed some blame on relaxed laws in the state of New York.
“They’re not just staying in New York City,” he said. “That’s why having the extra presence here, we’re much more protected.”
Camillo pointed to laws about how long a juvenile can be held in custody, qualified immunity and other instances of laws being weakened.
“Without public health and public safety, nothing else matters,” Camillo said. “What you’re seeing in New York City is not helpful, but we’ll deal with it.”