2024-03-08 21:45:00
HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) – In Hartford, different measures are being discussed to combat crime in the capital city.
One of those methods includes an armed neighborhood watch that is set to begin Saturday.
That armed self-defense brigade starts in the north end Saturday morning.
The bishop behind it said something different needs to be done.
This comes as the city council is looking at a resolution that would bring back an unarmed neighborhood watch program.
A group of armed individuals will patrol Garden Street in the north end of Hartford.
Bishop Dexter Burke of the Walk in The Light Church of God is spear-heading this effort. He said the community has had enough.
Last month, two men were shot and killed on Garden Street.
Burke said prayers and vigils are not curbing crime and this armed neighborhood watch would help deter criminals from acting out.
Groups like Mothers United Against Violence do not think it’s a good idea and will only bring more trauma into the city.
Burke talked about why he’s helping organize these armed patrols and how it’ll work.
“They are licensed. And I’ve said this before, they’re licensed by the state of Connecticut. It’s not just some people running around with guns. These are individuals who are competent and who’ve done this before, they are professionals, they are educated. They’re law-abiding citizens and they’re saying we’re willing to help the police,” said Burke.
Eyewitness News reached out to Hartford police about this armed self-defense brigade. Police have no comment.
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