Police Chief Responds to BET Budget Vote

In the wake of the Feb. 28 Board of Estimate and Taxation Budget Committee vote to eliminate 10 positions from the Greenwich Police Department, with a promise to fill the posts as new officers are selected, has prompted Police Chief James Heavey to write an open letter to town residents.

In his March 1 letter, Heavey said, "It is my hope that these necessary police positions do not get removed from the Department's Table of Organization. It is truly my fear that once these positions are removed from the Table of Organization they will never be returned and that the level of police service will be unavoidably reduced."

The budget committee assured Heavey and Peter Tesei, the town's first selectman and police commissioner, that the $600,000 needed for the 10 positions will be made available when the department hires recruits. However, Heavey argued the department cannot offer jobs to recruits unless the position is funded and available.

Heavey also wrote that the town recently was recognized as "the 3rd safest city in American by Neighborhood Scout. I believe that this recognition is due in most part to the fact that we have a well-staffed and adequately-funded police force. I hope that we can continue to positively contribute to the quality of life here in Greenwich."

Heavey's complete letter can be seen in the PDF at right.