Police chief memo on homeless shelter debunks "increase in crime" narrative

In advance of tonight's Zoning Commission public hearing on the homeless shelter proposal at the Super 8 hotel on Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour wrote a memorandum to Mayor Joe Cavo in which he reports that the facility has not led to an increase in crime in the neighborhood.

In short, based solely on incidents reported to us, it does not appear that the shelter has had any significant impact on crime or calls for police service in the area at this time.

This is the second time Chief Ridenhour has placed his observation into the public record and counters the narrative presented by residents opposed to the proposal to make the shelter a permanent structure.

Newstimes, May 2 2021:

Commission member Perry Salvagne IV wasn’t sold on the argument. Hotels may contribute more to the city, whereas a shelter could become a “burden” on services, he said.

“The people you’re attracting with a hotel are here to do business, maybe participate in tourism, visit family, etc,” said Salvagne, who ultimately voted in favor of the plan. “I would wonder whether people coming to use this as a shelter use might contribute to the costs of our services, whether that’s police, ambulance, the various other services that are offered in the city for those in need.”

That’s a concern others in the community have had. The police chief has said the department has not seen an increase in calls or issues at the Super 8 since individuals were moved there, compared to the old shelters.

Chief Ridenhour's statement also runs counter to the narrative presneted to the public by lawmakers going as far back as last November when State Rep. Ken Gucker made the following comments at the monthly meeting of the Danbury Democratic Town Committee.

You can read the memo in its entirety below.