Danbury Adding Downtown Police Patrols

Danbury will have more police patrols on foot downtown during the holiday season in response to complaints from businesses about trouble on Main Street.

"It's a response to quality of life issues," said Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton. He said downtown businesses have complained about people loitering and panhandling on Main Street. "We're putting more inforcment behind the UNIT's efforts."

The Unified Neighborhood Inspection Team has staff on Main Street, Rich Antous, and Boughton said the police will help Antous with keeping Main Street a friendly place for people to visit during the holiday season.

This is the text of the city's press release on increased enforcement downtown.

"Due to an expected increase in downtown activities for the holiday season, the City of Danbury's Police Department will be strengthening its presence in the area.  The DPD will provide additional foot patrol officers beginning November 25th through December 24th.

Mayor Mark Boughton explained, "The City of Danbury is proud to be named the Safest City in Connecticut, and initiatives such as this one by our Police Department exemplify their commitment to the safety of our residents and guests."

"Our downtown businesses and venues become busier during the holiday season and we want our Police Officers to be a welcoming presence for visitors," said Police Chief Al Baker.

Patrols will walk the entire downtown area and surrounding streets; and will address quality of life violations while enforcing a zero tolerance policy on violators."