Speeding Complaints, Safety Concerns Lead To Action In Oxford

OXFORD, CT — A memo regarding traffic enforcement was issued to all Oxford Police Officers on Tuesday, June 18 after First Selectman George Temple said he received many complaints from residents regarding excessive speed on roadways.

Temple said he met with newly promoted Corporal Dennis Darcangelo, to direct his first assignment of traffic enforcement. During their meeting the two also discussed rerouting commercial trucks away from Riggs Street and Christian Street, two highly traveled roads that connect Route 67 to the industrial area in Oxford.

Temple said in a statement that “the safety of motorists and pedestrians in the Town of Oxford is a paramount duty for the Oxford First Selectman. I intend to impact the disregard that some motorists have for our highways. This will be a concerted effort with the entire Oxford Police Department, myself, Resident State Troopers and of course the good people of Oxford who will guide us to address problem areas in our town.”

Here is Temple's memo to Oxford Police:

Date: June 18, 2019

To: Oxford Police Officers

From: First Selectman George Temple

Subject: Traffic Enforcement

I have been recently apprised by several members of the Oxford public that we have a problem regarding vehicular violators. As you all know, good traffic enforcement is the cornerstone of good police work. Traffic stops uncover other law enforcement issues. In fact, the Son of Sam and the Oklahoma City Bomber were both caught as a result of good motor vehicle stops. There are many other cases that have been solved in this manner.

An additional benefit to aggressive motor vehicle enforcement is that felons tend to stay away from towns where there is a possibility that they might be pulled over. Of course the enthusiastic motor vehicle enforcement will make our streets safer. I know to most of you I am articulating the obvious but I think the obvious bears repeating.

I have directed Corporal Darchangelo, to be responsible for motor vehicle enforcement and that he reports to me once a month regarding such activity. Please don’t construe this as some sort of a quota system because the lynch-pin of any enforcement program is sound officer discretion.

Each of you will be included individually on the report and I expect to see a concerted effort for motor vehicle enforcement. I expect all of you to work closely with Sergeant Semosky and Corporal Darchangelo to improve our performance.

Thank you for your cooperation.