Hill Sees Policing Progress

After applauding collaboration between neighbors and police officers, the top cop in the Hill received applause himself.

On Wednesday night, Sgt. Justin Marshall, the temporary district commander of the Hill South and Hill North districts, updated neighbors at the Hill South Community Management Team meeting about the latest crime incidents. Despite the cold and the snow, 22 community members traveled to the cafeteria of Betsy Ross Arts Magnet School at 150 Kimberly Ave. for the gathering.

During the meeting, Marshall listed the crimes that have occurred over the last few weeks: One motor vehicle theft at the Long Wharf commuter lot, three incidents of gunfire, two robberies, two serious assaults, and seven burglaries. Marshall also told community members that the police had apprehended several burglary and robbery suspects, some of whom were responsible for multiple crimes.

Marshall referenced a thwarted burglary attempt as an example of community members and police officers working together. After cornering the burglar in his house, a Hill resident held the offender at gunpoint until the police arrived to take him into custody.

“It was a great job by the officers and a great job by the homeowner. It’s an instance of a good guy with a gun doing the right thing,” he said.

To conclude, Marshall announced plans to start bringing other patrol officers to the community meetings so that residents of the Hill can get to know them better.

“I want you guys to be able to put a name to a face,” he said.

Marshall’s presentation was received warmly by the community members, two of whom vocally praised him and the work of the Hill South police division.

“It sounds like you’re getting results, and I’m very pleased to hear that,” said Angela Hatley.

“See, I’m not the only one who tells you these things,” joked community member Thomasine Shaw, to much laughter.

Other attendees congratulated Marshall after the meeting’s conclusion.

“When you’ve got [Hatley and Shaw] on your side, you know you’re doing a good job,” said City Point resident and Southern Connecticut State University politics professor Jonathan Wharton.