Yash Roy Photos
Elicker speaking to recent Cross graduate Cynthia Marroquin about working for the NHPD.
Cynthia Marroquin, who just graduated from Wilbur Cross High School, found the mayor on her doorstep bearing career advice: become a New Haven cop.
Officer Yelena Borisova, Assistant Chief David Zannelli, and Fair Haven District Manager Lt. Michael Fumiatti.
Elicker was making stops throughout Fair Haven Thursday afternoon in search of future local cops. He was joined by Assistant Police Chief David Zannelli, Fair Haven District Manager Lt. Michael Fumiatti, top Hill cop Lt. Justin Marshall, Sgt. Paul Finch, and Officer Yelena Borisova. The group walked down Grand Avenue in Fair Haven distributing pamphlets and information on the upcoming police officer application, and making one-on-one pitches.
They met people where they were. For instance, Borisova and Marshall used notes written back and forth to pitch Jesus Garcia on the job — because Garcia is deaf. Garcia expressed interest in the job, particularly in working with the K‑9 unit. The mayor drew on his Mandarin skills to converse with another potential recruit.
Inside Fresh Taco on Grand, Elicker pivots to Mandarin to pitch an employee who doesn't speak English.
Starting Aug. 1, New Haven residents, as well as people who live within 20 miles of the city by the time they become sworn officers, can apply to become an NHPD officer. The city has approximately 85 positions unfilled at the moment and has a turnover rate of roughly 20 cops every year.
“The most important thing needed to rebuild the police department is new police officers. The most important thing to the community is recruiting young men and women of diverse backgrounds from the community, so the police are directly from the community. This makes these walks extremely crucial in important to our goals,” Police Chief Karl Jacobson said.
To become an officer, a candidate must first apply starting Aug. 1, then pass a physical examination, a written examination, an oral interview, a background check, a polygraph, a psychological evaluation, a drug test, and an agility test. Then they can finally move on to the training academy.
Candidates must be between the ages of 21 and 55 and cannot have a criminal record.
Sgt. Finch and Officer Borisova.
According to Finch, the sergeant in charge of recruitment in NHPD, last summer the force originally had 531 applicants; 151 passed the first physical test. Only 31 made it through the process and received job offers.
“This year our goal is to beat last year’s goal of 531,” said Finch. “Society changes. The city changes. But we’re always going to need cops.”
Elicker and the NHPD personnel began their canvassing at the Blatchley Avenue police substation and walked down Grand Avenue visiting homes and businesses.
Marroquin was one of the first people Elicker met during the walk. Elicker had been told by another Fair Haven resident, Osvaldo Segui, that he had just spoken with Marroquin about joining the force instead of going off to college.
“You know we really need New Haveners to police our streets. That’s our goal here, and we need more women and more people of color on our force. So you should definitely consider applying when you’re 21,” Elicker told Marroquin.
Marroquin said she liked what she heard and definitely plans when she’s of age.