Hartford brings back ‘boots on the ground’ policing [Video]

The Hartford Police Department assigned five officers to walk beats in an effort to improve its community policing and build stronger relationships with locals.

HARTFORD, Conn. — Hartford police are on the streets again, bringing back walk beats to some neighborhoods.

Walk beats are nothing new for the department, but this time it’s permanent.

City leaders, business owners, community stakeholders and neighbors went outside Thursday on the sidewalks to talk about what they’d like to see come from this “boots on the ground” policing. Specially-assigned officers will cover certain neighborhoods, not in a police cruiser, but by walking around and talking with the community. The Hartford Police Department says rather than responding after a crime occurs, the hope is these officers can find solutions before there’s a public safety issue.

“We start off (everyday, going to) businesses to see the people and the citizens on the road,” says Officer Abriana Diana, who’s been assigned to …