NEW HAVEN, CT - The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched its "Summer Heat" initiative across the country in an effort to curb violent crime.
In Connecticut, the FBI New Haven office is contributing to the initiative, but it will take more than federal agents to get the job done, according to FOX61. Reducing violent behavior across the state requires help from residents of individual communities being encouraged to say something if they see something.
That's the message being promoted by Operation Summer Heat, which runs through the summer and ends on September 20. The seasonal campaign debuted last year and produced immediate results, according to a release from the FBI New Haven office.
The timing of the initiative is strategic as well. Violent crime rates are known to rise substantially from June to September, and the FBI New Haven staff hope this operation helps lower that trend in Connecticut. All summer, FBI agents will work with federal, state, and local partners, as they execute federal warrants and remove violent criminals from Connecticut's streets.
FBI New Haven Special Agent in Charge P.J. O'Brien says stopping violent crime is among his office's highest priorities. "[Violence] has a devastating impact on victims, families and entire communities,” O’Brien said. “FBI New Haven is committed to working side-by-side with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and hold accountable those who threaten the safety of our Connecticut communities."
O'Brien believes the effort requires teamwork, and community members are part of that equation. "Public safety is a shared responsibility,” O’Brien said. “Through collaboration and community engagement, we will continue our efforts to reduce violence and protect the residents of Connecticut."
During last summer's initial "Summer Heat" operation, the FBI New Haven office experienced significant success. In collaboration with federal, state and local partners, FBI New Haven agents arrested more than 400 violent criminals, removed illegal drugs and weapons from local communities and recovered over 30 children who were at risk.
For this year's campaign to be equally or more powerful, residents across the state must keep playing a role in protecting vulnerable victims and removing threats. Police are encouraging the community to call law enforcement if they see or hear anything pertaining to a violent crime.
Those who aren't sure what they may have seen or heard can call their local police department, without dialing 911, by searching its phone number online. Tips, especially those involving potential criminal activity crossing state lines, can be submitted to the FBI New Haven office by email at Tips.FBI.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.
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