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The new tip line -- 203-576-TIPS (8477) -- will be available 24 hours a day and calls will be electronically recorded, then provided to the correct police division, which if needed, can then be used as evidence in court.
So far in 2016 Bridgeport has seen only four homicides, a 50 percent reduction from the homicide figure through the first six months of 2015. Only two homicides in Bridgeport were the result of gunfire, a 75 percent decline from the same time period in 2015, according to Av Harris, spokesman for the City of Bridgeport.
Overall, Bridgeport has seen a 25 percent reduction in shooting incidents (45 shootings as compared to 60) in the first half of this year as compared to January through June of 2015, Harris said.
“We have seen very good results so far this year in policing efforts to reduce violent crime, now we are seeking even greater assistance from the public to continue the trend,” said Mayor Joe Ganim. “I am encouraging every member of the public who knows about criminal activity or sees something suspicious to give us a call at 203-576-TIPS. The residents of Bridgeport are the essential partners with our police officers in helping to prevent crimes from taking place or bring those responsible for crimes to justice. We will make sure any information that is provided is safely kept and each tip anonymous.”
Bridgeport Police Chief AJ Perez said the department is making the community safer by cracking down on crime havens and keeping the pressure on illegal drug and gun dealers. The new tip line is the next step in reducing crime.
“All of our divisions – vice, narcotics, detective bureau, traffic, patrol and others have been working very hard to target hot spots and investigate criminal activity, bringing perpetrators to justice. But we rely heavily on the people of Bridgeport as the eyes and ears of the police force," he said. "We cannot do our jobs without the great cooperation we get from the public. So if you see or hear something, say something! Call us 24 hours a day at 203-576-TIPS and report whatever you know. These tips can be reported anonymously without anyone’s safety being compromised and many times they do lead to an arrest and a conviction. We look forward to hearing from you.”
The tips line will appear on the back of every Bridgeport Police cruiser, and in addition the department will be frequently sharing the tips line number over social media in the coming months. Billboards displaying the number and request for information will soon be appearing over I-95 and Route 8 in the Bridgeport area for motorists to see as well.
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