For this Drummer segment, let’s talk about the Granby Police Department (GPD). In October 2023, Police Chief Scott Sansom was hired to lead the GPD. Before his arrival and especially today, the GPD is well run, and while calls for service are up, crime year-over-year is down.
In the 18 months since Chief Sansom’s arrival, there is positive change occurring. Things like increased traffic enforcement, supervisors completing management school with the FBI, two officers and two dispatchers were hired to fill vacancies, two GPD contracts were settled fairly and amicably, and State accreditation is being sought. But let me do a deeper dive and provide a few examples of the change I’m referring to:
• A focus on community that some call “Community Policing.” Examples of a community policing approach include the summer First Responder camp held at Salmon Brook Park that introduces our youth to career paths that include police, fire and paramedic services.
• With voter approval, the department will identify an internal officer and send that officer to specific training for school to provide a resource-officer program in our school system. An SRO program from my perspective, is less of a police patrol or operating resource, and more of a long-term partnership with our students to foster a safe and productive learning environment.
• Also with voter approval, the GPD will hire one additional police officer. This additional staffing resource will allow for more supervision and officer safety.
• New dispatch equipment to support all first responders is on order and will be deployed soon. State grant funding of $2 million will help offset that cost.
• Using American Rescue Program Act funding, an evidence storage cabinets was purchased, fencing to better secure the patrol cars has been installed around the perimeter of the station, the Animal Shelter was given a complete makeover, and general upgrades in cameras and technology at the station has occurred.
• In partnership with surrounding communities, the police have joined the Community and Law Enforcement for Addiction Recovery (CLEAR) Program. Using opioid settlement funding received by Granby, a police officer responding to a call where addiction or mental health issues are involved will have new resources to tap that allow for better family outcomes.
These are but a few examples of GPD changes that has been fostered in the last year.
To better understand the GPD operations, know that the department operates with a chief and a captain who provide strategic direction, a detective to investigate cases, and 13 sworn officers that constitute patrol providing public safety 24/7/365.
At this staffing level, there are usually no more than two officers to handle calls for service, so the new officer will certainly help in that respect. Also, a small cadre of emergency dispatchers do their share to keep Granby and the responding officers safe.
So, for all they have done to keep us safe and for charting a path forward based on smart change, let me give a shout out to the men and woman of the GPD for the excellent work they do to keep the community of Granby safe 24/7/365.