#Bridgeport Connecticut–Budget woes continue to hamper communications from the Bridgeport Police Department. When Mayor Ganim took office he quickly hired Av Harris to head the mayor’s communication department at $100,000 and then Michael Giannotti for the police spokesman at $63,500, Michael lasted only a month and since January the police department has been running without spokesman. Often times Chief of Police Perez, detectives and even Av Harris has stepped up for the bigger news stories.
Steve Krauchick of DoinItLocal.com said “I had an opportunity to speak to Mayor Ganim and the city attorney’s off camera to ask about this, and it all comes down to the budget restraints. Everyday, lesser crime follow up calls that I relied on a police spokesman for in the past will be more difficult. In the past police officers have had a gag order not to talk any members of the press. I have noticed the police are more relaxed but they are still hesitant to talk”. Other towns do allow patrol officers to give a brief account so the press can let the public know what took place”. Krauchick continued “The most important thing I offer the public is to let them know what is going on now, not two days from now”.
