#Middletown, CT (January 2, 2018): Connecticut State Troopers warn residents of a scam using the “Connecticut State Police” name. The Connecticut State Police has learned that the Connecticut State Police name is being used in an attempt to fraudulently obtain money from victims. A victim was contacted by an unknown person claiming that a personal check written by the victim, made payable to the Connecticut State Police, bounced. The unknown person provided the victim a “case number” and claimed that the alleged bad check was in reference to a payday loan. The unknown person informed the victim that payment was now owed for the “bounced check.” The Connecticut State Police does not process payday loans and offers residents tips should they receive a similar call:
*If you did not write a check to the Connecticut State Police do not provide any information and hang up.
*If you did write a check, do not provide any information and hang up. Directly contact the unit you would have
written the check to and confirm the status of your check. Some of the units include, but are not limited to,
Connecticut State Police Reports & Records, Fingerprints, Criminal Records (background check) or the Special
Licensing & Firearms Unit (pistol permits & guard cards).
*Do not call any phone numbers provided by the scammer.
*Do not visit any websites provided by the scammer.
*Do not send emails to email addresses provided by the scammer.
*Do not provide credit/debit card information, bank account information, purchase money cards/gift cards and
provide the card and PIN number, or wire money.
For more fraud safety tips and information please visit the Federal Trade Commission website:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0060-10- things-you- can-do- avoid-fraud
MIDDLETOWN, CT (December 31, 2017): The Connecticut State Police are supplementing the normal
patrol force with additional State Troopers throughout New Year’s weekend. The increased patrols began at
12:01 a.m. on Friday, 12/29/2017, and will conclude at 11:59 p.m. on Monday 01/01/2018.
Troopers will enforce all motor vehicle laws and focus on reducing the number of DUIs, crashes and
injury-producing accidents occurring on the interstates, state roads and local roadways.
These State Police stats cover the time period starting at 12:01 a.m. on 12/29/17 to 12/31/17 7:30 a.m.
SPEEDING violations: 379
SEATBELT violations: 15
All moving violations: 857
(to include unsafe lane change, following too closely, cell phone usage, texting, failure to signal, etc.)
DUI arrests: 14
ACCIDENTS investigated: 325
w/injury: 33
fatality: 2
Motorist Assists: 264
Total calls for service: 4,082
2016 New Year’s weekend stats from 12/30/2016 00:01 a.m. through 01/02/2017 11:59 p.m. are below:
Accidents: 276
w/injury: 34
serious injury: 0
fatality: 2 accidents resulting in 3 fatalities
DUI arrests: 34
Speeding: 705
Seatbelt: 15
All Moving violations: 1,800
Motorist Assists: 270
Total calls for service: 6987
#MIDDLETOWN, CT (December 24, 2017): The Connecticut State Police are supplementing the normal
patrol force with additional State Troopers throughout this Holiday weekend. The increased patrols began at
12:01 a.m. on Friday, 12/22/2017, and will conclude at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday 12/26/2017.
Troopers will enforce all motor vehicle laws and focus on reducing the number of DUIs, crashes and
injury-producing accidents occurring on the interstates, state roads and local roadways.
These State Police stats cover the time period starting at 12:01 a.m. on 12/22/17 to 12/24/17 7:30 a.m.
SPEEDING violations: 242
SEATBELT violations: 10
All moving violations: 586
(to include unsafe lane change, following too closely, cell phone usage, texting, failure to signal, etc.)
DUI arrests: 19
ACCIDENTS investigated: 279
w/injury: 29
fatality: 0
Motorist Assists: 188
Total calls for service: 3332
2016 stats are from 12/22/2016 12:01 a.m. through 12/26/2016 11:59 p.m.:
Speeding: 579
Seatbelt: 50
All Moving violations: 1,596
(including following too close, distracted driving, cell phones, etc.)
DUI arrests: 47
Accidents: 528
w/injury: 58
serious injury: 1
fatality: 4
Motorist Assists: 436
(flat tires, broken down and disabled vehicles)
Total calls for service: 8,046
On the December 20, 2017 at approximately 6:00 p.m., the Danbury Police Department requested assistance in the search for a missing adult male in the area of Wooster Mountain. State Police K9 Search and Rescue Teams, CSP Bloodhound Teams and Trooper 1 responded to the area to assist in this search. The adult male was subsequently located by K9 Zeus and was walked out of the woods.
During the course of the search, a CSP K9 handler conducting a track lost his footing while negotiating steep terrain and lost possession of the 15 foot leash. At that time K9 “Texas”, a CSP Bloodhound, was pulling strongly up the slope and continued tracking up the ledge. When the Trooper reached the top of the hill, K9 Texas was not in sight.
As of this time K9 Texas, a non-aggressive, brown bloodhound, wearing a green tracking vest has not been located. State Police K9 Teams with the assistance of the Danbury Police and Fire Departments, are continuing their search for Texas this morning.
Anyone with any information should contact Troop A at 203-267-2200.
Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman are urging the U.S. House of Representatives to reject the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017, which is currently pending before Congress and would allow more dangerous criminals and untrained individuals to carry loaded, hidden guns in public places by forcing states with strong concealed carry laws to honor permits from states with weak or non-existent standards.
“The fact that Republicans in the House are considering a bill to loosen interstate gun safety restrictions is equal parts tone-deaf and thick-skulled,” Governor Malloy said. “Instead of focusing on working to craft commonsense gun reform such as the banning of dangerous bump-stocks, Congressional Republicans continue to cater to the whims of the gun lobby at the expense of the safety of our people. I implore members of Congress to reconsider pursuing this legislation and to start putting the wellbeing of the American public first. Our state has strong gun safety laws in place and remains committed to enforcing these statutes in the face of federal overreach. Connecticut remains a prime example of what applying smart, bipartisan gun reform can accomplish, and we hope that Congress will follow suit.”
Lt. Governor Wyman said, “In the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy, Connecticut came together and, with the support of citizens and state leaders, passed among the strongest gun safety legislation in the nation. As mass shooting incidents threaten to become the new normal in our nation, we must expect more from Congress. If this isn’t the time for smart, decisive action to protect public safety, that time will never come.”
With tens of thousands of travelers driving through Connecticut during the Thanksgiving weekend, State Police are ramping up their plans to keep highways safe for all during the holiday rush.
Beginning on November 22, 2017 at 00:01 a.m. and running through Nov. 26, 2017 at 11:59 p.m., Connecticut State Police will supplement its normal routine patrol personnel with additional Troopers
throughout the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Across the state, Troopers will patrol roads and highways across Connecticut, and will focus on aggressive drivers, unsafe drivers, and drunk drivers.
Troopers are committed to reducing crashes through preventive enforcement initiatives such as roving DUI patrols.
Troopers will also be looking for violators who cause accidents on Connecticut roads and highways. Every effort to reduce accidents will be taken; however, Connecticut residents are asked to be a part of the
public safety solution by obeying traffic laws: don’t follow too close, drive the speed limit, stay off your cell phone while driving and, if you drink, then please do not drive.
Residents should remind all young people, especially college students returning home for the holiday weekend, of the laws regarding alcohol consumption and drinking and driving.
Patrol Troopers will use traditional and non-traditional patrol cars to observe traffic and issue tickets to reckless and distracted drivers. A reminder to all drivers: anyone who is consuming alcohol should never get
behind the wheel. If you see a suspected drunk driver, call 911, this is a true emergency.
Troop G – Bridgeport
Wednesday November 22, 2017 – I- 95, I-91 and Route 34 in the greater New Haven area.
Friday November 24, 2017 – I- 95, Route 8 and Route 25 in the Bridgeport, Stratford, Trumbull area.
Saturday November 25, 2017 – I- 95 in the Stamford, Norwalk, Greenwich area, and Route 7 in the Norwalk
area.
Sunday November 26, 2017 – Route 15 (Merritt Parkway) from New York State Line to the Sikorsky Bridge.
This press release is made possible by Interstate Batteries and Joe’s Fuel:
#HARTFORD, CT – Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman today issued a statement regarding the 2018 Governor’s race:
I thank the people of Connecticut for having given me the great honor and privilege of serving as their Lieutenant Governor.
Four decades ago, I ran for a seat on the Tolland Board of Education to be a voice for my children. Many years later, I’ve been humbled and proud to serve with men and women on both sides of the aisle who were strong and honorable leaders, who did their duty in the best interests of their constituents and the state as a whole, and who helped make Connecticut a better place.
I want to thank everyone who has come forward with offers to help on a campaign—Democrats, Republicans, and unaffiliated voters from across the state. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming and humbling. I made this decision after careful consideration and discussion with my family and friends, and after my granddaughter, a freshman at college, asked a simple question, ‘will you come over for dinner, Grandma?’
It took four weeks to schedule that dinner. This is not how I want to be a grandparent. I believe that family should come first.
While I will not seek election to the Governor’s office in 2018, I am proud of our accomplishments on so many issues: healthcare, education, veterans’ services, and human rights to name a few. I look forward to supporting the next generation as they find their voices—just as I did when I ran for the Board of Education. We have a lot to look forward to. People are organizing and standing up for what they believe in—justice, healthcare, human rights—in ways we haven’t seen in decades. More women are running for office, and we see more diversity in our elected officials. These are positive indicators of an informed and active electorate.
I am deeply appreciative to Governor Malloy for asking me to run as his Lieutenant Governor. I believe that people will come to understand the truly extraordinary work he and this administration have done, underpinned by a profound commitment to the people who elected us.
They are among the many people in this state who, every single day, commit to making this a better place for everyone. I have been honored to work with them, and I will continue to support their efforts.
WASHINGTON – Seeking to cut higher education costs for middle-class families and make college more affordable for American students, U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) are leading the charge to help reduce student loan debt and protect students from the crippling burdens of student loans. The senators are introducing the Protect Student Borrowers Act to make institutions of higher education more accountable for student indebtedness by requiring them to assume some of the financial risk of student loan default based on the percentage of their graduates and former students who default on their loans. The legislation will also provide incentives and support for institutions to assist their students to effectively manage their debt and reduce defaults.
“Too many colleges are handing out degrees that aren’t worth the money students put into them, saddling students with debt they’ll never be able to get out from under,” said Senator Murphy. “Colleges and universities should have some skin in the game to make sure they aren’t cheating students. The Protect Student Borrowers Act will encourage colleges and universities to create new and innovative programs to reduce student loan burdens, and hold them accountable when they don’t.”
“College is critical for preparing students for the future, but too many leave school with a staggering level of student loan debt to repay,” said Senator Reed. “That debt is a burden that will affect their economic choices for years to come, including what career they’ll pursue, when and if they’ll buy a home, and whether they can afford to start thinking about a family. We have to take significant steps to address this student debt crisis that is threatening our economy. We need to tackle student loan debt and college affordability from multiple angles, and all stakeholders in the system should be required to do their part. We simply can’t take on the student loan debt crisis without institutions also stepping up and taking greater responsibility for college costs and student borrowing. With the Protect Student Borrowers Act, we are providing the incentives and resources for institutions to take more responsibility to address college affordability and student loan debt and improve student outcomes. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this bill and look forward to working with them to ease student debt and boost our economy.”
“Too many colleges and universities – many of them for-profits – load their students with huge amounts of debt while failing to prepare them to be successful after graduation. When these students can’t pay back their loans, their credit is destroyed and taxpayers lose their investment. It’s time for these schools to have some skin in the game too,” said Senator Durbin. “This bill will help hold schools financially accountable when high numbers of their graduates default on their loans while rewarding those schools that keep their default rates low.”
“Right now, if a college fails to deliver on the promise of a quality education, students and taxpayers still pay the price,” said Senator Warren. “That’s a broken system. We need to make sure that colleges help students build a successful future without being crushed by debt. The Protect Student Borrowers Act takes a step to make that happen by ensuring that colleges and universities have skin in the game when it comes to students’ success after graduation.”
Across the nation, student loan borrowers have struggled to repay their debts, with millions of Americans burdened by the need to repay student loans and total amounts owed totaling over $1.3 trillion. According to an analysis of student loan debt by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, between 2004 and 2014, there was an 89 percent increase in the number of student loan borrowers and a 77 percent increase in the average balance size. Today, over 40 million Americans have student loan debt. Growing debt levels in recent years have put a drag on the nation’s economy. As student loan debt has grown, young adults have put off buying homes or cars, starting a family, saving for retirement, or launching new businesses.
With the stakes for students and taxpayers at such a high level, the Protect Student Borrowers Act would alleviate some of the pressure on borrowers by requiring institutions of higher learning to bear some of the risks in the student loan program. Notably, the bill would hold colleges and universities accountable for student loan defaults by requiring them to repay a percentage of defaulted loans. Only institutions that have one-third or more of their students borrow would be included in the bill’s risk-sharing requirements based on their cohort default rate, and risk-sharing requirements would kick in when the default rate exceeds 15 percent. The institution’s risk-share payment would rise in accordance with its default rate. The risk-sharing payments would be invested in helping struggling borrowers, preventing future default and delinquency, and increasing Pell Grants at institutions with low default rates that enroll a high percentage of Pell Grant recipients.
The Protect Student Borrowers Act also provides incentives for institutions to take additional, proactive steps to ease student loan debt burdens and reduce default rates, such as implementing comprehensive student loan management plans. The Secretary of Education may also waive or reduce the payments for institutions whose mission is to serve low-income and minority students, such as community colleges, historically Black institutions, or Hispanic-serving institutions, provided that they are making progress in their student loan management plans.
HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and State Department of Education Commissioner Dianna R. Wentzell today announced that they are sending guidance to every school superintendent in the state outlining suggested protocols to ensure that any student arriving from Puerto Rico, or any affected storm area, has immediate access to school and expedited connections to the services they may need. In the days since Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria brought devastation to the island, the administration has received a number of inquiries from superintendents and other school officials requesting information on how to supervise this potential situation.
“When tragedy strikes, it is often our children who are most at risk,” Governor Malloy said. “We anticipate many families affected by the disaster in Puerto Rico may seek refuge in our state. As required by federal law, it is imperative that young children who have been displaced are enrolled in schools immediately and are provided with health and other services necessary to ensure their academic success.”
“The emotional pain and trauma that these storms have exposed countless young people to is truly heartbreaking,” Commissioner Wentzell said. “As educators, it is our duty to ensure that all children of school age are given access to the safety, support, and stability that our school environments provide.”
Some of the guidance includes:
District personnel should be counseled to enroll these displaced students immediately, as required by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
These students will also automatically qualify to receive free school meals and must also be provided with health and other related services necessary to ensure their academic success.Per established procedures, all students experiencing homelessness must be accurately reported in the statewide public school information system (PSIS).
