Rep. Polletta Remarks on Devastating Crime Spikes in Waterbury

HARTFORD – On Wednesday, State Representative Joe Polletta (R-68), member of the Public Safety Committee, released the following statement on a recent alleged incident which resulted in the death of a juvenile.

“The news of another tragic loss in our community is painful and highlights the human cost to crime. While Waterbury mourns the loss of a young life and offers condolences to his family, we are faced with the uncomfortable realities of a growing crime problem in our state.”

Rep. Polletta continued, “Recent legislation from the majority, like the Police Accountability Bill, have demoralized law enforcement and forces officers to react, not proact. This should serve as a wake-up call to all my colleagues who should not wait for another tragedy before we get serious about safety.”

“This incident unfolds nearly a week after Mayor O’Leary proclaimed that Democrats in the legislature have tipped the scales of justice and given criminals more rights than the average citizen. He is right, and our current approach is clearly not working,” Rep. Polletta said. “This isn’t just a crime problem, it’s an everything problem. Unsafe streets in Waterbury have hurt residents who won’t walk their own neighborhoods and businesses who struggle to attract customers.”

Rep. Polletta is a House Republican Senior Whip.

Rep. Polletta represents the 68^th Assembly District consisting of Watertown, Oakville, and Waterbury.

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