In many areas of Connecticut, concerns about crime have usually been a low-profile issue, especially in small rural towns with smaller populations. One area relatively immune to high-profile crimes is District 12, which includes rural towns like North Branford, Killingworth, Durham, and Middlefield, along with shoreline towns such as Branford, Guilford, Madison, and parts of East Haven. In recent years, most crimes in these areas have been limited to petty theft and occasional domestic disputes. However, concerns about crime in the state and District 12 have become more pronounced despite claims that crime statistics indicate a decline.

When asked if they felt crime was decreasing, a Guilford resident stated, “I have always felt safe in Guilford, and fortunately, I have not experienced crime myself, but I keep hearing about crimes in our area on police blotters and in the news, which makes me concerned that things have been changing.” Another Branford resident added, “I keep hearing crime is down, but I guess the car thieves haven’t gotten the memo because I’ve had my car broken into twice.”

Recent weeks have seen several atypical crimes in District 12. Most notably, last week, News 12 reported a federal raid in East Haven, resulting in what was termed the largest drug bust in the state’s history, involving over a hundred thousand counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl. Authorities also confiscated a pill press capable of producing one hundred thousand dangerous counterfeit pills per hour. These pills, disguised as popular medications, actually contained fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine—substances responsible for numerous overdoses and tragic deaths. U.S. Postal Inspection Service Officer Ketty Larco-Ward stated, “This operation disrupted a significant source of illicit pills destined for our neighborhood.” Investigators believe many of these counterfeit pills had already reached Connecticut streets.

Senate hopeful Crisci expressed his concerns, stating, “This is just one of many issues that the majority leadership in Hartford has put us in regarding crime.” He reminded everyone that this was a major reason he decided to run in 2022 and is runningagain in 2024. “I grew up in the Bronx, New York, during the seventies and eighties when crime was at an all-time high, and never once was I a victim of crime,” he noted. “Now, living in Branford, I have personally been a victim of two car break-ins, and my daughter’s home was robbed.” Crisci pointed out that similar reports have become common in his neighborhood over the past two years.

Crisci indicated that it was only a matter of time before criminals became bolder, citing that the acceptance of petty crimes often leads to more serious offenses like car theft and drug trafficking. “It’s becoming acceptable to overlook the signs of what will inevitably become larger issues. Criminals are opportunistic; if given an inch, they will take a foot until someone holds them accountable.” He highlighted an incident on September 20th when police responded to a robbery at Stop & Shop, where a thief driving a stolen Kia Sportage stole an elderly woman’s purse. “It’s only a purse snatching until something goes wrong. Are we really going to wait until someone dies?” he emphasized.

Crisci also referenced a shocking incident reported by the Branford Police blotter, where three suspects were arrested in connection with a violent assault and torture that occurred in Branford on September 1st. An unnamed victim suffered severe abuse, including being slashed, set on fire, and sexually assaulted. “Does anyone see a disturbing trend?” Crisci asked. “These aren’t just kids stealing candy; they are dangerous crimes that could happen to any of us. Yet my opponent, Senator Christine Cohen, is sending out campaign mail touting her special interest record. It is her job to support law enforcement by voting for legislation that holds criminals accountable, not tying the hands of our police.” He reminded, “Our towns do not have boundaries. Crime will continue to find its way into every town if we don’t do something about it.”

Crisci expressed that he holds his opponent, Christine Cohen, accountable, stating, “Like her and many Democratic colleagues, they were warned.” He continued, “By supporting defunding the police movements and voting for anti-police legislation, she has given criminals a green light.” Crisci explained that, in 2022, he made it clear that the bar continues to be raised as criminals learn the police are not supported due to flawed legislation.

“It’s not just drugs and car theft; our police face dangers from domestic violence restrictions as well,” he added, referring to an incident on September 9th when Branford police responded to a domestic dispute that endangered their officers due to the assailant’s reckless actions. “The crimes I mention are not exaggerations nor meant to scare people. They aim to inform residents that this issue will not go away unless we advocate for change. Our elected officials have become complacent at our expense, and we need to make a change,” Crisci advised.

When asked about statistics showing a decline in crime, he replied, “Our legislators are touting old data. Crime is on the rise.” Crisci stated, citing FBI.gov and NeighborhoodScout.com, “While crime reports suggest a decline in 2022, there is an alarming increase trending steadily in 2023 and into 2024 with no signs of stopping.” He explained that the issues we see stem from the Police Accountability Act supported by Christine Cohen, which has hindered police departments in recruiting and retaining officers. “Who would want this job when Hartford leadership doesn’t support them?” he questioned.

Crisci noted that according to FBI statistics posted by NeighborhoodScout.com, Branford has a crime rate considerably higher than the national average, and residents have a 1 in 56 chance of being a victim of either a violent or property crime. Crisci stated, “That’s just not okay.”

In closing, when asked how he would address the rise in crimes like those mentioned, Crisci responded, “I would immediately start by revisiting the Police Accountability Act and amending it with thoughtful policies that strike a better balance—ensuring that police officers have the necessary tools and support to protect our communities effectively while still maintaining proper accountability measures and without promoting anti-police sentiment.”