GRISWOLD--Like many smaller towns, Griswold does not have its own police department. Two resident state troopers are assigned to the town of 13,000. But with the eradication of illicit drugs on his to-do list, the first-term first selectman asked for more State Police support.
After a year-long collaboration with town officials, with a focus on the borough of Jewett City, the State Police’s Jewett City Narcotics Suppression Team has been at work since January. They have made nearly 30 drug related arrests.
One way the troopers are better connecting with the community is through their resident trooper’s Facebook page.
Griswold now also has a PRIDE coalition, which is an acronym for partnership to reduce the influence of drugs for everyone. It enlists 12 key stakeholders within the community, including students.
One of First Selectman Kevin Skulczyck’s top priorities when he took office in November 2013 was to reduce options for people looking to score drugs in his community.
“Talking to the seniors at the senior center, who like to take walks to go to one of our famous donut shops, they see a difference,” said Skulczyck. “There's not as much activity on the streets, the main streets.”
He says he'll let these results serve as notice.
“I'll give you the word. Don't come to our town and deal drugs or else we are going to arrest you.”
