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Call 203 946-6316 every time you see them, try not to be seen calling because they may be armed. If you see them go to a house get the address and report.

I have seen a true breakdown in civic order in direct proportion to the dramatic increase in AMR ambulance sirens. The near constant eruption of sirens makes the city seem like a place of anomie - lack of all civic norms and societal collapse. And yes, a lot of the drivers are white kids and they come to downtown New Haven because they are coddled. They would most certainly be apprehended in the suburbs but New Haven has tolerated them for too long. The police make it known they will not even chase them so there is no incentive to abide by the law. One would think with both Yale and UN Criminal Justice program - a signature one - that thugs on dirtbikes could be dealt with. Can you imagine if teen white boys in BMS sped through the city? Or Trump voters in red pickup trucks? They would be beaten and jailed.

as citizens, we should demand that the police enforce the laws. Being terrorized on the streets is not acceptable

I do so demand the police enforce the laws. Who's with us?!

On January 20, 2017 I wrote letters (the real kind) to both the interim police chief and our mayor demanding that the police engage in the enforcement of quality of life and motor vehicle crimes. I have yet to hear back. I'm in for supporting any efforts to get the police to actually enforce laws in this city. It shouldn't take a special grant to conduct traffic stops with a full motorcycle patrol, and people need to understand that the laws, in general, apply to all citizens.

We would love to go after them, but our department has a no chase policy. My own personal opinion is that a drone would be the best way to combat the problem. It would record video from a safe distance, which could then be used in court to seize the bike, and when they stopped riding we could approach to make the stop.

My first comment was blocked because I was really angry about this problem and inappropriately used a curse word. In that comment I also stated that drones have been mentioned once before as a solution and I thought it made sense. Bruckhart it sounds as if you are a cop. To whom in the police department should the effort to get drones involved by directed?

Bruckart225

I would like to add when someone is arrest it has to publicized with photos and the fine mention. This will discourage others. I would to add the police have been doing a good job for the most part in in this area the last few years. Thank you and again thanks for visiting this site,

Yes, I work midnights in fair haven. I'd probably start with your local alderperson and go from there. I tried sending something I wrote to one of them I westville when I was assigned up there and never got a response. A final decision I tbd new chief is due soon but until then I'd guess anything too new will be put on the needs burner. Trust me, we hate them as much if not more than you. It takes a lot of willpower not to chase them. There was a big sting two summers ago and we seized something like 20 bikes but it's dangerous and labor intensive. A commercial drone has flight times of 3 hours and footage taken could be used to legally take the bike (look up in rem seizure). We had the same issue when I was a cop in Wallingford a few years ago, so it isn't just a city problem.

Sorry for the terrible grammar, it's tough to type on my phone in this app.

Don't worry about the grammar. I appreciate it that you take the time to respond to our posts.

I've read that the NHPD has a "No Chase Policy" (mentioned above) relative to the dirt bikes and ATV's. Apparently citizens are supposed to take a photo of the bikes/riders (including a license plate--like they would actually have these?) and attempt to pinpoint where the bikes are stored when they are not on the streets. This info is then supposed to be submitted to the NHPD to prosecute the offenders. I can't express enough how unlikely this is to work. I'd like to see some kind of active policing of this issue such as more undercover cops, as the noise is maddening all summer long and it's incredibly dangerous to others using the streets and sidewalks.

I am going to write to my alder and I suggest that any New Haven resident reading this do the same. Thanks Bruckhart225

I would not try and take a photo because you don't know what weapon they may have. The police chief's phone number is 203 946-6266, how about we all call on Wednesday morning and express our concerns?

I'm m north of Rte 80 and have suggested drones before. I'd even chip in to get a few for NHPD. Brukhart , is there a way we can donate? Set up a GoFundMe page ??

Where is the local press/media on this story? You would think they might monitor this to find out what people really care about. #nhregister

The pd does do the occasional sting of they get wind of a large scale ride. Most of the riders we arrested weren't from the area: a few were from long island and other parts of ct. The problem with the stings is that they're expensive (10+ cops dedicated just for that assignment) and dangerous. We were physically pulling riders off their bikes as they tried to drive away. For that reason, in my opinion, they're intermittent and unsustainable. I've lived in New Haven on and off since I was a kid and this is an issue every year. From my own experience, a commercial drone (not some off the shelf model from target), is the most practical way of dealing with the issue given that we can't chase them. Taking pictures could be useful if the rider can be identified, but most wear masks. Again, I think pressing the issue with local leaders is the best solution at the moment.

Thank you for your response. Taking pictures can be dangerous because you do not know how they will react. While a string may be expensive and dangerous I think it can make people realize the city will not tolerate this if the arrest are publicized

Thank you for your participation in the constructive dialogue regarding this issue. As The New Haven Police Department does not actively monitor this site, we ask that future incidents be reported directly through the NHPD non-emergency line at (203)946-6316.
For information on storage locations of ATVs and other illegal vehicles, please call (203)946-6098 (reports can be made anonymously). Community members are always welcome to notify their respective District Manager; however, it’s important that people don’t telephone their District Manager to report an incident which is currently taking place, but instead telephone the incident into the non-emergency line to have officers dispatched. We appreciate your concern and help in addressing this matter.