Experts say that good drug policy should reduce crime, use of illicit drugs and risky health behavior, and result in better housing, jobs and health care for users. Fortunately, reasonable and effective treatment for substance abuse, which is a crucial part of good drug policy, is available. Unfortunately, Connecticut's criminal justice system and state agencies place barriers to treatment for drug dependence. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: January 24, 2010
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_012410.asp
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Montel Williams was the keynote speaker at a recent press conference organized by supporters of a Connecticut bill that would allow residents with serious medical conditions to cultivate and use marijuana for palliative purposes when recommended by a practicing physician. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: March 24, 2007
Document
Link: /issues/documents/Region/htfd_courant_032407.asp
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For years, the drunks and drug dealers and hookers who hang out at Hartford's Barnard Park have been all but oblivious to the city's efforts to get them to leave. But now the people who live and work nearby are turning to a new weapon in their effort to reclaim the park. Classical music. A small band of neighbors is working with the police department to enlist Beethoven, Brahms and Vivaldi in their campaign to clean up one of the city's most notoriously abused public spaces. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: March 4, 2006
Document
Link: /issues/documents/Crime/htfd_courant_030406.asp
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Raùl Gonzàlez, a street-smart kid from Brooklyn and Puerto Rico, got a second chance in life when he found God and renounced drugs. He spent the rest of his life trying to pass that gift on to others. He founded Youth Challenge, which runs separate programs for men and women in Hartford that provide counseling, religion and job training. Gonzàlez died recently of complications from liver problems. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: October 11, 2009
Document
Link: /issues/documents/faithcommunity/htfd_courant_101109_1.asp
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Connecticut's shelters are at capacity now, and so are the ancillary emergency shelters set up to collect the overflow. But just off in the distance broils a menace that promises to blow through the state's carefully constructed homeless programs like a tidal wave through matchsticks. Standing on the shore are shelter workers, substance-abuse counselors, law-enforcement officials and researchers watching the wave set in motion by the highly addictive street drug methamphetamine. The meth frenzy, which started in Hawaii has steadily moved east. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: March 5, 2006
Document
Link: /issues/documents/Drugs/htfd_courant_030506.asp
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Helen Ubiñas writes about Bishop M. Anthony Jones who was a promising Hartford pastor until he became addicted to drugs. Now, he has turned his life around and is trying to rebuild himself by rebuilding his church — and the success, or failure, of one has everything to do with the other. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: May 16, 2010
Document
Link: /issues/documents/faithcommunity/htfd_courant_051610.asp
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A state program that attempts to shatter the link between poverty and neglect by offering troubled parents a home and a chance to raise their children more responsibly. People working nationally to reduce homelessness and improve child welfare have praised the Connecticut program as a model for the country. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: July 3, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/familiesandchildren/htfd_courant_070305.asp
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PROkids, a partnership between the Department of Children and Families, Hartford Hospital and Connecticut Children's Medical Center, works to keep young drug-using mothers and their babies together. But it will lose crucial DCF funding of about $400,000 annually at the end of June. The program is based on two critical factors: that new mothers are highly motivated to change for the sake of their baby and the importance of aggressive, sustained health care for young families. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: June 19, 2007
Document
Link: /issues/documents/FamiliesandChildren/htfd_courant_061907.asp
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Cornell Lewis, a Hartford resident and preacher, hosted a free, public discussion in Simsbury about the drug trade and its effects on his home city. The discussion, an "Urban Suburban Dialogue," concerned the connections between the suburbs and the city. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: September 17, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/crime/htfd_courant_091705.asp
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In September, officials at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggested that HIV testing become routine for 13- to 64-year-olds to help remove the stigma associated with the disease - and to prevent its spread. Activists worry that the disease is too easily dismissed by the rest of the population because of misperceptions about the virus' effects. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: October 8, 2006
Document
Link: /issues/documents/Health/htfd_courant_100806.asp
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Albany Avenue is making a comeback. Comparing today with 1990 or even 2000 is to see measurable and remarkable progress. At a recent community meeting on "the Ave," the talk was about parking, streetscape improvement and group health care. The neighborhood has a strong and growing portfolio of small and medium-sized businesses. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: November 6, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/economicdevelopment/courant_110605.asp
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Allegro’s Restaurant, a popular Franklin Avenue eatery, has moved on after the death of its founder. Giuseppe Misseri opened Allegro’s almost 35 years ago, and worked behind the counter for over 20 years and continued to work almost every day until his passing on February 21, 2009. John Speziale, his son-in-law, vows that the family will continue the tradition of service to the community – ready with hot coffee and a good breakfast or lunch no matter what the weather. Published by
The Hartford News
; Publication Date: February 26, 2009
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_news_022609.asp
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A groundbreaking ceremony this week for the new $60 million Dutch Point Colony on the leveled property where the old projects stood. Many former residents, along with other citizens, want to make sure that this time, Dutch Point will be a place where kids can play outside and parents won't have to hole themselves up inside. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: October 19, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/housing/htfd_courant_101905.asp
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A bill to decriminalize the possession of small amounts marijuana cleared the legislature's powerful finance committee recently and now goes to the Senate. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: May 11, 2011
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_051111.asp
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A new mentoring program gives hope to families with young children as the wage war against drugs and violence in Hartford. COMET, the Coalition of Mentoring Excellence, is a partnership between the Greater Hartford Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, Families in Crisis Inc. and the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance Team. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: June 5, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/familiesandchildren/htfd_courant_060505_A.asp
Related Link(s):
Mentors Needed for Leading Roles in City Kids' Lives
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Bolstered by grassroot and lobby group support, legislators recently approved an amendment to a drug law that many think is unfair. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: April 19, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/crime/htfd_courant_041905.asp
Related Link(s):
The Alliance of Connecticut
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Members of the General Assembly have approved a bill with a vote of 95-52 in the House of Representatives and a 21-15 vote in the Senate that raises the amount of possession of crack cocaine to an ounce to merit arrest. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: May 24, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/crime/htfd_courant_052405.asp
Related Link(s):
House Tackles Drug Law Disparities
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Rell Vetoes Crack Change: Opposes Balancing Cocaine Sentencing
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Holding signs that said "Honk if you love pot" and "No cuffs for cannabis," dozens of spirited demonstrators on the lawn of the state Capitol rallied recently for a bill seeking to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: April 21, 2009
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_042109.asp
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A Hartford woman initially believed to be the random victim of a shooting and carjacking may have been deliberately targeted because of her relationship with a man involved in the local drug trade, police sources said. A search of the vehicle uncovered at least one gun and $10,000 to $12,000 in cash hidden in an interior compartment. Police suspect that the attack on Jewel Cooper, who was critically wounded in the incident, was intentional. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: November 22, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/neighborhoods/htfd_courant_112205.asp
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Studies in Boston, Buffalo and elsewhere have shown that a small number of people are doing most of the violent crime. Hartford police officers report that most of the gun violence in the city can be traced to 30 to 40 major miscreants. Although the city has made noteworthy effort to reduce violence in Hartford, focusing on smaller number of troublemakers might be beneficial. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: July 3, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/neighborhoods/htfd_courant_070305_A.asp
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The African American Alliance, a community action group in Hartford, arranged a forum as a way to dissect the ongoing problem of gun violence in the city, especially violence among young people. The forum was scheduled as a follow-up to a meeting held two months earlier in response to a wave of shootings among young people in the city's North End. Mayor Eddie Perez, Child Advocate Jeanne Milstein and top Hartford police officials participated in the forum. Several residents said the efforts may be well-intentioned, but they are likely doomed to failure. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: April 8, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/familiesandchildren/htfd_courant_040805.asp
Related Link(s):
Officials Seek Solutions to Youth Violence
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A new federal law has put more than a dozen popular cold and sinus pills behind the drugstore counter. The law requires customers to show a photo ID and sign a logbook before purchasing products that contain pseudoephedrine, the key ingredient in many popular nasal decongestants. The behind-the-counter rule, which started Oct. 1, 2006, is designed to make it harder for criminals to buy large quantities of legal pseudoephedrine and to use it to produce the illegal drug methamphetamine. The logbook must be made available to agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, who are authorized to inspect pharmacies to enforce all U.S. drug laws. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: October 16, 2006
Document
Link: /issues/documents/health/htfd_courant_101606.asp
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Asylum Hill youth are already benefiting from the addition of the Boys and Girls Club. A core of Asylum Hill Congregational volunteers, chagrined by the notoriety of the neighborhood - drugs, prostitution, shootings - decided to change its reputation and transform the street. They led a five-year effort to raise $7 million to build the Boys and Girls Club, which opened in October. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: December 18, 2004
Document
Link: /issues/documents/neighborhoods/courant_121804.asp
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Hartford councilman Robert Painter recently organized an open-tent conference on illicit drugs with the goal of exploring all solutions, proposals and suggestions for limiting the drug trade. The conference included state and local law enforcement officials, and former drug addicts. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: October 15, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/crime/htfd_courant_101505.asp
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Politicians, academics and former police press for a more candid discussion about the costs of criminalizing drugs. The cost associated with the enforcement of current drug laws may not justify the resources expended. Published by
The Hartford Advocate
; Publication Date: August 17, 2010
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_advocate_081710.asp
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The State of Connecticut is projecting a budget deficit of $8.7 billion over the next two years. And the current $691 million budget for the Department of Correction's 19,000 inmates will hit $709 million in 2010. In comparison, in 1985, the prison budget was $92.4 million for 5,379 inmates. Stan Simpson writes about the situation. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: March 04, 2009
Document
Link: /issues/documents/prisonerre-entry/htfd_courant_030409.asp
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First-timers caught with a small amount of pot in Connecticut will soon be treated like traffic scofflaws instead of criminals. The House of Representatives voted 90-57 Tuesday to decriminalize possession of a half-ounce or less of marijuana, the equivalent of about 30 joints. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: June 08, 2011
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_060811.asp
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A document that reports the results of a study of drug free zones in urban areas. The report suggests that because of the density of schools, public housing and parks in urban areas, whole communities become prohibited zones. Further, the report concludes that this impacts minority residents in disparate ways and had no measurable deterrent effect. (PDF file, 51 pages) Published by
Justice Policy Institute
; Publication Date: March 2006
Document
Link: /issues/wsd/drugs/SchoolZonesReport06.pdf
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A deadly mixture of fentanyl-tainted heroin that has claimed the lives of hundreds of addicts across the country might be in Connecticut, officials said. Although the tainted opiate has not been reported by the Connecticut Poison Control Center or area hospitals, emergency room doctors at Hartford Hospital are concerned about a spike in the number of heroin-addicted patients seeking emergency care in the past week. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: June 17, 2006
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_061706.asp
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As the founder of the Ebony Horsewomen, Patricia E. Lawson-Kelly has watched plenty of women come through the program, but then go when they were unable to confront themselves in that stillness which includes only the horse, the manure and themselves. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: November 09, 2008
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_110908.asp
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After buying apartment buildings on Bedford Street in Hartford, developer Raymond Eshaghoff has invested well over $4 million to fix them up. The complex has all kinds of lighting and security cameras, an on-site manager and a police substation. He bought two lots on Brook Street for parking. Rents are not steep. The long-troubled neighborhood appeared on the verge of a resurgence. But, that resurgence hasn't happened and will not happen until something is done about the drug problem in the neighborhood. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: July 11, 2010
Document
Link: /issues/documents/neighborhoods/htfd_courant_071110.asp
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Executive Summary of the two day conference on Drug Policy held at Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut on October 21 and 22, 2005. The conference “Illicit Drugs: Burden and Policy” sponsored by the City of Hartford,
and underwritten by the Aetna Foundation, provided a unique opportunity for multiple stakeholders to begin a dialogue around the problem of drugs in our city. (PDF file, 5 pages). Published by
City of Hartford
; Publication Date: October 2005
Document
Link: /issues/wsd/Drugs/WHITEPAPER[1].pdf
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Councilperson Luis Cotto has introduced an ordinance to restrict the sale of items that would not typically be used for anything except illegal drug use. Blunts and rolling papers would not likely be affected, as people do not use these exclusively for illegal drug use, but items like glass vials, cutting agents, and scales would be restricted. Published by
Real Hartford
; Publication Date: December 20, 2010
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/realhtfd_122010.asp
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Disparity in possession of crack and powdered cocaine sentences is the subject of this Hartford Courant opinion. Because of the extraordinarily tough sentencing for sale and possession of a relatively small amount of crack versus an ounce of cocaine, low-income defendants are serving excessive jail time. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: February 24, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/crime/htfd_courant_022405.asp
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The results of a 1997 study by the Connecticut Law Revision Commission on existing drug policy and alternative models that might reduce the affects of drug abuse are found on this website. Published by
Connecticut Law Revision Commission
; Publication Date: June 1997
Document
Link: /Issues/wsd/Drugs/wsd_06_1997.asp
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Government documents show that a recent drug bust in Hartford made a significant impact on drug dealing. Local residents report that there is much more work to be done. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: February 2, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/crime/htfd_courant_020205.asp
HartfordInfo Data:
Upper Albany Neighborhood General Profile (Map and Data) |
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Participants in a recent drug policy summit at Trinity College agreed wholeheartedly that addiction is a serious problem, but were divided over whether that problem is fundamentally one of health - or of crime. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: October 22, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/LegalIssues/htfd_courant_102205.asp
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Dr. Bob Painter comments that we have let the fear of the known harm caused by problem drugs govern our decisions regarding those drugs. For instance, despite a lack of evidence, we have decided that the use of marijuana is an evil way-station to a debilitating life of drug addiction and therefore its possession is a crime. We learned during prohibition that alcohol use did not go away and that crime syndicates controlled its distribution and sales just as they do now with illegal drugs. Whether we are discussing nicotine, alcohol or currently illegal drugs, we must avoid emotional, fear-driven responses in favor of thoughtful, scientifically sound, solution-oriented approaches. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: May 08, 2011
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_050811.asp
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In a move likely to renew debate over the war on drugs, state legislators recently considered a bill today that would reduce the size of drug-free school zones after a national report tagged them as unfair to cities and racially discriminatory. Under Connecticut law, any drug activity - whether selling or buying - is subject to stiffer criminal penalties if it takes place within 1,500 feet of a public school, housing project or day-care center. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: March 24, 2006
Document
Link: /issues/documents/Drugs/htfd_courant_032406.asp
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Fortunately, time ran out on a bill to shrink drug-free school zones. Before it died in committee, the bill had many wondering why its backers seemed to care more about fairness to drug dealers than about safe streets for children. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: March 31, 2006
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_033106.asp
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A judge says people still come to Hartford for drugs and hookers. Hartford Community Court Judge Raymond Norko developed the court in 1997. Community court deals with "quality of life" issues such as public drunkenness, drug use and prostitution. Lately, the number of cases has been skyrocketing, while court funding has been disappearing because of the economic recession. Published by
The Hartford Advocate
; Publication Date: February 02, 2010
Document
Link: /issues/documents/crime/htfd_advocate_020210.asp
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On a recent Saturday groups of residents volunteered to clean scattered areas around the city. These annual (or semi-annual in some spots) events, besides achieving what they are supposed to, provide an interesting anthropology exercise. But this year her team found a disturbing trend. They found literally hundreds of (mostly) used glassine bags. One person found a baggie that was actually still filled with heroin. Published by
Real Hartford
; Publication Date: May 05, 2011
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/realhtfd_050511.asp
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Tylon Broughton was involved in a dispute over a stolen car with another teenager when he was stabbed outside of 48 Capen St. in Hartford's North End. Coming the night before the first 2005 homicide and a flurry of shootings, Tylon's stabbing received little publicity. The stabbing of Tylon - and the much higher-profile homicides of 14-year-old Reynaldo Batista and Lorenzo Morgan Rowe, a 15-year-old Weaver High School student, within 11 days have angered residents, who are clamoring for action by police and city officials. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: March 6, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/neighborhoods/htfd_courant_030605.asp
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Cesar Allende used to like selling drugs. Getting arrested and threatened with doing prison time didn’t stop him. What finally changed his life was a chance encounter at a gas station with Reverend Patrice Smith, a well-known anti-violence activist and a former candidate for mayor. Smith befriended Allende and numerous other youths seeking to break free from the violence and lawlessness on the streets of Hartford. As a result of turning his life around, he recently graduated from the University of Hartford with a degree in psychology. Published by
The Hartford News
; Publication Date: July 22, 2010
Document
Link: /issues/documents/neighborhoods/htfd_news_072210.asp
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Aaron "Pop" Lewis was one of eight ministers to be ordained at Mount Olive Church in Hartford recently. Once a drug dealer, Lewis has overcome being shot in the head to become an inspiration. He now uses the lessons he's learned in his ministry. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: October 24, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/FaithCommunity/htfd_courant_102405.asp
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In an effort to stop an illegal drug-use epidemic before it begins the Hispanic Health Council calls for a well-coordinated campaign sponsored by community organizations and government agencies to keep methamphetamine use at bay in Hartford. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: December 18, 2004
Document
Link: /issues/documents/health/courant_121804.asp
Related Link(s):
Hispanic Health Council
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Mayor Eddie Perez and U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman announced recently that the U. S. Senate has passed legislation earmarking at least $500,000 in Federal funding for Hartford’s new Public Safety Complex and at least $200,000 in Federal monies for the City’s Youth Services Division. The new Public Safety Complex is being built on High Street in Downtown Hartford and will provide a central location for the city’s police, fire, and emergency response departments. Published by
The Hartford News
; Publication Date: July 19, 2006
Document
Link: /issues/documents/Crime/htfd_news_071906.asp
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The Communities That Care® Youth Survey is designed to identify the levels of risk factors related to problem behaviors such as alcohol, tobacco and other drug use -- and to identify the levels of protective factors that help guard against those behaviors. In addition to measuring risk and protective factors, the Communities That Care® Youth Survey also measures the actual prevalence of drug use, violence and other antisocial behaviors among surveyed students. The survey was sponsored by Eddie Perez, mayor of the city of Hartford; Purdue Pharma; Hartford Behavioral Health; City of Hartford Health and Human Services and Hartford Public Schools. The Channing Bete Company, Inc., prepared this report for HCTC. (PDF Document, 68 pages) Published by
Channing Bete Company, Inc.
; Publication Date: December 2004
Document
Link: /issues/wsd/education/htfd_psd_04_ctcys.pdf
Related Link(s):
Hartford Communities That Care® Prevention Planning Project Web Site
;
Hartford Public Schools
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The Vice and Narcotics Division of the Hartford Police Department has seen a marked increase in use of PCP soaked in mint leaves. Users place a leaf under their tongues for the drastic high it delivers. There have been 2,078 drug arrests in Hartford this year, up 8 percent from 1,931 arrests last year. Published by
The Hartford Advocate
; Publication Date: September 07, 2010
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_advocate_090710.asp
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Helen Ubiñas suggests that crime in Hartford is generally not random violence. Crime is promoted by those who ignore what they see. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: November 24, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/neighborhoods/htfd_courant_112405.asp
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Ken Krayeske writes that in his opinion, the Quinnipiac Poll saying that 58 percent of Connecticut voters want to decriminalize marijuana can't be wrong. Legalizing the underground drug economy would bring hundreds of millions of dollars above the table, taxable, where now, millions of dollars pass through our state without regulation or taxation. Published by
The Hartford News
; Publication Date: March 19, 2009
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_news_031909.asp
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Heroin, a drug usually associated with skeletal addicts in the inner city, is increasingly infiltrating Connecticut's suburbs. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: December 21, 2008
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_122108.asp
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Narcotics officers in Glastonbury arrested Rob DeCarolis, David Flattery Jr. and Flattery's girlfriend, Diana Pais, recently in one of the bigger heroin busts this town has seen. Along with selling the drug, all three were heroin users, police said. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: January 01, 2009
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_010109.asp
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Fewer Connecticut high school students are smoking these days, with the number using cigarettes dropping by about half over the past eight years, according to a state report released recently. The report also found that teenagers are less likely to drink alcohol or use inhalants to get high than they were in 1997, the last time the state completed a full-scale survey of youth risk behaviors. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: June 7, 2006
Document
Link: /issues/documents/familiesandchildren/htfd_courant_060706.asp
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State representatives, in a 92-52 vote, approved an amendment to a 1987 law targeting the crack cocaine trade. The law currently states that an individual with either 28 grams of powder cocaine or 0.5 of a gram of crack cocaine can be convicted for intent to sell. The amendment would change the amounts to 28 grams for either powder or crack cocaine. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: May 11, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/familiesandchildren/htfd_courant_051105_A.asp
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The recent shootings in Hartford have drawn attention to what Mayor Eddie Perez called "the underlying social issues that result in violence," including lack of parental authority, loss of hope by young people, relations between the community and police, and improving services to at-risk kids. All of these issues need to be addressed. But a key question has been ignored: Where do they get the guns? Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: July 16, 2006
Document
Link: /issues/documents/crime/htfd_courant_071606.asp
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Dr. Bob Painter comments that taking the control of Hartford's $42 million drug market from criminals and placing it in the hands of citizens who will be responsible for regulating it seems a strikingly sensible strategy. Unless we try a new approach that includes regulating and taxing the use of marijuana, and emphasizing harm reduction measures for problem drug users by getting them into treatment rather than jail, the trade in illegal drugs will continue to ravage our Capital. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: December 13, 2009
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_121309.asp
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Helen Ubiñas comments on the connection between violence and the drug trade. The murder trial of a young man accused of killing a Colchester man in a drug deal that went bad shows that the urban drug trade is fueled by demand from the suburbs. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: November 10, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/crime/htfd_courant_111005_a.asp
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A grassroots program at a North End health center is salvaging lost lives. Published by
The Hartford Advocate
; Publication Date: February 23, 2010
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_advocate_022310.asp
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Prisons are the current US growth industry. Connecticut has 17,000 prison inmates with another 50,000 on parole. Black and Latino men make up less than six percent of the state's population but account for 68 percent of the prison population, and 70 percent are in prison for drug-related charges. It costs $600 million a year to operate the state prison system. Published by
The Hartford Advocate
; Publication Date: January 26, 2010
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_advocate_012610.asp
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Rick Green writes that the Connecticut state judicial system is all over the map when it comes to citizens caught with small amounts of marijuana. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: April 03, 2009
Document
Link: /issues/documents/region/htfd_courant_040309.asp
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Three of Hartford's 21 homicides this year have occurred on Garden Street; another six nearby. Courant columnist Helen Ubiñas and photographer Rick Hartford spent a week in and around the North End neighborhood talking to residents about living and surviving in, one of Hartford's tougher neighborhoods. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: August 07, 2009
Document
Link: /issues/documents/neighborhoods/htfd_courant_080709.asp
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Stan Simpson expresses the opinion that while still conflicted about whether decriminalizing or legalizing illicit drugs essentially condones their use, he also realizes that the government can't continue spending billions punishing behavior that it has not been able to slow or stop in the past 40 years. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: April 11, 2009
Document
Link: /issues/documents/region/htfd_courant_041109.asp
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Talk to those who knew Justin Parent, and the same words come up again and again: Outgoing. Driven. Funny. He was the class clown who seemed to own a spot on the honor roll at Glastonbury High School, a pre-med student at Penn State who could lighten a room with an almost defiant ability to make people laugh. Not the kind of kid who dies of a heroin overdose two months before his 20th birthday. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: December 16, 2007
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_121607.asp
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Tom Condon expresses the opinion that the state should pass the medical marijuana law, for humanitarian reasons. It should also pass the decriminalization bill, making posession of small amouns of marijuana an infraction. If we took the profit motive away from criminals, this would be a different country. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: May 29, 2011
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_052911.asp
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Lethal violence around illegal drugs has been a scourge of Hartford for more than three decades. Despite the best efforts of two generations of police officers as well as prosecutors and others, it continues. But there is an argument that ending the war on drugs would improve lives in urban black communities and the country at large. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: January 09, 2011
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_010911.asp
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A lifelong resident of Hartford, Dillon relinquished a promising career as a firefighter to pursue a life of drugs and petty crime. However, with the help of the Project for Addiction Cultural Competency Training (P.A.C.T.) program, he turned his life around and is a substance abuse counselor. Published by
Northend Agent's
; Publication Date: August 06, 2008
Document
Link: /issues/documents/faithcommunity/northend_agents_080608.asp
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Helen Ubiñas writes about the proposal to play classical music in Hartford's Barnard Park in an effort to fight crime. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: March 5, 2006
Document
Link: /issues/documents/Crime/htfd_courant_030506.asp
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At just 20 years old, authorities say, Julio "J" Bonilla of Hartford has an extraordinary record of violence. Over four months last year, he was involved in at last three armed attacks, or attempted attacks, authorities say. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: November 21, 2009
Document
Link: /issues/documents/crime/htfd_courant_112109.asp
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For nearly four years, Hartbeat Ensemble has been working on their show Flipside. But they haven't spent that time rehearsing or working on the set design, they've spent it researching their subject; Hartford's underground drug economy. Published by
The Hartford Advocate
; Publication Date: April 13, 2011
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_advocate_041311.asp
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Meth is making inroads into the state, according to a three-year survey by the Hispanic Health Council released Tuesday at a recent symposium in Hartford for state officials. Officials from law and drug enforcement and treatment, environmental protection and public health and welfare were present. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: October 12, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/health/htfd_courant_101205.asp
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This website presents information about drug and gang activity state by state, including Connecticut. Published by
National Drug Intelligence Center
Document
Link: /issues/wsd/crime/wsd_102209.asp
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Taking a cue from state efforts, U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. signaled a welcome turn away from mass incarceration when he announced recently that federal prosecutors would no longer seek mandatory minimum sentences for low-level, nonviolent drug offenders who had no ties to gangs or large-scale drug organizations. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: August 14, 2013
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_081413.asp
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Members of the Hartford Parent Organization Council and the public recently met with school and police officials to discuss reports of gang activity in the city's schools. Parents told Police Chief Daryl K. Roberts and Schools Superintendent Steven Adamowski that the problem in the city's schools wasn't as bad as it sounded in recent city grant application for a $500,000 federal grant. Published by
Hartford Cityline, The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: October 21, 2009
Document
Link: /issues/documents/crime/cityline_102109.asp
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When legislators proposed decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana, they pointed to a recent study by General Assembly's Office of Fiscal Analysis, which says there were 9,928 marijuana arrests in Connecticut in 2007, which represents 7 percent of total arrests statewide. Based on prior research, the office estimates that about a third of those arrests, or 3,300, were for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana. Take those cases out of the system and replace them with a simple fine, and the state could save up to $11 million and generate $320,000 in revenue, the report concludes. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: March 31, 2009
Document
Link: /issues/documents/region/htfd_courant_033109_1.asp
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Hartford convenience stores would be prohibited from selling products commonly used in the distribution or sale of illegal drugs under a proposal being considered by the Hartford city council. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: December 27, 2010
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_122710.asp
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As Stan Simpson promised, his column is aimed at advancing an honest conversation about drug-reform in Connecticut. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: April 18, 2009
Document
Link: /issues/documents/crime/htfd_courant_041809.asp
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Connecticut is moving quickly to shove certain cold medicines, which contain ingredients for making methamphetamine, behind the pharmacy counter and hand out longer prison stretches to people who make or sell the highly addictive drug. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: February 20, 2006
Document
Link: /issues/documents/Health/htfd_courant_022006.asp
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Gov. M. Jodi Rell on Monday ordered the Department of Children and Families to expand its substance abuse and domestic violence services to better protect kids. Rell wants DCF to shift its current budget to address domestic violence and substance abuse, which a recent review showed to be significant factors in child abuse and neglect cases. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: March 14, 2006
Document
Link: /issues/documents/Drugs/htfd_courant_031406.asp
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Governor M. Jodi Rell, after considering pleas from the Reverend Jesse Jackson and consulting other officials, vetoed the bill that would equalize the amounts of crack cocaine and powder cocaine needed to warrant an arrest for possession and/or intent to sell. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: June 3, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/government/htfd_courant_060305.asp
Related Link(s):
/issues/documents/government/htfd_courant_060405.asp
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Dr. Robert Painter has decided he won’t be seeking a third term on Hartford City Council, thus ending one of the most improbable and unique political careers in Hartford history. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: June 20 - 27, 2007
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Link: /issues/documents/Government/htfd_news_062007.asp
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Vine Street residents have rituals which they follow after a shooting in their neighborhood. They check in with family to assure them they are fine, but they are worried. Shooting follows shooting in the urban tableau of retaliation. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: December 11, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/neighborhoods/htfd_courant_121105.asp
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Statistics from the first three months of Connecticut's new marijuana decriminalization law indicated that busts for small amounts of pot have plunged by 43 percent since the law took effect July 1, 2011. Published by
The Hartford Advocate
; Publication Date: October 25, 2011
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_advocate_102511.asp
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Limiting convenience store hours in residential areas might be a way to quell violence in Hartford. The idea is slated to be discussed by the City Council. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: July 5, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/neighborhoods/htfd_courant_070505.asp
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This web site includes profiles of drug indicators for the city of Hartford and for the state of Connecticut, along with links to state and related agencies. The profiles, in PDF format, provide overviews of local drug use statistics and drug prevention efforts. Published by
Office of National Drug Control Policy Drug Policy Information Clearinghouse
; Publication Date: April 2004
Document
Link: /Issues/wsd/Crime/wsd_04_2004.asp
Related Link(s):
Hartford, Connecticut: Profile of Drug Indicators: PDF file, 8 pages
;
Connecticut: Profile of Drug Indicators: PDF file, 16 pages
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Rick Green discusses the problem of heroin use and drug overdoses among suburban teenagers. It is happening, even if people don't want to talk about it. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: December 02, 2008
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_120208.asp
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Rick Green writes about drug use and abuse among teens in the suburbs of Hartford, and the need for discussion in the community about the situation. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: December 12, 2008
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_121208.asp
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Councilman Robert L. Painter writes that when it comes to drugs, we stumble over new approaches for fear they will make matters worse. A large number of citizens are ahead of politicians in considering alternatives to our present approach. It is time to begin the conversation about alternatives. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: April 1, 2007
Document
Link: /issues/documents/Drugs/htfd_courant_040107.asp
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Rick Green writes about efforts to engage and educate parents about drug use among children and teens. The message is reaching some people. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: October 31, 2008
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_103108.asp
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A audio recording of the discussion portion of the April 4, 2006 community program, The Drug War in Hartford: Where Do We Go From Here?, held at the Hartford Public Library. Published by
HartfordInfo.org
; Publication Date: April 4, 2006
Document
Link: /issues/wsd/Videos/wsd_04_04_2006.asp
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Parents 4 A Change is a community group which include parents who have lost children to drugs and parents concerned about their young children. The group plans on seeking reforms to state laws to help families of drug addicts. One priority is a law requiring some addicts to enter and stay in rehabilitation programs, whether they want to or not. Promoting possible treatments for addiction is another priority for Parents 4 A Change. And a key part of the group’s agenda is publicizing heroin use in suburbia. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: March 23, 2008
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_032308.asp
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Hartford's own Hartbeat Ensemble presented a compact, 90-minute show, Flipside, recently. Flipside is centered on a chance encounter between an undercover cop and a young drug hustler. Published by
The Hartford Advocate
; Publication Date: October 17, 2011
Document
Link: /issues/documents/artsandculture/htfd_advocate_101711.asp
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A panel of community leaders and 70 others discussed youth violence for over three hours recently at Weaver High School's auditorium. The group focused on the role of pop culture, slavery, depression, communication, and family in youth violence. Reggie Hatchett, who organized the event, plans to hold a similar citywide discussion for high school students. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: April 17, 2005
Document
Link: /issues/documents/familiesandchildren/htfd_courant_041705.asp
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This Courant editorial supports legislation proposed by Gov. M. Jodi Rell recently which would raise the stakes in several ways for criminals who manufacture and traffic in methamphetamine, a drug that is an addictive stimulant and whose social ravages are only now becoming known to the Northeast. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: February 27, 2006
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/htfd_courant_022706.asp
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Helen Ubiñas writes that if it wasn't so frustrating, it might have been comical that nearly a month after a North End mom called me to complain about the 24-hour store near her house, she was still scrambling for answers. Published by
The Hartford Courant
; Publication Date: October 11, 2009
Document
Link: /issues/documents/neighborhoods/htfd_courant_101109.asp
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To frame anything in terms of war is to approach the situation with a failing strategy. So, as leadership is stepping away from the decades’ old approach, why are decriminalization of drugs discussions still using the outmoded terminology? Published by
Real Hartford
; Publication Date: May 13, 2011
Document
Link: /issues/documents/drugs/realhtfd_051311.asp
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A recent review of the state of education in middle school grades points to poor
academic success of students in grades six through eight. Poor and minority youth—those who need to be supported the most—are doing the worst.
Works in Progress: A Report on Middle and High School Improvement Programs discusses key issues facing middle and high schoolers, including violence and bullying, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, parental involvement and more. For each issue, the report describes how the issue impacts student success and illustrates how each challenge has been
addressed in schools and districts. Research-based evidence of how these approaches have worked in schools is reviewed. (PDF file - 124 pages) Published by
Comprehensive School Reform Quality Center
; Publication Date: January 2005
Document
Link: /Issues/wsd/Education/wsd_01_2005.asp
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