Connecticut City Looks to Use Retired Detectives as Security for Apartments

Connecticut City Looks to Use Retired Detectives as Security for Apartments

Problems at a downtown apartment building leads to discussions on hiring retired officers to keep the peace.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Feb 04, 2019

A housing authority in Meriden, Conn. is looking for ways to fund a security program using retired detective to patrol large apartment buildings downtown.

"We are working with police and the council at Community Towers," said the Meriden Housing Authority Executive Director Robert Cappelletti. "Police walk through them every day."

The problems are chronic at Community Towers, an apartment building where security doors are propped open by residents and guests enter and exit without going through front security.

"I do not know if extra patrols are assigned at this time, but the challenges remain the same with limited assistance from residents who do not want to get involved," said Meriden Police Department spokesperson Sgt. John Mennone said. "Our Neighborhood Initiative unit does spend time in that area and deals with quality of life issues."

Despite a daily police presence, the doors reopen after officers leave and the problem continues. The MHA had purchased devices to lock the doors except during emergencies, but the city fire department had asked that they unlock them. They also cannot put cameras in the hallways.

Cappelletti said there are three types of problems at Community Towers: homeless individuals sleeping in the hallways, unauthorized overnight guests and drug activity. 

The MHA says retired detectives would be beneficial because they are familiar with the neighborhood, and are trained to identify criminal activity.

"They know what to look for, how to report it, and how to collect evidence," Cappelletti said. "By state statute, the housing authority has the ability to hire its own police force."

There were expressed concerns about the costs of hiring retired officers, but Cappelletti said there could be funds available through HUD.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.