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5 Critical Ways The East Hartford Police Dept Is Redefining Community Safety In 2025

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The East Hartford Police Department (EHPD) is actively transforming its approach to law enforcement, moving beyond traditional policing models to embrace a deep-seated commitment to community welfare and technological integration. As of December 19, 2025, the department, led by Chief Mack S. Hawkins, is making headlines not just for its response to critical incidents like the recent fatal motor vehicle crash on I-84, but for groundbreaking, proactive programs designed to protect the town’s most vulnerable residents. The EHPD's strategy centers on transparency, specialized community outreach, and the smart deployment of modern surveillance and safety tools.

This deep dive explores the EHPD's recent initiatives, key personnel, and the technological advancements that are setting a new standard for public safety in the Capitol Planning Region. From specialized programs for residents with cognitive challenges to the use of License Plate Readers and Drones, East Hartford, CT, is seeing a comprehensive, modernized push for a safer community.

Meet the Chief: Biography of Mack S. Hawkins

Chief Mack S. Hawkins represents a significant and historic chapter for the East Hartford Police Department. His leadership is characterized by a strong connection to the local community and decades of law enforcement experience, culminating in his appointment as the town's first Black police chief.

  • Full Name: Mack S. Hawkins
  • Current Role: Police Chief, East Hartford Police Department
  • Hometown: East Hartford, CT
  • Education: Attended the East Hartford school system.
  • Previous Experience: Served with the Hartford Police Department for over 30 years, working his way up the ranks.
  • Historical Significance: Sworn in as East Hartford's first Black police chief, replacing former Chief Scott Sansom.
  • Leadership Philosophy: Committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of East Hartford’s citizens and visitors, emphasizing effective communication with the community.

Chief Hawkins’s deep roots in East Hartford provide a unique perspective, fostering a community-centric approach that is visible in the department’s latest strategic initiatives.

The Future of Community Policing: EHPD's New Initiatives

The East Hartford Police Department is pioneering specialized community programs to address specific vulnerabilities within the population. These initiatives go beyond typical patrols and crime response, focusing on preventative care and rapid reunification services.

The 'Bring Me Back Home' Program

One of the EHPD's most crucial and compassionate new initiatives is the "Bring Me Back Home Program." This service is specifically designed to support East Hartford residents who face cognitive challenges, such as those with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or autism, who may wander or become disoriented.

The program involves registering vulnerable residents with the police department, providing law enforcement with critical information—including a photo, physical description, and emergency contact details—before an incident occurs. This pre-emptive data allows officers, including those like Officer Alberto K. Rivera who was highlighted in the announcement, to quickly and safely reunite the individual with their family, minimizing stress and potential danger.

Collaborative Community Engagement and Outreach

The EHPD understands that public safety is a shared responsibility, which is why it maintains a robust schedule of community events and inter-departmental collaborations.

  • Drug Take Back Days: In partnership with the East Hartford Health & Human Services Departments, the police regularly participate in Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Take Back Days. This effort encourages the public to turn in expired, unwanted, and unused prescription medications, directly combating the opioid crisis and preventing drug misuse within the community.
  • National Night Out: The department joins communities nationwide for "America's Night Out Against Crime," an annual event held in August. This event is a critical component of the Neighborhood Service Plan, fostering stronger police-community relationships and neighborhood camaraderie.
  • Back to School Rally: The EHPD actively supports the annual Back to School Rally, organized by East Hartford Public Schools, demonstrating its commitment to youth and family partnerships.

Technology and Transparency: Modern Tools in East Hartford Law Enforcement

In 2025, the East Hartford Police Department is leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance public safety, crime prevention, and emergency response capabilities. The integration of these tools is done with a focus on increasing efficiency and maintaining transparency with the public.

Advanced Police Technology Systems

The department has deployed several key technological assets that are changing the landscape of daily police operations:

  1. License Plate Readers (LPRs): These devices are used to quickly and accurately identify vehicles of interest, aiding in the investigation of crimes, locating stolen vehicles, and identifying suspects.
  2. Drones (Unmanned Aerial Systems): Drones are utilized for a variety of critical functions, including assessing emergency situations, documenting accident scenes, assisting with crime prevention efforts, and safety planning for large community events.
  3. Traffic Cameras: The use of traffic cameras, including systems for monitoring red light and speed violations, is a key component of the EHPD's strategy to improve traffic safety across East Hartford’s main thoroughfares.

The EHPD's commitment to technology reflects a modern policing approach that seeks to use data and advanced tools to make the community safer while ensuring officers have the best resources available for complex situations.

Commitment to Safety and Recent Operations

While the focus is on proactive community engagement, the East Hartford Police Department remains highly effective in responding to and investigating critical incidents. The department's rapid response capabilities are essential for maintaining public order and safety on a daily basis.

A recent example of their operational necessity was the fatal motor vehicle crash on I-84 in East Hartford in December 2025. The EHPD, often in collaboration with Connecticut State Troopers, played a vital role in investigating the serious accident, managing the scene, and coordinating the reopening of the major interstate, which was closed for hours.

Furthermore, the department is prepared for high-stakes situations, as evidenced by their involvement in incidents requiring specialized response, such as a recent domestic incident in nearby Rocky Hill involving an East Hartford man with a known criminal history. Such events underscore the need for the department's training and ability to coordinate with regional law enforcement partners to ensure public safety beyond town borders.

Maintaining Trust Through Transparency and Service

The East Hartford Police Department's mission is clear: to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens and visitors. Under Chief Hawkins, the department has prioritized forging strong relationships and maintaining effective communication with the community, recognizing that trust is critical to accomplishing its mission.

By combining specialized outreach programs like "Bring Me Back Home," active participation in community events, and the strategic deployment of modern technology, the EHPD is establishing itself as a model for contemporary law enforcement. The focus on prevention, rapid response, and community partnership solidifies the East Hartford Police Department's role as a dedicated guardian of the town's safety and quality of life in 2025 and beyond.

5 Critical Ways the East Hartford Police Dept is Redefining Community Safety in 2025
east hartford police dept
east hartford police dept

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